Travel News

Nepal is the best Travel destination for the world where Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, is located. Mountaineering and other types of adventure tourism and ecotourism are important attractions for visitors. The world heritage Lumbini, birth place of Gautama Buddha, is located in southern Nepal, and there are other important religious pilgrimage sites throughout the country.

Safety and Security

The political situation in Nepal is changeable. There are frequent bandhs (shutdowns), rallies and demonstrations, which can be violent and cause widespread disruption. If you are travelling in Nepal, you should remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations, and stay in close touch with your tour operator or guide. See Safety and Security - Political Situation and Safety and Security - Local Travel.

On 25 September 2011 a Buddha Air flight crashed in the Lalitpur district, south of Kathmandu. 19 people died in the accident. See Safety and Security - Air Travel.

Although the 18 September earthquake affecting Nepal and Sikkim caused limited damage, Nepal is still considered to be at high risk of a major earthquake. See Natural Disasters - Earthquakes.

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General.

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks can be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There continue to be isolated incidents of bomb attacks (small improvised explosive devices), shootings and political violence across Nepal, including in Kathmandu. These incidents have resulted in the death and injury of Nepalese civilians. Tourists have only very occasionally been injured. These actions are carried out by a variety of political and criminal groups, especially in the Terai (southern plains). You should exercise caution in public places and take local advice.

Safety and Security - Crime
Most visitors to Nepal experience a trouble-free stay. But crimes such as assault and theft against foreigners in Kathmandu and throughout the country continue to increase.

Pick-pocketing and bag-snatching are common in Kathmandu, particularly in tourist areas. Airports, buses and hotel rooms are also targeted by criminals. The areas of Thamel, Sanepa and Kupondol in Kathmandu have seen a sharp rise in petty theft and burglary against foreigners. Incidents of bag-snatching by motor-bikers are on the rise, particularly in relatively quieter areas of Kathmandu Valley. There are increasing reports of foreigners being injured in the course of such incidents. Assaults and robberies often occur in the evening in areas that are poorly lit; however, attacks against foreigners have occurred in broad daylight.

Visitors should consider exchanging money only at banks and hotels. Valuables should be stored in hotel safety deposit boxes and should never be left unattended in hotel rooms.Bars and restaurants are now required to close at midnight as part of a Government crackdown on illegal activities. This means that after this time the streets around the city are poorly lit and relatively few people are about. Foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours are known to have been detained by the police.

Victims of crime should call the Tourist Police in Kathmandu on 01 4700750 or the Tourist Police headquarters on 01 4247041.

There have been reports of trekkers being robbed where violence or the direct threat of violence has been used. Isolated incidences of rape have also been reported on trekking routes, and female travellers in particular should stay vigilant.

There have been a number of incidents of sexual assault against foreigners in Nepal. Three separate incidents of foreign nationals being sexually assaulted in the Thamel area of Kathmandu have been reported to date in 2011. Be aware of the use of date rape drugs. You should exercise judgement when accepting drinks from strangers, and should not leave your drinks unattended. You should avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially at night.

If trekking, use a reputable trekking agency, remain on established routes, and walk in groups. Acute Trek recommend that you do not trek alone and should avoid becoming separated from your group at any time.

Safety and Security - During The Trekking Trekking

Trekking in Nepal often involves travelling to very remote areas. Treks often take longer than expected, which can worry family and friends. The availability of phone (including mobile phone reception) and Internet services is extremely limited. It is likely that during a trek you will be unable to contact family and friends for a long period of time.

During the winter months from November to January, flights across Nepal, particularly in high mountain areas, can be delayed due to poor weather conditions.

You should keep in close touch with your tour operator or guide. You will have to consider waiting for the weather to clear or arrange to trek down from the mountains and make alternative travel arrangements. You should liaise with your airline should you have to change your onward travel arrangements. Please keep your family informed of your situation and any change to your travel plans. You are required to have a valid visa in your passport to leave Nepal. If your visa has expired you will have to arrange an extension at the Department of Immigration, prior to your departure.

Our Advice for Trekkers:

Make sure that your insurance covers you for the altitude you are due to be trekking at. We recommend that you consider including cover for mountain rescue (evacuation by helicopter).

Be aware of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). More information http://adventurestrekking.com/altitude-sickness.php

Ensure that you, your trekking guide or company has registered your trek with the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).

Independent trekkers are recommended to use a reputable local guide as there have been reports of rogue guides robbing trekkers. Ensure that you and your guide are properly equipped and insured for the trek you intend to undertake. In very remote areas you may wish to consider renting a satellite phone – seek advice from your tour company.

If your plans change try and call or email home to let people know you are alright.

Never venture from your planned route or itinerary without leaving someone a message to tell them what route you plan to take.

Safety and Security - Road Travel
You must have an international driving licence to drive a vehicle in Nepal. Carry your licence with you at all times when driving as well as any documents relating to the vehicle itself. Traffic in Nepal drives on the left. The general standard of driving throughout the country is poor and badly regulated. Roads in Kathmandu are very congested. Many drivers are not properly licensed, trained or insured and vehicles are poorly maintained. There are few pavements outside central Kathmandu and motorists do not yield right of way to pedestrians.

Safety and Security - Air Travel

There are several domestic airlines operating in Nepal offering flights across Nepal. Check weather conditions before travelling with domestic airlines. Bad weather conditions in mountainous and hill regions can increase the risk to safety and cause lengthy delays.