Nepal – Travel
Awareness Report - 28th March 2008
It is relatively safe to travel within
Nepal at present, and as always
when you travel to an unfamiliar country
you need to be aware of what to do to minimise
the risks, wherever you travel to. There are some additional risks at present,
however the risk of an incident is very low, when compared to travelling to
London or New York for example.
Almitra Von Willcox, who has been to
Nepal twice now recently said she found Nepalese people "very lovely and
friendly". She also stated that "Nepal is safer than my own home town of San
Diego, USA in terms of robbery, car accident and shoot outs".
Ask yourself this question - Is there
a town within your country or state where it is unwise to be alone late at
night, wearing expensive clothes, watch or carrying a laptop or some other
valuable item ? Of course there is and yet many people go there, but they avoid
the "No Go Areas" and most of them enjoy their trip.
A holiday in Nepal will expose you to
additional risks, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. Trekking along
mountain trails is exilerating, so is rafting the raging rivers - these are the
real risks you will be taking, compared to the anti social behavior of a few
lost souls.
.
The view of the British Government
is...
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could
be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign
travellers. Since 2006, a number of bombings, shootings and armed clashes have
taken place across Nepal. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more
details.
You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
Bandhs, rallies and demonstrations can cause widespread disruption and can be
called at short notice, leaving transport severely disrupted and blocking roads
and major highways. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of
this advice for more details.
The Government of Nepal has announced that elections
will be held on 10 April 2008. It is very likely that there will be bandhs
(shutdowns), rallies and demonstrations in the run-up. In January 2008
demonstrations, related to an increase in fuel prices, turned violent. See the
Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
The security situation in Nepal remains subject to
change due to the political volatility in the country, which is likely to
continue until the planned elections are held. On 28 February 2008 a 16-day
Bandh across the Terai was lifted. However, if you intend to travel to the
region you should remain vigilant and remain in close touch with your tour
operator. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this
advice for more details.
The shortage of fuel and cooking gas and other essential
supplies, caused by the Terai bandh, continues to have a major impact on
Kathmandu. While the situation should now improve it will take some time
before all services return to normal. Before travelling you should check
with your tour operator or hotel that they are able to provide an acceptable
level of service and security.
25,000 British nationals visited Nepal in 2007 (source:
Nepal Tourist Board). Most visits were trouble free. The main types of incident
for which British nationals required consular assistance in Nepal in 2007 were:
replacing lost and stolen passports; arrests, mainly drug-related; and
hospitalisations, generally as a result of trekking accidents. You are strongly
advised to use a reputable travel agent and only trek with an experienced guide
and in a group.
More:
www.fco.gov.uk
Muir's Tours maintains a constant surveillance of the
situation in
Nepal. We are aware of only 1
tourist being killed in Nepal since the peoples campaign began about 10 years ago,
and it appears he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Maurice (Mo) Adshead
FRGS
Manager Operations -
Muir's Tours
Manager - The Nepal Kingdom Foundation (a UK
charity)
