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RECENT TRENDS |
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The past decade has brought great upheaval to Nepal, and there's
probably more still to come. The country's political system, economic
development and mercurial relationship with India all seem to be in a
worrying state of flux.
But while political instability is unlikely to have much of a direct
effect on your plans, other changes inevitably will. No guidebook can
reliably predict quite how things will be by the time you get to Nepal,
but the following recent trends give an idea of what's in store:
" Maoist rebels are waging a guerrilla war against the government from
their bases in remote hill areas. At the time of writing no incidents
have involved tourists, and the rebels have stated publicly that they
have no quarrel with foreigners, but seek the latest advice as you plan
your trip.
" New road-building is moving trailheads further into the hinterland,
making some treks shorter and the transport to them longer. This year's
great trek or bike ride is next year's dirt road, and the following
year's paved road (and a few years later, it may be a trail again).
" Tourist bus services are proliferating, making travel to certain
places easier, but also turning those places into tourist traps.
" Nepal is getting more and more packaged : for no good reason other
than heavy marketing, organized tours, treks and safaris have become
common, even for budget travellers.
" The growth of budget tourist ghettos has been a major theme of the
past decade. The commercialization is really dismaying in some areas,
leading many returning travellers to complain that Nepal is "ruined".
It's not, but parts of it are, so avoid them.
" Fortunately, a Nepali cultural revival seems to be emerging, as
Nepalis discover that they need not toss out traditional ways to cater
to foreigners. Thus travellers dissatisfied with pseudo-Western food and
facilities now have a growing range of good, indigenous alternatives to
choose from.
" Rural electrification is proceeding steadily, bringing not only lights
but also videos, cable TV, email and a whole lot more contact with the
outside world.
" Rip-offs and theft are on the rise, owing to an influx of Indian
immigrants, high unemployment and weak law enforcement. Nepal is still
one of the mellowest and safest countries in the world, but it's no
longer the hassle-free paradise it once was.
" Prices have historically risen faster than average in the tourist
areas, though oversupply is beginning to reverse this trend. Off the
beaten track, prices if anything tend to decline in real terms.
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