Tips on Kathmandu Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Kathmandu Warnings and Dangers

Kathmandu is the capital city of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and is situated in Himalayan hill region. As the largest metropolis in the area, there are warnings and dangers that tourists should be aware of in Kathmandu in order to stay safe.

Protests

Protests and demonstrations can range from being an inconvenience to potentially violent. You never know when one may turn nasty or when baton-wielding police will come to break it up. If you see what appears to be a demonstration forming, head the other way. Maoists in the area occasionally require a general strike. Shopkeepers who do not close their shops in time may be victimized as the protestors puncture tires and argue with locals. Many protests remain peaceful and far from dangerous, but you don’t want to be in the area when one becomes violent.

Massage Parlors

The young men working at massage centers may try to take your business, then attempt to take far more money than you expected. The local police often overlook these scams, making massage parlors a source of trouble. Also, these massage centers are often thinly disguised covers for illicit businesses, making them far more trouble to visit than they’re worth. Blackmail and money exploitation schemes can create significant trouble for travelers, particularly for those identified as wealthy. Local massage parlors will attempt to exploit such individuals for as much money as they can.

Drugs

The streets of Kathmandu can be problematic. Though drugs are common throughout the world, Kathmandu dealers can be brazen in their attempts to sell, and will make deals as openly in the daytime as they will at night. Dealers in the area will attempt to sell every kind of drug known, and can become pretty insistent. Avoiding them entirely is the best strategy. Women may want to be particularly aware of their surroundings and avoid traveling alone. Drugs placed into drinks pose a risk for anyone making their way through the city, and can create a dangerous situation for the lone visitor.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about dangers in Kathmandu.