Check insurance for Nepal travel

Travellers to Nepal should check their travel insurance policy to ensure they are covered for travel to altitudes over 2,500 metres, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned.

This will affect most people planning to do any trekking in the country and the FCO recommends travellers take out full insurance cover for medical treatment, accidents and evacuation by helicopter.

Helicopter rescue can cost between $1,500 and $2,500 (£754 to £1,258) per flying hour.

The political situation in Nepal remains uncertain, particularly as government elections are scheduled for April 10th and fuel shortages remain a problem in the Kathmandu valley.

The FCO advises travellers to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations and warns that it is likely there will be bandhs (shutdowns) called around the time of the election.