The current Nepalese political situation: Is it still OK to travel?

Dr Funkenstein

I've been thinking of heading into Nepal at some point during my current trip but the escalating unrest is making me think twice.

Reports like this are making me a bit nervous.

What does everyone think?

It'll be a real shame if I have to miss Nepal on this trip - it's one of the things I've been looking forward to the most.

I'd be grateful for any advice. Thanks.

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Out There Somewhere : My Travel Blog.

mountaingirl

As far as the unrest is concerned, there seems to be an ‘Off’ period and an ‘ON’ period every week.

I have come across a lot of people who have recently trekked in Annapurna, Everest base camp etc – last update yesterday. They didn’t have any trouble with anything.

From all the feedback I have, I would suggest you to take the following steps:

(1) Fly in/out of Kathmandu. Flight from Varanasi is much cheaper than Delhi – so book ahead as it is always sold out. Avail of the youth fare (25% discount) if you are below 30 years of age.

(2) If you DEFINITELY want to go overland, then fly in and drive back. Being in Nepal/ Kathmandu will give you the edge of having a firsthand info about the condition of the drive (basically Safety conditions related to Mao-problems, strikes, road conditions, numerous police check-posts etc).

(3) Take ONLY the Sunauli border when returning overland to India

(4) If you intend to trek – buy a trek from a reliable trekking company in Kathmandu. Don’t trek independently as having local staff will be helpful in getting basic info/ know-how of the daily situation - and help when needed.

(5) Rafting and small treks are easily possible and available.

(6) DO NOT Go if you don’t have spare time in hand to deal with strikes etc.

I don’t think talking to embassy people in India will be helpful as most of them have incredibly NO REAL GROUND info – they are happy dining in posh restaurant and driving around in their embassy cars! They may live here but most of them will NEVER interact with the locals (at the low level) like most of you at this site will do.

GOOD LUCK!

Dr Funkenstein

Loads of good advice there. Thanks, mountaingirl. I'll keep a close eye on the situation and make my mind up nearer the time.

Same thing with the British Embassy, in my opinion. Their line seems to be : "For God's sake, don't go anywhere. Ever."

Stoi

Hi,
i have spen the last 7 weeks in Nepal with no problems although MG is right that the constant strikes can really mess up your plans to move around the country. The daily demos in KMU do seem to be getting worse, but are always in the same area, Ratna Park or near the Royal Palace, but not in Thamel or Patan where the tourists stay. There are many army checkpoints on the roads, but they are always friendly and polite; it just delays your bus trip. I did the Annapurna Cicruit trek with a friend and no guide/porter and where fine as there where plenty of others also doing it. I never met any Maoists, but some did although there were never problems as long as you were prepared to give them some money or in one case bread. I came across the border at Kakarbhitta to Darjeeling and had no problems at all although i deliberately did not take a night bus although that was more due to the fact they are more likely to crash then!

IMO the tourist areas (KMU, Pokhara + treks, Chitwan) are all fine although do keep an eye on the situation and speak to locals where possible. I do know that some rafting quite far out West is hard to do as you have to travel through Maoist run areas so probably not advised.

I did enjoy my time although did start to find the strikes annoying. When i was there there were 3,5 and 15 day strikes!! LUckily my 17day trek was during the 15 day one so dont know how long that one really lasted for!

If you have any specific questions then fire away!

Stoi

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Slainte

Dr Funkenstein

Thanks, Stoi.

The info about where the demo's are taking place is particularly useful, thanks.