Nepal is a small landlocked country located in South Asia. It is renowned for its beautiful mountains, including the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest. Nepal is one of the world's most famous tourist destinations, often called a trekking destination and mountaineering venture. 

Nepal's breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage call thousands of visitors every year. Despite its natural beauty and the kind, hospitable people, there have been many concerns about the safety of people in Nepal, especially for solo travelers. 

Generally, Nepal is considered a relatively safe country to travel to. Like all the other countries, tourists in Nepal must exercise caution to guarantee their safety. However, visitors should be aware of their surroundings, follow local customs and cultural practices, and stay away from known dangerous neighborhoods or regions. 

While Nepal does not have a high level of violent crime, street crime and petty theft can occur, and visitors are recommended to secure their personal belongings in populated areas, including money, passports, and cameras. 

Criminal activity against tourists is uncommon, but it may include theft, violence, and sexual assault. Tourists must exercise caution when traveling alone at night, avoid isolated outdoor areas, and be wary of unsolicited offers for transportation or other services. 

This can conclude that Nepal is safe to travel to. Other security risks that tourists in Nepal must be aware of include natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods, especially during the monsoon season that hits the country from June to September. 

Political protests and strikes can also occur in this landlocked nation, resulting in transportation and communication difficulties and road closures. Despite relatively low serious security issues, tourists are urged to exercise caution and conduct themselves responsibly while visiting Nepal. As a friendly reminder, travelers are advised to check their government's travel advisory before undertaking a journey to any foreign country.

How safe is Nepal?

Nepal is a relatively safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate. However, visitors are advised to be vigilant and take necessary precautions such as avoiding isolated areas, not displaying valuable items, and being cautious about accepting food or drinks from strangers. 

Knowing about potential safety hazards such as natural disasters, political protests, and traffic accidents is also important. It is always advisable to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and consult local authorities or reputable travel agencies for safety information before traveling to Nepal. Trekking in Mt. Everest, the Annapurna circuit, and other Himalayan regions without any guide is strictly prohibited. 

Important Warnings and Dangers in Nepal 

Transportation Hazards

Transportation is highly risky in Nepal. You should avoid traveling to the hills or mountains by means of air or by bus. These are a hundred times riskier than any other mediums due to the cliff-top location of airports and stations. 

Overall Risks

Nepal is a safe country to travel to. Though the crime rate in Nepal is not very high and the people in Nepal are friendly, the greatest risk in Nepal lies in nature. So, you must be cautious while exploring the country. 

Pick Pocketing

It is well-known that pickpocketing and bag snatching are common criminal activities in Nepal. You must keep your belongings by your side at all times. You should try to leave all your valuables in a security deposit box of your hotel in case you are sheltering in a hotel. 

Risks of Natural Disasters

Nepal is much riskier for most of them regarding natural disasters. Floods, Landslides, Fires, Earthquakes, avalanches, windstorms, and epidemics are common in Nepal. 

Mugging Risks

There are several areas in Nepal where cases of mugging have been reported. Despite being a country with low violent crime rates, foreigners are mostly targeted for mugging.

Terrorism

Although Nepal has not yet faced any big terrorist attacks, it has always been an open border with India. These weak border controls make way for the concerns that international terrorist groups could reside in Nepal. It might be used as a transit state. 

Risks of Scams

There is the risk of getting scammed in Nepal. You can also get overcharged by most of the street vendors, taxi or bus drivers, and accommodation owners. So, you must double-check every piece of information. You can also try to negotiate in advance. 

Risks for Women Travelers

Nepal is usually safe for solo travelers. You can avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit and secluded areas. 

Note: The Nepal Tourism Board has now revised the trekking procedures in Nepal. Solo Trekkers must have a licensed trekking guide with them with a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card before going for any treks and climbing in the Himalayas of Nepal.

How Safe is Nepal?

Nepal is a secure country to visit, and its residents are renowned for their warmth and hospitality toward tourists and visitors. Despite the low crime rate, you should still be cautious while traveling to Nepal. You must remember that pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in busy areas like bus or train stations, airports, and popular visitor destinations in Kathmandu. Even though there aren't many crimes, you should still be careful, mostly while traveling at night, and vigilant after nightfall.

You must avoid trekking alone and always move at least in pairs.  As solo trekking in Nepal is now completely banned, you won't be able to trek alone. Plane or bus travel to Nepal's hills and mountains is much riskier than regular travel to any location in Western Europe or the United States. Due to its breathtaking cliff-top position, Lukla, which serves as the starting point for the Mount Everest trek, is also home to the most hazardous airport in the world.

When deciding how to approach these places, you must have extreme exercise caution. Also, when engaging in general hiking activities, you must exercise somewhat. Remember that the risk levels are even greater from June to September, the monsoon season in Nepal. 

Things to Consider before traveling to Nepal

Safety

Every year in Nepal, a small number of IED-related occurrences occur, frequently in conjunction with political occasions like election seasons. This might also cause some physical altercations between opposing political organizations. You might have heard about the several small-scale blasts in Nepal last year.

Nepal also has very common political demonstrations frequently. General strikes rarely happen, which may also affect essential services. You should avoid going to government facilities when there is political unrest. Think twice before driving a car during an attack because it might become a target. Also, avoid participating in public demonstrations because doing so would violate the terms of your visa, which may further result in your detention and deportation.

Also, you must keep in mind that pickpocketing is frequent. Thieves often target motorcycles in "snatch-and-grab" attacks and bag robberies. So, you must keep your possessions nearby. Don't take the journey alone, mostly if you are a woman, because women are more likely to be attacked. Armed robberies and attacks, including sexual assaults, have been committed against travelers. Drinks are frequently spiked before sexual assaults. Never take anything from a stranger, not food, drink, gum, or smoke. Always keep an eye on your meals and beverages.

Nepal is subject to harsh weather, landslides, floods, and earthquakes. Be ready in case of a serious emergency. Maintain an emergency kit with bottled water and first aid items.

Health

Above the altitude of 2,500m, altitude sickness is dangerous. Altitude sickness is a severe problem that may even affect physically fit individuals. Ensure your trip insurance covers medical evacuation from altitude to be safe. Seasonal haze and pollution are prevalent in some cities, including Kathmandu. If you are having trouble inhaling, you must immediately seek medical attention.

The Terai, Hilly, and Chitwan National Parks are in danger of diseases like Dengue and malaria. For these regions, think about taking anti-malarial medication. In Kathmandu as elsewhere, mosquito-borne illnesses are becoming more prevalent. These include Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever. 

Make sure your lodging is bug-free. Before you journey, get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis. The rabies virus might be widespread in some places in Nepal. Without urgent medical attention, it's fatal. Hence, stay away from canines, monkeys, and other animals. If an animal attacks or scratches you, seek immediate medical attention.

Besides these diseases, AIDS and HIV are also widespread. Reduce your chance of contracting the virus by taking action. Infectious illnesses from water, food, parasites, and other sources are also haphazardly spread. Typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis are a few of these. Drinking water should only be boiled or packaged. Keep yourself mostly away from raw or undercooked meals.

Nepal has very few medical services, particularly outside of Kathmandu. Treatment at upscale facilities in Kathmandu is pricey. You'll need medical evacuation if you're severely ill or hurt. Make sure your trip insurance covers this.

Rules and Regulations

Don't use or possess illicit substances while you are traveling. In tourist regions, you might be offered illegal drugs. Drug offenses also carry harsh punishments in Nepal, even for tiny amounts of possession. When taking pictures, make sure you exercise caution. Army barracks, checkpoints, and military people cannot be photographed. You must also avoid participating in public demonstrations because doing so would violate the terms of your visa, resulting in your detention and deportation.

Converting individuals away from their religion is prohibited in Nepal. Jail time is a form of punishment. If you're accused of attempting to convert people, you'll probably be expelled from Nepal and forbidden from returning. Same-sex relationships are permitted. The culture is traditional, though. LGBTIq travelers have reported experiencing prejudice and harassment. Dual nationality is not recognized in Nepal. Always use your authentic visa when traveling.

Travel

Like any other nation, you’ll need a visa while visiting Nepal. Visas-on-arrival is an option, but travelers must inquire about circumstances and specifics with the Nepali Embassy closest to them. Fully immunized travelers are not required to bring the pre-departure COVID-19 (PCR) screening at the time of their arrival. Upon landing, you will be required to show your vaccination record.

Nepal has lifted the COVID-19 constraints in most parts of the country. Nepal is issuing permits for trekking and mountaineering, but you should verify with your intended tour operator to see if they will operate in the spring and autumn of 2023. The Nepalese Rupee is the money used there. You can exchange foreign money at banks and exchange offices in major cities. Credit cards are accepted at upscale motels and shopping malls. 

In isolated locations, ATMs are rare. So, you should keep enough money on hand to cover your requirements. Make sure you use only licensed limos and registered taxis. Frequently, cabbies won't use meters and overpay passengers. Before you leave, you should haggle over the price with the driver. Avoid using public vehicles and buses. They are disorganized and congested. Serious mishaps frequently happen on intercity buses. On public transportation, women may experience harassment.

To wrap up 

Nepal is a very safe country to travel to. Follow the above things while traveling to different places to avoid harm and injuries. Moreover, having a guide is very important while traveling in Nepal. And to get the most out of it, you need to choose a traveling agency like Nepal Vision Treks. They offer the best traveling and trekking services not only in Nepal but also in other Asian countries. So, what are you waiting for? Go to the Nepal vision treks page, select the best trek you like, and join the adventure. 

FAQs about safety in Nepal

1. What about natural disasters in Nepal?

Due to its location, Nepal is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. It's essential to be aware of the local emergency procedures, follow any safety warnings or evacuation notices, and stay informed about weather conditions during your visit.

2.  How is the situation with crime in Nepal?

Nepal is generally considered safe in terms of violent crime. However, like any tourist destination, it's always wise to take common-sense precautions such as keeping your belongings secure, avoiding unlit areas at night, and being cautious of pickpockets or scams in crowded areas.

3. Are there any safety considerations for solo travelers or women?

Solo travelers and women can visit Nepal safely. However, it's advisable to take common-sense precautions such as staying in well-known and well-lit areas, avoiding walking alone at night, and dressing modestly to respect local customs.