new Nepal - Travel Tips

If you are planning to travel to in the near future, you should be aware of the fact that a travel warning has been issued for this region. The reason for this travel warning is the continued threat of kidnappings and assignations of citizens and non-governmental workers throughout . In June of 2005, the Communist Party of Nepal set off a landmine in a bus in the Chitwan district. As a result, more than one hundred people were either killed or injured. Further attacks in rural areas have also occurred, involving foreigners. Recent demonstrations and indications by political parties that they plan to hold demonstrations against the government in have led to further concern. In the past such protests have involved violence including fires. These situations are considered to be highly volatile and unpredictable. The security risk may be significant, at times.

At this time the U.S. Department of State has warned against all travel to by citizens. The concern for security in this region is so great, the U.S. Department of State has urged citizens to seriously consider whether their pending travel to is absolutely necessary. The security throughout is considered to be highly unpredictable.

If you do travel to this region, be aware that overland travel between major cities should be avoided at all costs at night. In some cases, overland travel may be blocked or restricted, due to security concerns. Be aware that road travel in certain areas, especially areas outside the Kathmandu Valley

While you are in this region, you should take prudent security precautions. These precautions should include ensuring that you have adequate amounts of fuel and provisions. If you are staying at a hotel in this region, be sure that adequate security is provided in order to avoid as many potential dangers as possible. Be aware that possible targets in this area include clubs, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, schools and outdoor recreational facilities. Attacks may include carjackings, bombings, suicide operations, rocket attacks, assassinations, assaults and/or kidnappings. The Maoists have been known to bomb or burn tourist resorts as well.

If you do plan to travel to , make sure that you obtain the most up to date health information for this region. If you are an American traveling into this region, be sure that you register at the U.S. Embassy, located at the Yak and Yeti Hotel complex on Durbarmarg Street. The section can be reached directly at (977) (1) 444-5577 or through the Embassy switchboard. The U.S. Embassy is located at Pani Pokhari in Kathmandu, telephone (977) (1) 441-1179; fax (977) (1) 444-4981, website http://kathmandu.usembassy.gov.