Nepal is safe to travel. This is a factual assessment based on current conditions, crime statistics and the experience of hundreds of thousands of annual visitors. Nepal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Asia for foreign tourists: violent crime against visitors is very rare, political stability has improved significantly since the end of the decade-long civil conflict in 2006, and the travel infrastructure in both Kathmandu and the major trekking regions functions smoothly.
The 2015 earthquake: The 7.8 magnitude earthquake of April 2015 caused devastating loss of life and widespread infrastructure damage. However, by 2016 the major trekking routes had fully reopened, by 2017 most heritage monuments had been stabilised or restored, and by 2019 Nepal had recovered to record visitor numbers. The 2015 earthquake is now historical context rather than current concern for travellers. The restored Durbar Squares, rebuilt Langtang Valley teahouses and reconstructed trekking infrastructure are in excellent condition.
Current safety considerations: The genuine safety considerations for Nepal travel are altitude sickness (manageable with proper acclimatisation), road safety (private vehicle rather than public bus is always safer), trekking safety (a licensed guide and proper equipment are essential for high-altitude routes, as described in our trekking tips for beginners), and the standard precautions against petty theft in busy tourist areas. These are manageable travel risks, not reasons to avoid Nepal.
Nepal boasts many cultural heritages designated by the UNESCO, abreast are awe-inspiring natural wonders including Mount Everest. Unfortunately, after the earthquake, things are different. Seven groups of monuments and buildings in Kathmandu Valley make up the world heritage site. Take a sad look at what has gone and what stands still.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): heavily damaged, while the central stupa with the famous Buddha eyes gazing out still stands.
Boudhanath Stupa: though significant cracks developed in surrounding structures, the white-topped dome of the stupa remains standing.
Hindu temple complexes at Pashupatinath: survived and remains unharmed.
Hindu temple complexes at Changu Narayan: partially collapsed.
The nine-storey Dharahara Tower, once loomed over the Kathmandu city for 183 years and was reconstructed after Nepal's 1934 earthquake, now is in rubble.
Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and the oldest Buddhist shrine, inflicted only minimal impact.
Pokhara and Chitwan are not much affected in terms of loss. The tourism resources remain unharmed in both cities.
Reopening of World Heritage Sites
On 15 June, Nepal reopened most of its UNESCO groups of monuments and buildings in Kathmandu Valley. Travelers must wear helmets and be on a guided tour to ensure their security inside and around the buildings.
Reopening of trekking routes
Most trekking routes, including the popular Langtang route, could all be reopened by the autumn, according to local tourism experts and officials.
Most tour offices, hotels and shops have reopened throughout the Kathmandu Valley as they didn’t suffer structural damage. Communication has been back and airports have resumed operation some time ago. While security measures and tourist lanes has been adopted in the reopening sites, UNESCO raised safety concerns that travelers should reconsider unnecessary visit to or inside the affected attractions. Speaking from another perspective, Nepal needs your future visit - this country heavily relies on its tourism industry. Some danger might exist between June and August as the monsoon season looms, therefore it is advised to put back trekking itinerary until September, while Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are comparatively safe to visit throughout time.
- Why Travelling To Nepal Will Change Your Life
- Essential Information for Nepal Travellers
- 5 Things you Should know before you Travel to Nepal
- Major Attractions and Activities in Nepal
- Popular Hill Stations in Nepal
If you want to find out more about things to do, major places to visit in Nepal or need our assistance for planning your Nepal holiday, simply send us an email and we will get back to you right away.
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