Will the elections disrupt?

[Shresta]

Hi all,

I was planning to go trekking towards the end of November during the elections (Nov 22). Do you think the country will shut down during this time? Will it be safe to go trekking by myself and one friend? Will trekking companies be open? Will there be violence after the elections? Will I get stuck in Kathmandu?
Basically, do you think there will be problems during the election? Should I postpone the trip?
I know that's too many questions, but let me know what you think.
Tnx,
Karen

[Sharon]

I have been to Nepal 5 times since October 2001. I wouldn't worry about the elections just keep a couple of days leeway so that your schedule can be modifyed. I have always felt very safe while travelling alone in Nepal. When I do go sight seeing outside of Thamel in Kathmandu valley I usually take a nepali friend. You could always hire a guide.

[Boulia]

I find it hard to be definitive but as I will return to Nepal in Oct/Nov for my 7th visit since 2003 I have had some exposure to Nepal in recent times. I have a return ticket out just before the Nov 22nd election date but that was booked before the exact date was announced not as a reaction to it.

Yes I believe there will be disruptions to movements with likely strike action. My trips have coincided with a number of events like just after the Kings absolute power take and during the April 06 agitation and I spent a few hours west of Simikot in 04 with some maoists youths blocking our path with rifles which caused us to abort that trek after they refused a size-able 'donation' to let us pass - but never was it unsafe in my view. It is also my view that you will always make it out of kathmandu but as Sharon suggests don't work to a very tight schedule - I also think a guide would be an advantage though my guide during the April 06 agitation received just as much false information as i did from talking to other tourists !!

The stakes are higher this time and it will be a tense time leading up to the elections (already the maoists have again in recent days called for declaration of a republic before the election) and after with the moaists capable of major agitation if they do not achieve a favourable result.

I am so glad I never postponed or cancelled a trip over the past 4 plus years even though it did cross my mind.

My thoughts - its uncharted waters what anyone says is their views and you must way it up for yourself by collecting differing opinions as you are by posting here - expect disruptions and expect that you may be inconvenienced but if you are out trekking this will be much less. Especially on the EBC side. It looms as a bumper tourist season coming up so all parties in Nepal have a lot at stake in terms of international reputation as a tourist destination so I honestly do not expect the tourist industry to be deliberately targeted in any way. Trekking companies will be open for business.

[Todd Delaney]

I am also doing a trek in the kumbu region this November and have planned a few contingency days if there are any delays due to flight disruptions. I have been twice before during other 'events' and have never experienced any delays.

[yakshaver]

I think Boulia, Sharon, Tod have described the possible implications well.
Bandhs (strikes with implications for traffic and taxis) may happen, and probably will.
My concern is the spin the Western media will again put into the matters.
A peaceful demonstration with banners and chanting is likely to end up as a "riot" when it hits the evening news in New York, London or Sydney.

As a trekker, having some flexibility is the key. The main issue during a bandth often is getting to and from the airport. Wether for domestic or international fligths. There are 7 km between Thamel and the airport, and they can be easily covered in an hour and a half, with the help of a porter or a rickshaw, which may still run.

Putting the elections in the middle of the trekking season just shows the Nepali governments total lack of concern and care for the tourist/trekking industry. It is mindless. But then again, the politicians are not investors in hotels, guesthouses and trekking agencies. Why should they care?!

I would not postpone. But I would have a good contact in KTM (like a guide or a good trekking agency) who can sort things out for me if I end up landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (or need to fly from the Domestic) in the middle of a demonstration. Waiting at the airport with a porter or a rickshaw if taxis don't run, etc., would be important for me as a tourist.

I suggest Boulia is right in his assessment, that maybe trekking agencies will work out contigency plans, like they did during last year's disruptions - when tourists were inconvenienced much less than expected. Guesthouses and tourist agencies had cars and minivans whith "tourist only" written in the windows, servicing the airport. These went on undisrupted by anyone.

[Shresta]

Thanks everyone,

My family was making me overly worried. I'll go as planned, but maybe do a shorter trek that will allow leeway for any delays.
Thanks again.
Karen

[yakshaver]

Thanks everyone,

My family was making me overly worried. I'll go as planned, but maybe do a shorter trek that will allow leeway for any delays.
Thanks again.
Karen


Karen,

I think that having a couple of days "extra" is always a good idea when travelling to Nepal, regardless of the political situation. Often flights to/from Lukla or Jomsom will not fly because of bad weather, or the road to Pokhara will be blocked for a day by some landslide etc.

If you do that, you'll be quite ok. If nothing major happens, and you still have those days at the end of your trek, you can either go to a quiet place like Nagarkot, or even stay in Baktapur (a very interesting and atmospheric place), or go to the jungle in Chitwan, or leave early if there is flexibility with your tickets. Of if you are like me, you will spend you addtional time in Thamel in the bookshops, caffes and restaurants... Glutton for punishment I am...