Recovering from the earthquake | What's next for Nepal?

LATEST UPDATE: 14.07.15>> It’s been almost three months since an earthquake hit Nepal, affecting the lives of thousands.  In the months since, the country has gained huge support across the globe in a mission to rebuild the areas affected. Now tourism is more important than ever.

On the 3rd July 2015, the FCO’s warnings against travel to Nepal were lifted, meaning travellers are now safe to visit the country once again. So our Senior Team members Ralf and Mark visited Kathmandu and the surrounding areas to offer their support to our local partners and find out what its like to travel in the country since the earthquake.

Here’s what they had to say:

• Life in Kathmandu is slowly getting back to normal
• Almost all buildings are erect with less than 1% needing reconstruction
• Hotels are open and ready for business but there are very few travellers
• Outside of Kathmandu, there are 3 areas (out of more than 70) that have serious damage
• The Annapurna region is open and the Everest trek has re-opened
• UNESCO has removed Seven Protected Monument Zones around the Kathmandu Valley from the ‘Danger List’, which means Kathmandu is safe and has the green light for tourists to visit.

A word from our Local Partners…

During their time in Nepal, Ralf and Mark took the opportunity to chat to the locals, visit our welcoming homestay hosts and even have a dance with our local partners who are positive about Nepal’s future:

“Now that the Government’s Foreign Travel Advice has confirmed that travellers can visit Nepal once again, the Nepalese are ready to welcome them with open arms. With such positive progress being made, the country is now ready for the autumn trekking season – to welcome tourists just like good old days!”

We really believe that one of the best ways to support Nepal and its people to continue visiting this beautiful country and experiencing the warm hospitality that is so freely given. If you would like to talk to a Travel Specialist about travelling to Nepal, please contact our friendly team.

———————————————————–

Published on 17.06.15 >>When an earthquake hit Nepal on the 25th April this year, its effects were devastating throughout the country, taking the lives of thousands and reducing many ancient sites to ruins. However, with the help of generous donations across the world, the country is now beginning to rebuild. We recently raised a fantastic £400 by holding a bake sale in our offices, and many other fundraising events are happening across the UK. As more landmarks are declared open, including 5 out of 8 World Heritage Sites, travellers are now being encouraged to keep Nepal on their travel radar to help support and rebuild the Nepalese economy which relies so heavily on tourism.

Our friends over at My Holiday Nepal have put together a handy infographic to help travellers better understand how the earthquake has impacted travel throughout Nepal.

Show your support…

If you’d like to make a donation to support those affected by the Nepal earthquake, you can do so through Oxfam.