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Nepal Travel Safety Issues : How safe is
Traveling to Nepal?
The situation in Nepal has always been tourist friendly. Due
to some sporadic reporting of Maoist activities in some
parts of the Kingdom, extra measures for security were
adopted which has indeed improved the law and order
situation. Major tourist places continue to welcome tourists
in large numbers. Tourists have never been directly targeted
by the Maoists. Moreover, the Maoist leaders have
categorically stated time and again that they would not
disturb the tourism sanctity neither target the tourist in
future. Hence, tourists have never been the victims of
insurgency activities in Nepal. Travel to and within Nepal
is a safe and enjoyable experience provided sensible
precaution is taken. Tourists are advised to use the
services of registered and reputed travel/trekking companies
and hotels only. By using the services of government
registered service providers, you will be ensuring the most
comfortable and reliable holiday possible. Public
demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of political
expression in Nepal, as in other parts of the world and they
may occur on short notice. These demonstrations are usually
nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners. During
general strikes (called "Bandh" in Nepal), many businesses
close, and transportation and city services may be
disrupted. Tourist buses, airport downtown-airport shuttle
service and rickshaws are the only means of transportation
available during bandhs. Travelers are requested to stay
either at their hotel or homes or at the most in prominent
touristic areas, where no any untoward incidents have taken
place, so far. Tourists can also visit places of tourist
interest within walking distance from their hotels.
Official records show that more than 14,000 people have died
in the ongoing war between the Nepali Maoists and Nepali
government. During 10 years of fighting, there was only one
incident of tourist being killed, but the tourist was
appeared to be in wrong place at the wrong time. Traveling
to Nepal is Safe and in fact safer than traveling to most
cities like London and New York City. Maoist's war is only
with the Nepali Government, but not with tourists. Guest
equals God - is the tradition of Every Nepalese and everyone
welcomes guests in their land, and in their
heart.
Visiting Nepal is safe.
Nepal has Tourist-Police patrolling most cities in
Nepal offering immediate help to tourists. Tours and Travel
operators have added extra security measures in their travel
plans. Most hotels are equipped with extra security guards
and are in immediate contact with the local police in case
of emergency. Traveling to Nepal is safe. Much of the media
hype scaring people to visit Nepal has failed because Nepal
is so beautiful it will attract you - Nepal is a magnet!
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
All travelers are requested to abide by the custom
regulations of Nepal. The facilities that are given to
travelers are of international norms except in the cases of
heavy-duty import such as valuable metals, articles of
archeological and religious importance, wildlife and related
articles, drugs, arms and ammunition, and communications
equipment.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical care is widely available in the District head
quarters and the towns and cities. Moreover, Kathmandu has
the most modern medi-care facilities, equipment and most
qualified doctors in order to provide a quality care.
Serious illnesses often require evacuation to the nearest
adequate medical facility. Illnesses and injuries suffered
while on trek in remote areas often require rescue by
helicopter. Various private Helicopter Companies including
the Royal Nepal Army (at the Airport) provide rescue
services. The cost is typically not much. For further
information, please contact Himalayan Rescue Association
(Phone: 26 2746, Kathmandu) or your local travel or trekking
agent.
ENTRY & EXIT POINT
The Government of Nepal has designated the following places
as entry or exit points for foreigners who have obtained
visas
more..
Did you know? : Nepal's most foreign revenue earning is from
Tourism.
Safety Contacts For Nepal :
Embassy : When traveling outside of Kathmandu,
embassies now require you to register at their
office. So visit your embassy before you hit the road.
Nepal Tourism Board : For Free travel news and
information visit Nepal Tourism Board located at
Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu (Sunday to Friday from 9 am to 4
p.m., Phone : 4256909, 4247039 :
email:info@ntb.wlink.com.np
Nepal Police: Unlike the 911 number! Kathmandu
Contact : 4211162, 4261843, 4252434, 4261245,
4261360 Bhaktapur Contact : 4610284, 4613217, 4610954
As with any safety, precaution is the first rule. Avoid
being near demonstrations, return to your hotel early in the
evening if you can, Do not carry expensive gadgets when
traveling. Avoid wearing jewelries and other wears, Use a
guide from a trusted travel agent or tour operator. Visit
only the trekking / tour areas marked `safe' by your travel
agent. Avoid road travel if possible otherwise have someone
from your travel company with you. If you must travel by
road, avoid traveling in the night time. Do not talk about
politics, about the king, about the Maoists while you are in
a restaurant or in other public places - After all, all you
want to talk about is the beautiful mother nature Nepal but
not the silly and ruthless rulers. Talk all you want about
the real everyday hardworking poor but happy Nepali people.
And also follow your own rules of safety! That's all. |
