Safety Guide

Small-scale explosive attacks occur throughout Nepal, including in Kathmandu. These attacks have caused deaths and serious injuries.

Attacks increase during periods of political tension, such as elections. National and country-wide provincial elections will be held between late 2022 and early 2023, and civil unrest may occur.

These incidents usually don't target travellers but you could get caught up in violence aimed at others.

Threats have been made against religious organisations in Nepal. This includes schools.

Demonstrations and protests

Calls for political protests, strikes and demonstrations sometimes are common. Violent clashes between protesters and authorities can occur. Avoid visiting government buildings during political unrest.

During strikes, authorities may enforce curfews at short notice in the areas that protests affect. This happens throughout Nepal. 

Illegal roadblocks and enforced national or local strikes can occur. These happen without notice and continue for long periods.

Road travel can be dangerous. Protesters may forcibly stop vehicles, including taxis, or target them with projectiles.

Travel services may also be affected. This includes travel to trekking areas and outside of the Kathmandu valley.

To reduce your risks during strikes:

• be alert
• limit your movements - don't go out unless you have to
• make sure you have enough essentials, including water, food, batteries, cash and medication

During periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, protests and other public gatherings
• monitor the media for new threats, especially when political tensions are high
• avoid affected areas
• obey curfews
• follow the instructions of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and petty theft are common, especially:

• at tourist sites and airports
• on buses
• from hotel rooms

Bag-snatching and 'snatch-and-grab' attacks by thieves riding motorcycles occur. Victims are often injured.

Police have increased their presence in Thamel and Durbar Marg to reduce crime in these areas.

To reduce your risk of petty crime:

• only carry a copy of the main pages of your passport, not the original
• walk on footpaths away from the curb, with your bag held on the opposite side to the traffic
• keep your personal belongings close, especially in crowded areas
• avoid travelling alone, especially if you're a woman
• never trek alone
• If you're the victim of fraud or a scam, report it to local police immediately.

Violent crime

Travellers have been victims of armed robberies and assaults, including sexual assaults.

Victims of sexual assault often have their drinks 'spiked' before the assault. This happens in popular areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Women are at particular risk, especially when alone and at night.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• never accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from strangers
• don't leave drinks unattended
• if you aren't sure if a drink is safe, leave it
• stick with people you trust when you're out

Get urgent medical help if you think you or a companion have had your drinks spiked.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as trekking, paragliding, rafting or kayaking.

Paragliding accidents have caused serious injuries and deaths. Rivers can be unpredictable and dangerous, even for experienced kayakers and rafters.

Mountaineering can be dangerous. Some mountaineering expedition companies may hire inexperienced guides and save other costs in order to offer cheaper prices, including to climb Mount Everest. Carefully check a company's credentials and experience before you book.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Trekking and mountaineering

With conditions, foreign tourists are permitted to enter Nepal for mountain trekking and mountaineering. All foreigners require a permit for trekking and mountaineering. COVID-19 restrictions may be implemented at short notice, so it is advisable to be in close contact with your trekking company. Trekking is managed through the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) by:

• Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN)
• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)

All foreign trekkers must have a valid TIMS card. This includes those not travelling with organised groups.

TIMS cards help authorities locate trekkers in case there's an emergency.

Get a TIMS card through:

• authorised trekking companies
• TAAN offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara
• the NTB office in Kathmandu

Special regulations apply to mountaineering expeditions. All expedition members must have permits.

Trekking risks

Some trekking companies or guides may offer condensed treks. This is to attract travellers with limited time or budgets.

Shorter treks may not give you enough time to get used to high altitude. This may cause excessive physical strain and lead to significant health problems or death. See Health

Make sure you have travel and medical insurance that covers:

• the altitude you'll reach
• altitude sickness
• emergency evacuation by helicopter or other means

See Health

Research regulations that apply to trekking in the area, such as permits or registration. Confirm requirements through:

• reputable companies in Nepal or Australia
• an embassy or consulate of Nepal

Find out how long you need to safely complete your trek, especially at high altitudes.

A trek to Everest Base Camp should take at least 12 days from Lukla. This is the start and end points of treks in the Everest region.

Hire a trekking company with a good reputation and professional guides.

Don't trek alone.

Before you travel, check:

• the security situation
• route conditions
• likely weather in the area

Be ready to change your plans.

For more information on trail conditions, check the Himalayan Rescue Association.

Let family or friends know about your plans. Tell them how long your trek will take and your route.

Medical evacuation

Sometimes trekkers are pressured into taking expensive helicopter evacuations. This can happen at the first mild signs of ill health, without having had a proper medical consultation.

In such cases, insurance companies have declined to pay for the evacuation. The trekker must then pay the cost.

Some people have reported cases of dishonest trekking guides deliberately serving contaminated food or water. The aim was to make travellers sick to justify their evacuation.

Individuals who arrange helicopter evacuations sometimes falsely claim to have checked with a trekker's insurance company.

Some travellers have been encouraged to provide false or misleading information to insurance companies about an evacuation.

If you become ill while trekking, confirm if your insurance covers evacuation costs. Do this yourself, if possible, before you agree to a helicopter evacuation.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications facilities are limited and can be unreliable, especially outside major cities and towns.

Mobile phone coverage doesn't exist in many rural and remote areas.

Essential supplies

Electricity supplies can be unreliable, including in Kathmandu. Unreliability increases during winter and in the lead up to the monsoon season.

Shortages of essential supplies can happen with limited notice. Essential supplies include:

• food
• water
• fuel
• gas
• kerosene.

Shortages can affect businesses, including hotels and guesthouses.

Nepal experiences earthquakes, landslides, floods and severe weather.

Major natural disasters can lead to:

• injuries and deaths
• disruptions to transport and essential services
• damage to infrastructure
• food shortages
• health issues.

Be prepared for a major emergency. Keep an emergency kit that includes:

• first aid supplies
• water treatment tablets or stocks of bottled water.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family
• avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Earthquakes

Nepal is in an active earthquake zone. Earthquakes and tremors are common.

Landslides, floods and avalanches

Landslides and floods resulting in deaths occur regularly in Nepal. This happens especially during the monsoon season, from June to September.

Major roads and all trekking areas can be affected.

Avalanches can happen at any time of year.

Severe weather

Storms and blizzards can occur with little or no warning, especially in the Himalayas.