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 raped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, the kingdom of Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best walking trails on earth. It's a poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination and it's a difficult place to dislodge from your memory once you return. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for improved leg-definition.
Warning
The Maoist uprising in Nepal has intensified, making a trekking trip a dicey proposition. Clashes continue between the military and the rebels in the six-year-old conflict that has claimed at least 4,000 lives. The battles have taken place mainly in the countryside, but there have also been bombings in the capital, Kathmandu.
The rebels made international headlines in mid-2001 following violent attacks on foreign tourists. A ceasefire negotiated in August 2001 collapsed, leading to a rise in armed robbery and violence by Maoist guerrillas, including several deadly attacks on government forces. Businesses and NGOs affiliated with the USA have also been targeted.
Nepal has been plagued by tragedy since June 2001, when Crown Prince Dipendra shot and killed King Birendra and eight other members of the royal family. While the country was in shock and mourning, the rebels took advantage of the chaos to expand their campaign. In November 2001, King Gyanendra declared a state of emergency and issued a 'Terrorist and Destructive Activities' ordinance, designating the Maoist Nepal Communist Party a terrorist organization.
The rebels have threatened tourist facilities throughout Nepal and Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai has warned tourists they could be 'caught in the crossfire of the contending armies,' while perversely encouraging them to visit anyway. In April 2002, three groups of trekkers (from the US, Switzerland and Spain) were robbed at gunpoint by rebels.
The Nepalese government has appealed for international aid in fighting the rebels, and several nations including the US and the UK have agreed to help. The government also reinstated a State of Emergency.
The US State Department is advising US citizens to stay away if possible. The UK and Australian governments are advising their citizens to exercise caution in the area (especially due to its proximity to India and Pakistan). If you must go, remain cautious and avoid public gatherings. Trekking and travelling at night outside the Kathmandu Valley are not recommended. The districts of Banke, Dang Syangja, Surkhet, Rukum, Kalikot, Jajarkot, Rolpa, Salyan and Gorka are considered especially dangerous.
-From LonelyPlanet.com
| fast fact | |
| full country name: | kingdom of nepal |
| area: | 140,800 sq km |
| population: | 24 million |
| capital city: | kathmandu (pop 535,000) |
| people: | newars, indians, tibetans, gurungs, magars, tamangs, bhotias, rais, limbus, sherpas |
| language: | nepali (also called gurkhali) |
| religion: | 90% hindu, 5% buddhist, 3% muslim, 2% other |
| government: | parliamentary democracy |
| prime minister: | lokendra bahadur chand |
| king: | gyanendra bir bikram shah dev |
| gdp: | us$27.4 billion |
| gdp per head: | us$1100 |
| annual growth: | 6% |
| inflation: | 2.1% |
| major industries: | tourism, carpet, textile, small rice, jute, sugar, oilseed mills, cigarettes, cement and brick production, rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, water buffalo meat |
| major trading partners: | india, us, germany, uk, singapore, japan |
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