Posted: Feb 28, 2006 10:57 am EST
(MountEverest.net) Rumors are spreading on a possible Maoist bandh (general strike) and further protests by opposition parties in Nepal during the spring Himalayan climbing season. “Maoists have announced plans for a one-week blockade of the capital Kathmandu and other major cities from March 14 and have called for an indefinite general strike from April 3,” wrote the Gulf Times.

Although the news has not been confirmed by major media sources, climbers heading for Nepal in the upcoming weeks are voicing concerns to ExplorersWeb. “I wonder if I should change my plane tickets,” wrote Swede Tomas Olsson, planning to Ski down Everest’s North face this spring. “Shall I inform my consulate?” asked Spaniard José Andrés Blanco.

Looking back to 2005

Major problem is, the situation in Nepal may change from one day to the next. All we can do now assume a repeat of last year's events. When Maoists called for a bandh during the 2005 climbing season, many shops and restaurants in the captial were closed, the Nepal army patrolled the streets and a curfew was enforced.

“This may cause an inconvenience for climbers,” comments Jamie McGuinness – a regular Himalayan climber and resident in Kathmandu. “But it is not life-threatening. There is no shooting on the streets or anything of the kind. Hotel restaurants will surely be opened, as well as some other places in Thamel – perhaps with the layers down for safety.”

Dealing with blockades

Another inconvenience might be road-blocks, which can turn a short drive out from Kathmandu into a several days-long nightmare. Climbers should expect delays if they plan to move by car. If this is the case, it is essential they travel in convoys, and in vehicles clearly identified as tourist transport. Russian Alex Abramov and one of his guides were hit by a bomb last year on their way to the Tibetan frontier. The car they were driving had no identification.

Consider taking a plane

Other options climbers might consider is flying from Kathmandu to other towns such as Pokhara (for those climbing on Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu), Lukla (for those heading for Everest and the Khumbu valley mountains), or Taplejung (for Kangchenjunga expeditions). Expeditions attempting Everest from Tibet might consider flying to Lhasa. Airports worked during last year’s Bandh, although with delays and overbooked flights.

Make your whereabouts known

Foreign visitors to Nepal are being strongly urged to inform their consulates about their travel plans in the country, as well as their expected date of arrival back in KTM.

Finally, as we always advise, ask your local outfitter and follow their instructions – they are perfectly aware of the situation and will suggest the safest option in each case.

Surely Nepal is not the best place right now for totally independent travelers. Those going on their own should stick to the most visited places and treks, and avoid isolated spots. There have been several cases of foreigners attacked by bandits in areas off the beaten path.

Country in crisis

Meanwhile, the situation in Nepal is far from calm. At least 14 people were injured, three of them seriously, when the Maoists detonated a powerful bomb at a busy market place in Pokhara Monday afternoon, reported Kantipuronline. The US Ambassador in Kathmandu, James F. Moriarty, has renewed his warning that Nepal is in danger of collapse if the Palace and the political parties do not cooperate, according to NepalNews.

The Maoists, who have been waging an armed rebellion against the Nepalese government since 1996, announced a unilateral ceasefire in September 2005.

Supposedly, Maoists wouldn’t attack politicians or civilians; Kathmandu would be free of strikes and road blocks. However, Prachanda warned that the Maoists would continue to defend their positions in rural areas. As a result, clashes between army troops and rebels continue in villages – and foreigners are still forced to pay a ‘revolutionary tax’ when entering Maoist-controlled areas - which include virtually all the valleys except for the Khumbu. King Gyanendra, holding absolute power since February 1, 2005, refused to hold peace talks with the Moaists as they had offered. Thus the cease-fire ended.

Since the return of hostilities, fierce clashes have taken place in highly populated areas, OCHCR said. Both sides have used public buildings and schools, putting the lives of civilians in danger.

The inner conflict in Nepal has taken about 13,000 lives. One of the poorest countries in the world, Nepal's economic crisis continues to deepen. More and more empowered Nepalese are fleeing the country and looking for safe haven and work abroad.

The question is, if Nepal is headed for the same destiny as Tibet -only in a different version. The prosperous Khumbu Valley is one of the few districts that has still managed to stave of the Maoists. If they gain control of the country, Communist rule often involves land reforms - i.e. "confiscation" of private property. Should that happen, climbers and trekkers will face entirely different tea houses in the picturesque Sherpa valleys of Nepal.

 EMAIL   PRINT   SHARE   TEXT