Travellers can return to Nepal

The UK Foreign Office (FCO) is no longer advising travellers to avoid Nepal following the end of elections in the country.

Last month, officials advised against "all but essential travel" to Nepal amid concern about the possibility of "severe civil unrest" in the run up to the country's elections on February 8th.

The advice meant tour operators were unable to take groups of tourists to Nepal, which is a popular destination for adventure holidays and treks with Mount Everest numbering among its attractions.

But they have now downgraded this to "exercise extreme caution" while travelling in Nepal.

The FCO says there is still the possibility of violence and disturbances with planned blockades in Kathmandu from March 14th onwards, and an indefinite nationwide Bandh (shutdown) from April 3rd onwards.

There is also a continuing risk of Maoist violence following the end of their unilateral ceasefire on January 2nd 2006.

"The political situation in Nepal remains tense and unpredictable following the end of the Maoist ceasefire and elections, which took place on February 8th 2006," the FCO says in its revised travel advice summary.

It adds: "Bandhs and political demonstrations can flare up quickly and with little warning and may turn violent, as they did several times in 2005, and in February 2006. You are strongly advised to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people."

Mobile phone networks are only partially operating in the country, and pre-paid mobile phone services are still disrupted.

To read the Foreign Office's travel advice for Nepal in full go to: www.fco.gov.uk