Safety
& Security in Nepal
Safety
/ Security Advice |
Information for Traveller | Others
YES, NOW IS A GREAT
TIME TO VISIT NEPAL
The Kingdom of Nepal, as with most of
its neighboring countries, continue to
be, not only one of the world's best travel
values, but a safe one as well. Nepalese
are peaceful and tolerant people, comprised
mainly of Buddhists and Hindu. Now that
the decade-long political unrest that
had affected some areas of Nepal is behind
us and many of the old "travel advisories"
from western governments have been downgraded,
we invite you to take this great opportunity
to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.
SAFETY/SECURITY
ADVICE:
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 like Kathmandu, Nagarkot,
Dhulikhel, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini,
Annapurna, Langtang, Everest 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 such as Thamel, King's way etc.
where no any untoward incidents have taken
place, so far. Tourists can also visit
places of tourist interest within walking
distance from their hotels.
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INFORMATION
FOR TRAVELERS :
Nepal has abundance of offers to establish
it as a round the year travel destination.
Based on this fact, many international
tourists are indeed incorporating Nepal
in their wishful travel itinerary. Popular
tourist areas in Nepal like Kathmandu,
Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest Region, Annapurna
Region, Langtang Region, Lumbini, Janakpur
and others are absolutely free from any
sorts of disturbances. This is a clear
testimony that travel safety in Nepal
is more a perception problem than the
actual state of affairs. Nepal Tourism
Board (NTB) always recommends travelers
to get services through the registered
companies which guarantee you safe, reliable,
standard and value for money travel services.
Travelling in Nepal
typically involves walking for an extended
time over rugged, steep terrain, to various
luxurious stays during the course of their
trip. Many popular trekking routes in
Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet.
The Nepal Tourism Board requests all existing
and potential travelers to exercise extreme
caution while trekking at higher altitudes.
The safest option for all trekkers is
to join an organized group and/or use
a reputable firm that provides an experienced
guide and porter who communicates in both
Nepali and English.
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OTHER
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: 262746, Kathmandu)
or your local travel or trekking agent.
ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS:
A passport and visa are required for visitors
other than Indian nationals. Tourist visas
can be purchased upon arrival at Tribhuvan
International Airport in Kathmandu and
at all other ports of entry. All foreigners
must pay an airport exit tax, regardless
of the length of their stay. Travelers
may contact nearest Royal Nepalese Embassy/Consulates
for further information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
After the establishment of various international
Insurance Companies in the form of joint
venture (JV), medical insurance is becoming
popular in Nepal. Hence, all travelers
are requested to insure through the reputed
agencies. However, travelling within Nepal
is adequately safe except in some remote
government cautioned areas. Please check
with your own insurance company to confirm
whether your policy applies overseas,
including provision for medical evacuation,
and for adequacy of coverage. Supplemental
health insurance that specifically covers
overseas treatment and air evacuation
to the nearest adequate medical facility
is strongly recommended.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND
ROAD CONDITIONS:
In major tourist destinations the condition
of the Roads are fairly well maintained.
Those travelling by their own vehicles
must carry valid road maps. The East West
Highway connects all major cities and
towns. Further information may be sought
from NTB or local agents. The accident
rate in Nepal is comparatively very minimal
and relatively fatalities from such accidents
are rare as compared to other big cities
of the globe. Likewise, there are several
domestic private airlines operating within
the nation, which has tremendously helped
to connect the remote part of the country
to the capital.
AIR TRAVEL :
Travelling to Nepal by air is considered
safe. Nepal is well connected by a dozen
of international airlines from all major
cities of Europe and Asia. It also has
a fair no of domestic airlines, which
cater to the needs of the travelers domestically.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
infrastructures have been duly extended
in order to meet the rising demand of
the air travelers.
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.
ENVIRONMENT:
His Majesty's Government (HMG) is very
conscious about maintaining the ecological
balance. The preservation of the natural
resources and conservation of the national
heritages has been our prime concern.
In order to give a fillip to this concept,
His Majesty's Government of Nepal (HMG/N)
has already brought in to effect the emission
control norms for the vehicles. Similarly
HMG is coordinating with various experts,
donors, INGOs and NGOs and others to manage
the Solid waste management and also controlling
the effluents discharged by the industries.
As far as conservation and preservation
is concerned, Annapurna Conservation (ACAP)
area and Nepal's densely populated forests
are greatly appreciated models in the
world.
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