Trek safety

[Mary]

Hi,
I am planning a trip to EBC and Annapurna Region this Oct/Nov 2005. I plan to go through a Nepalise agency to hire a porter and guide. Will I be safe doing this? I' sure that I am being silly but I read that you should now trek in groups. Will I be safer in a group, would prefer to trek just with guide and porter so that can follow individual itinery.
Any thoughts welcome!!

[Val Walmsley]

Hi,
I am planning a trip to EBC and Annapurna Region this Oct/Nov 2005. I plan to go through a Nepalise agency to hire a porter and guide. Will I be safe doing this? I' sure that I am being silly but I read that you should now trek in groups. Will I be safer in a group, would prefer to trek just with guide and porter so that can follow individual itinery.
Any thoughts welcome!!



I also Wish to go to EBC on same date. Please reply E.mail :valwal1 @ yahoo.co.uk

[Safe as can be]

This whole issue of safety gets boring. Unless you poke a maoist in the nose when he/she asks for a donation, you will be safe.

It makes no difference whatsoever to your safety whether you are in an organised group or with a guide - with the possible exception of having more backup in the event of a serious fall.

Just stop worrying and get on the plane. There are no bogeymen hiding in Nepal waiting to attack you.

If you trek in maoist areas (Annapurna, Kanchenjunga and west Nepal) you will probably have to pay a donation to yound maoist cadres and they will be polite and issue a receipt that will be honoured by any other groups that you meet. The maoist fee is usually lower than the government national park and conservation fees.