Please go through following news: Maoist apology for Briton's abduction in which they have assured that no American citizens, tourists or officials, except those who come in the battlefield with the Nepali army, would be caused any harm by the Maoist militia." We would like to request all Adventure tour operators to circulate this message to concerned tour operators dealing with the promotion of tourism in international field. This message will certainly help to attract international tourists to visit Nepal.

SAFE NEPAL ???

I am a volunteer from Berkeley U.S.A. I thought it would be a good idea to go for a 10 day trek between my language training and my placement in order to beat the monsoon. The first 4 days of the trek (from Nayapul to Tatopani) I was in established Maoist Territory. I found it is actually more convenient to trek in the Maoist area’s because there are no police that stop you and ask you for your trekking permit every few hours.

When I actually saw the Maoists they were quite busy and seemed uninterested in hassling me in any way. There were two of them squatting over a hand held radio on a rocky overlook. When they spotted me they gave me a little red salute and simply asked where I was coming from, where I was going, and if I was alone. Then they just let me pass. I even asked if they wanted any money, as they are known for extracting 1200RS from tourists in their areas, and they said it wasn’t necessary. When I did go past I actually went the wrong way, and they called after me and pointed me in the right direction.

Don’t believe whatever the State Department has on their website about travel in Nepal. It is perfectly safe for Americans, or any other foreigner to be here. Now I can’t wait to start my placement.

Neil Horning, USA
May-June 2005

MAOISTS DEMAND DONATION :

The tourists, trekking around the Annapurna area are undeterred by the Maoist demand for donation. The locals of the Ghorepani say that the Maoists demand donations from tourists ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1000 per head.

This extortion has however, not reduced the number of tourists visiting the area. Some 200 visitors reach Ghorepani each day. "Though the Maoists demand money from the tourists they behave with them in a very good manner. This makes the visit pleasant and comfortable". But we wish they would not continue to ask for donation. One tourist entrepreneur of Ghorepani says the rebels ask only Rs 500 from those who have less money. Nepali visitors are, so far, exempted from donation demand.

The Maoists are collecting money at the foothill on the way to Pun hill from Ghorepani and at a new bridge near Birethanti on the sector of Pokhara-Baglung road. The Maoists issue receipts to the tourists and check the receipts in the hotels where they are staying. The receipts have made it easier both for Maoists and for the tourists.

The Ghorepani area is famous for viewing sunrise and the largest rhododendron forests of the world, which attract both domestic and foreign tourists.