Nepal Travel Information Guide: Politics · Safety · Health · Travel Information Summary
Nepal is a country beloved by travelers worldwide for its stunning natural landscapes beneath the Himalayas and renowned trekking destinations.
However, significant practical risks also exist, including earthquakes, monsoons, altitude sickness, and political protests. This article provides a comprehensive overview of essential political, security, medical, cultural, and emergency contact information every Nepal traveler must know.
1. Country Overview
- Nepal is a mountainous country with high risks of climate and natural disasters
- During the monsoon season (June to September), risks of rain, floods, and landslides increase significantly, frequently causing road damage and flight delays. (A case with many casualties was also reported in October 2025)
- Nepal sits atop an active seismic belt, and the possibility of a major earthquake cannot be ignored.
- Trekking is a core tourism activity, but some areas are restricted or permit-only. Communication is particularly poor in remote and high-altitude regions.
- While the overall crime level is not severe, opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching frequently occur in tourist areas.
2. Key Risk Factors
Political Risk
- A coalition government has been formed since the 2022 general election, with some political uncertainty persisting.
- Protests or demonstrations can occur without warning, and police crackdowns may become violent.
- The FCDO, US, and others have issued warnings for Nepal advising “Exercise Increased Caution” due to the possibility of some political violence.
Terrorism
- While the threat of organized terrorism within Nepal is currently low, some radical groups (e.g., CPN (Maoist) factions) have a history of bomb attacks.
- Open borders mean elements crossing from neighboring countries cannot be ruled out.
Crime
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and snap-and-grab are common in downtown areas of major cities, tourist sites, and around bus/train stations and airports.
- Danger increases especially at night on outlying roads or in dark alleys.
- Be cautious with drinks, as intoxication can lead to dangerous situations.
- In trekking areas, inexperienced individuals using unlicensed guides may be lured into accidents through rapid altitude gain, etc., potentially leading to scams involving expensive helicopter evacuations.
Civil Unrest
- Protests and strikes occasionally occur in the capital Kathmandu and major cities.
- Protests can lead to traffic paralysis, road blockades, and clashes between police and protesters.
- Recently, protests against social media regulations have intensified, showing signs of escalating into confrontations.
3. Medical & Health Information
Medical Infrastructure
- International clinics and hospitals exist in major cities like Kathmandu, but costs are high.
- Medical facilities in outlying or mountainous areas are very poor or non-existent. Consider the possibility of helicopter evacuation in emergencies.
- A recent incident in July 2024 involved a bus falling into a river due to a landslide, resulting in many fatalities (Madan Ashrit Highway incident).
Disease Risks & Vaccinations
- Malaria risk exists in low-altitude areas like the Terai region.
- Cholera and waterborne diseases have also been reported in some areas.
- High risk of altitude sickness during trekking in high-altitude regions; be cautious of sudden altitude changes.
- Severe air pollution: Kathmandu's poor air quality may cause respiratory illnesses.
Hygiene Guidelines
- Always boil water or use bottled water
- Carefully check hygiene conditions when eating street food
- Wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and disinfect wounds carefully
4. Travel-Related Culture & Regulations
- Some ancient temples and sacred sites have dress codes → Clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended
- Protection of LGBTQ+ rights is weak, and social attitudes tend to be conservative
- Reports of corruption related to visa issuance (bribes to airport immigration officers or brokers)
- Remove shoes and observe etiquette at temples and similar sites
- Understanding and respecting local traditions and customs is essential
5. Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Numbers: Police / Ambulance / Fire Department shared number 100 or 102 (may vary by region)
- For non-emergency police inquiries, contact local numbers or through hotel reception
📌 Final Summary
✅ Politics: Coalition government unstable, protests/demonstrations possible
✅ Terrorism: Low threat of organized terrorism, but some radical activity possible
✅ Crime: Pickpocketing/bag snatching frequent, nighttime/outskirts dangerous
✅ Medical: Peripheral medical infrastructure weak; consider helicopter evacuation
✅ Vaccinations: Malaria risk areas exist; basic vaccinations recommended
✅ Hygiene: Use bottled water; maintain strict hand hygiene
✅ Culture/Laws: Observe dress codes and etiquette; beware of visa bribery
✅ Emergency Contacts: Police/Ambulance/Fire 100 / 102, etc. – verify locally
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