Car rentals in Nepal - Information for Trekkers

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Information for Trekkers

INFORMATION FOR TREKKERS: The past year has seen an increase in the number of foreign trekkers and climbers, including a number of American citizens, who have been robbed, extorted from and intimidated by armed Maoists on the trails. Many formerly popular trekking routes traverse areas seriously affected by the Maoist insurgency. On some trails, Maoists have announced that U.S. citizens are not welcome and are demanding proof of citizenship from foreigners from whom they are extorting money. With the exceptions of the Everest region above Lukla, Langtang and Upper Mustang, trekking routes in Nepal pose security risks and a high likelihood of Maoist encounters.

Reports indicate that nearly all trekkers traveling on formerly popular trails from Jiri to the Everest region (in Dolakha District), the trails to Makalu Base Camp (in Sankuwasabha District), trekking routes in the Kanchenjunga area (in the eastern Taplejung District), and trekking routes within the Annapurna Conservation Area encounter Maoists and enforced demands for payments. The Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Rolwaling, and Langtang trails also traverse Maoist-affected areas.

No incidents of robbery or Maoist encounters have been reported in the Mustang District. Trekking in Upper Mustang requires a special permit from the Nepal Government at a minimum cost of $700 per person. There have been no incidents of Maoist violence north of Lukla since October 2002. Areas to the immediate east, west and south of Lukla have been affected by Maoist violence and should be avoided.

The Annapurna region attracts thousands of Western trekkers every year. In the Fall 2003 trekking season, the Embassy received many reports of Maoist extortion, including at gunpoint, and encounters with large groups of armed insurgents in the Annapurna region. Maoists routinely extort money from trekkers in Ghandruk (also transliterated as Ghandrung), a gateway village for both the Annapurna Circuit and the route to the Annapurna Base Camp, and on the popular Poon Hill. On the eastern side of the Annapurna circuit, an American was beaten and injured for his equipment and cash by robbers who apparently were not Maoists. The Maoist insurgents have also forced the closure of Annapurna Conservation Area Project posts, which have traditionally provided information and emergency services for Annapurna trekkers.

U.S. citizens are urged to refrain from arguing with or "talking back" to Maoists; any rebel encounter involves a risk of violence. Maoist cadres have pointed weapons at foreigners and/or beaten with sticks those who initially refused to pay or were seen as argumentative. U.S. citizens are advised never to hike alone or to become separated from larger traveling parties while on a trail.

Maoist destruction of telephone services to many trekking areas complicates efforts to locate U.S. citizens and make arrangements for medical evacuations. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest security information and to register their itinerary before undertaking treks outside the Kathmandu Valley (see Registration/Embassy Location below). Trekkers are also advised to leave their itinerary with family or friends in the U.S. and to check in at police checkpoints where trekking permits are logged.

Trekking in Nepal involves walking over rugged, steep terrain, where one is exposed to the elements, often at high altitudes. Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly advises all U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution when trekking at higher altitudes. Only experienced mountain travelers should tackle the Himalayas. Trekkers of all ages, experience, and fitness levels can experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can be deadly.

Trekkers should also be alert to the possibility of avalanches and landslides, even when trails are clear. Avalanches at the narrow gorge above Deurali on the route to the Annapurna Base Camp regularly result in the deaths of trekkers and climbers. Avalanches and landslides caused by severe storms have killed many foreign trekkers and their Nepalese guides, and have stranded hundreds of others.

More than any other factor, solo trekking contributes to injuries and deaths. The safest option for all trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm that provides an experienced guide and porters who communicate in both Nepali and English. Before leaving Kathmandu, trekkers can check with the U.S. Embassy or the Himalayan Rescue Association (phone (977) (1) 4440-292/4440-293) for good information about trail conditions and possible hazards in the high country.