The
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all
but essential travel to Nepal. The political situation in Nepal
remains tense and unpredictable following the end of the Maoist
ceasefire and elections, which took place on 8 February 2006.
There is a possibility of further violence and disturbances with
planned blockades in Kathmandu and other regional centres from 14
March 2006 onwards, and an indefinite nationwide bandh (shutdown)
from 3 April 2006 onwards. Both of these events are likely to
cause significant disruption. We advise you to take extreme
caution if travelling in Nepal during this period.
There has been an escalation of Maoist violence throughout Nepal
since they ended their unilateral ceasefire on 2 January 2006.
Since then they have carried out a series of bombings and armed
attacks on security forces and Government targets across Nepal.
On 1 March 2006, Maoist attacks in Palpa (south west of Pokhara)
killed approximately 11 security personnel. On the same day in
Palpa, one civilian was killed during a RNA air attack and
another killed by a stray RNA bomb.
Mobile phone networks are partially operating, though pre-paid
mobile phone services are still disrupted. Land-lines are working
at present.
Countrywide and local bandhs are regularly called and have caused
widespread disruption including to transport. You should avoid
road travel during nationwide bandhs. Bandhs and political
demonstrations can flare up quickly and with little warning and
may turn violent, as they did several times in 2005, and most
recently in February 2006. You are strongly advised to avoid
demonstrations and large gatherings of people.
The majority of problems encountered by British tourists in Nepal
are trekking accidents and drug-related incidents. If you travel
to Nepal, you should use a reputable travel agent and only trek
with an experienced guide and in a group. If you plan to travel
to out-of-the way areas, please contact the British Embassy in
Kathmandu on arrival for latest advice on the security situation
in the area.