Asia and Oceania

All travellers to Nepal are advised to register with the Consular Section at the British Embassy via the LOCATE page. In addition travellers should inform their family and friends in the UK of their itinerary.

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  In recent years there have continued to be incidents of bomb attacks (small improvised explosive devices), shootings and violent clashes across Nepal, including in Kathmandu and areas frequented by foreigners These incidents frequently result 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.  Violent incidents, including bombings, have continued despite the cease-fire announced under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. You should exercise caution in public places and take local advice.

Recent significant incidents include:

• On 16 September 2009, a bomb was found in the Maharajgunj area of Kathmandu, opposite the Embassy of the United States of America. Security personnel defused the bomb. There were no injuries.
  
• On 23 May, a bomb exploded during a service at the Church of the Assumption in Lalitpur (to the south of Kathmandu).  Two people were killed and fourteen people injured.  
• On 27 and 28 December 2008 and 1 January 2009, three small bombs (IEDs) exploded in Kathmandu (one near the airport, the second near Rani Pokhari and the third near Sundhara).  Noone was seriously injured.

The security situation in Nepal can and does change rapidly.  You should contact the British Embassy for advice on the latest security situation before going to areas not normally visited by tourists.

For further information and advice please read Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

There have been a number of unprovoked attacks on foreigners around Kathmandu. Incidents have been rising in a number of areas, particularly the Thamel, Sanepa and Bhukumdol areas of the city.

Bars and restaurants are now required to close at 2300 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.

British nationals are advised to exercise caution when walking around Kathmandu at night. Avoid walking on your own and keep valuables safe and out of sight.

There have been reports of trekkers being robbed where violence or the direct threat of violence has been used. Incidences of Maoist extortion of money from trekkers and climbers have been reported in the past. Trekkers and other individuals who resist extortion demands are threatened and have in the past been physically assaulted.

In 2005, there were several incidents of female tourists being attacked, including cases of rape, by bands of criminals.  If you are a female travelling alone, then refer to our Women Travellers section and also Rape, Sexual Assault and Assault.

If trekking, you are advised to use reputable trekking agencies, to remain on established routes, and to always walk in groups.  We recommend that you do not trek alone and avoid becoming separated from your group at any time (see section on Trekking in Nepal below).

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal often involves travelling to very remote areas. The availability of phone (including mobile phone reception) and Internet services is extremely limited. It is likely that during a trek a traveller will be unable to contact their family and friends for a long period of time.

Treks often take longer than their expected duration by one or two days. In many cases friends and family become worried if they do not hear from a traveller when expected. 

The Government of Nepal has authorised the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to implement a system for foreign trekkers called the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS). Trekkers, including those not with organised groups, are required to have a valid TIMS card issued by TAAN, its member agencies, or NTB. In case of an emergency, the new system will help authorities ascertain the whereabouts of trekkers. TIMS cards are available free of charge through authorised trekking companies, the TAAN office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the NTB office.  For further information please visit Trekking Nepal, TAAN or Naturally Nepal.

Advice for Trekkers:

• Make sure that your insurance covers you for the altitude you are due to be trekking at.
  
• Always use a reputable trekking company as there have been reports of rogue guides robbing trekkers in remote areas.
  
• Take a guide and ensure that your trekking guide or company is registered with the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal.
  
• Ensure that your trekking guide or company has registered your trek with the Trekkers Information Management System.  
  
• Never trek alone.
• Make sure someone at home has a copy of your itinerary.
• Register your route at the entrance to the parks/conservation areas.
• Ensure that you register the itinerary of your trek with the British Embassy via LOCATE.
• If your plans change try and call or email home to let people know you are all right.
• Never venture from your planned route or itinerary without advising leaving someone a message to tell them what you plan.
• Be aware of the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Following these simple procedures ensures that trekking in Nepal will be a safer and rewarding experience. Making family and friends aware of the itinerary prevents undue worry especially when travelling in such a remote part of the world.

Political Situation

Nepal Country Profile

A peace agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists was signed in Kathmandu on 21 November 2006 thereby ending 11 years of conflict in Nepal. The two sides agreed a permanent ceasefire, which is being monitored by the UN.

Following the largely peaceful elections on 10 April 2008, a Constituent Assembly was sworn in on 27 May.  On 28 May the Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a republic. There were several bombs in Kathmandu in protest at the change to republicanism. In September, the new Maoist-led coalition government finally took office with an agenda to deliver change.  On 4 May 2009 the Prime Minister announced his resignation, increasing political uncertainty. On 25 May 2009, a new Prime Minister was sworn in, supported by all parties except the Maoists; the process of government formation continues.

Tensions between political parties in Nepal remain significant, with the potential for violent clashes or extremely disruptive strike action. These clashes have, in some cases, resulted in injuries and deaths of party activists and candidates. Recent political protests by ethnic and religious groups in the Terai and Eastern region have, resulted in localised violence and disruption. Equally, there are other interests groups who use similar tactics to pursue their objections. For example, in January 2008, there were widespread demonstrations in Kathmandu and a number of other cities against government increases in fuel prices.  Many of these demonstrations became violent, with tyres burnt and vehicles, including those of foreigners, attacked. The situation in the Terai and Eastern region remains difficult, with political tensions over the region’s demand for significantly increased autonomy and serious problems in delivering law and order.  There are a number of militant groups operating in the Terai, as well as the tensions between political parties found in other parts of the country.

Local Travel

Major street demonstrations, disturbances and road blockades occur frequently in Kathmandu and elsewhere in the country, in particular in the Terai and Eastern region of Nepal, often at very short notice. In the past, such events have suddenly turned violent.  Transport can also be severely disrupted; roads and highways could be blocked.  You are therefore advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and remain vigilant at all times. You should also take local advice including from tour operators.

At times of political uncertainty the authorities may impose a curfew.  Travellers should comply with the conditions of such curfews.  Your tour operator or hotel will be able to give you further information should a curfew be in place.  You can also check the British Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest security advice.

Kathmandu Valley wide transport bans can be called at very short notice. When these bans are in place the Nepal Tourism Board in conjunction with the Nepal Tourist Police run Shuttle Bus Services between various hotels in Kathmandu and the Domestic and International Airports. The Tourist Police Hotline phone number is (01) 4247041. The Nepal Tourism Board Hotline phone number is (01) 4225709.

Transport usually operates freely in the Kathmandu valley, except during times of major demonstrations.  Traffic in Kathmandu normally flows reasonably well though there are sometimes major jams during rush hour in the city. Access to the valley from the Pokhara direction has improved with the widening of the road at the major checkpoint entering Kathmandu.

As stated above, the situation outside the Kathmandu valley remains unpredictable.  It is therefore important that you keep a close watch on the local media for advance notice of upcoming developments.  Your hotel or guesthouse will also be able to advise you and the British Embassy website carries up-dated local security advice.

If you are concerned about the areas you are travelling to, please contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu on arrival for up-to-date advice on the security situation, which can change rapidly.

Road Travel

You must have an international driving licence to drive a vehicle in Nepal.  You are advised to 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, as in the UK.  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.

Bus travel is particularly hazardous and multiple-fatality accidents are common.  You should avoid travel on overnight buses.

Road conditions are generally poor and difficult even in the best of conditions.  During the monsoon season (June to September) many roads outside the Kathmandu valley are prone to landslides and become impassable.

For further information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

On Wednesday 8 October 2008 a Yeti airlines plane crashed at Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla, 18 people died in the accident.

There are several internal airlines operating in Nepal offering internal flights across Nepal.  You are advised to check weather conditions before travelling with internal airlines.  Bad weather conditions in mountainous and hill regions can increase the risk to safety.

You can research the safety and standards of a particular airline or aircraft through the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the UK Civil Aviation Authority.