If you're in the throes of contemplating a trip to Nepal, you
should be aware of recent Maoist activity in the Solukhumbu region,
which is the area around Everest and a major trekking
destination.
Most worrying is a recent attack on Lukla airfield* and the town,
the start of the Everest Base Camp trek as well as continued attacks
in Kathmandu and its surroundings. The attack has led to the closure
of the airport and there was reportedly a further
incident involving the destruction of a helicopter on February
11.
The Foreign Office warning
for Nepal says:
'Although there have been no recorded attacks on foreign tourists
by Maoists, British nationals must exercise exceptional caution when
travelling or trekking in Nepal.'
The advisory isn't against travelling to the country, but makes
the point that the ongoing insurgency may have a knock on effect on
trekkers, for example, making it difficult to arrange helicopter
rescue should that be necessary.
The Maosits have made a point of stressing that tourists are not a
target of the insurgency, however with the Nepalese army introduced
into the struggle, violent activity is increasing across the country
along with other disruptions like today's national strike. As a
result the existing state of emergency has been extended by a further
three months.
Should you still contemplate trekking in Nepal? It's hard to say.
Many western information sources in the country have vested interests
in the tourist industry, so unbiased information is hard to come by
right now. As far as we can tell, trekkers aren't being directly
affected by the Maoist situation in the sense that they are being
targeted, but there are isolated reports of robberies and 'taxation'
either by Maoists or people posing as Maoists.
The Nepal News web
site is a useful up to the minute source of local news and right
now makes depressing reading, but we'd definitely suggest that you
weigh up the situation carefully and, if you're travelling with an
organised group, speak to the operator about the potential for
cancellation and make sure you know what your situation is should
that happen.
* Maoists attack Lukla airport tower
Maoists hurled pressure cooker bombs at the old tower of Lukla
airport Sunday night shattering window panes and blowing off tin
roofs, police said. Nobody was injured in the bomb attack, but air
service has been suspended.
Lukla airport in the gateway to Solokhumbu, a popular trekking
destination at the foot of Mount Everest. Rebels attacked district
headquarters Salleri on November 25 triggering a national emergency
to contain a six-year-old communist insurgency. nepalnews.com
br Feb.5
