Maoists Blockade Kathmandu

Bad news from Nepal where the latest from the insurgency-hit mountain kingdom is that maoist rebels have blockaded the capital Kathmandu, severely restricting the delivery of food and other supplies to the city.

Main roads are reportedly almost deserted as the Maoists demand the release of prisoners and an enquiry into the 'extra-judicial killing' of insurgents by the state. The development will come as a further blow to the country which is reliant on tourism and trekkers in particular for crucial revenue.

According to the www.nepalnews.com web site, government forces are being deployed to escort convoys carrying essential goods in to the city, though a BBC report says that lorry drivers are covering their number pates for fear of reprisals and most private transport is not venturing onto the roads.

The trekking season is due to start in around six weeks time and while the rebels have repeatedly pledged not to attack foreign visitors, the ongoing insurgency which began in 1996, has severely hit tourist numbers.

When we trekked the Annapurna Circuit last year, trekkers were being stopped and asked for a 'voluntary donation' of around £10 by armed maoists. Those who paid were given a receipt which they could produce if stopped again or, in the case of some organised parties, use to obtain a refund from their travel company. There was no feeling that trekkers were genuinely in danger.

If you're contemplating a trekking trip to Nepal this autumn, we'd suggest that you keep an eye on the situation both in the media and at the Foreign Office web site, however recent history seems to suggest that the Maoists are keen not to damage the tourist industry further, so it's probable that some sort of accommodation will be reached before the trekking season kicks off in early October.