Just as Nepal is trying to boost it's flagging tourism by
opening new peaks, and we are busy telling you
how great it is, violent clashes between maoist rebels and government troops have prompted the US and UK govenments to warn that extreme caution should be exercised when travelling in Nepal.
The four-month ceasefire between the government and rebels broke down at the weekend when maoist rebels launched attacks against army, police and government facilities across Nepal. On Monday King Gyanendra declared a State of Emergency, lifting the restrictions of the army hunting down the rebels. The breakdown is a blow for Prime Minister Shere Bahadur Deuba, who promised to make peace with the rebels a priority when he took office in July.
The British foreign office advises "The situation could change quickly, and British nationals planning to travel to Nepal should monitor events carefully. British nationals must exercise exceptional caution when travelling in Nepal."
