Google GRG Adventure Kayaking, Rafting, Kayaking and Canyoning Adventures in Nepal: FAQ's after the Earthquake...

Tuesday 30 June 2015

FAQ's after the Earthquake...


We have been receiving a lot of questions about all sorts of things since the earthquake. A group working on reviving tourism after the earthquake has complied this list of frequently asked questions. We hope they help!

1.       Are the ATMs working? 
YES all as normal, just ensure you have told your bank you are travelling and will be using ATMs in Nepal

2.       Is there a Cholera Outbreak? 
NO but follow all the usual precautions as previously advised

3.       Is electricity still working? 
YES but we are still subjected to the normal ‘load-shedding’ schedules. Most hotels have back up power so it shouldn't affect your trip too much.

4.       What is the drinking water situation? 
Mineral water is still available for travellers but if you want belt and braces there are many makes of water purification units around and readily available in the market

5.       Can I get from point A to point B? 
Travel is fine at the moment, the monsoon will no doubt loosen hill sides as it always does but there are many geologist groups in Nepal monitoring the situation, and will continue to do so after the monsoon. ICIMOD expect that there will be a very high risk of landslides in the 14 worst earthquake affected districts but the rest of Nepal will be at the same level of risk as pre-earthquake.

6.    Is Everest Buried? 
It is believed that Everest has sunk about a centimetre but so far no scientific surveys have been completed with published results. It’s definitely still there!

7.    Is Kathmandu flattened? 
Definitely not! Most parts of the city are working as normal. In many places you would not know there had been an earthquake - this includes the major tourism hub of Thamel

8.    Are you living above a rubble mound?
No and there are very few piles of rubble around, the majority have now been managed or are in the process of being managed and removed.

9.       Which ones are the safest hotels in Kathmandu, Nagarkot? 
Nearly all of the top end  hotels have been checked and are now open as before, certainly the high profile (not necessarily the most expensive) ones are. The majority of Thamel hotels have not yet had  government engineers surveys but they are open for business as normal. When considering a hotel choice please look for the ‘Green Sticker’, the official survey stamp that the building is safe.
http://www.drupartment.com/nepal-hotel-status  Check our portal for hotels that are open for business as normal

10.   Is Wifi free at all the hotels and restaurants?  
Those that have this service are still providing it.

11.   What about food?
Most of the favourite and popular restaurants are open for business as usual, there are no food shortages but the same travel advice applies as it always has done – use hand gel and avoid small ‘local’ back street restaurants to stay healthy. Many restaurants are closing early (9pm) but only because there is so little trade

12.   Does the phone and Internet work? 
All communication systems work as you would normally expect.

13. Is there lawless behavior and looting? 
NO!

14.   Is there a likelihood of aftershocks during my visit? 
Nepal has always had earthquakes, on average it gets over twenty per year, many under 4 magnitude so there always have been tremors. These are now happening in a very short and mostly gentle form on a regular basis however most people are not even aware of them happening.

15.   If yes, what happens if there is an aftershock during my visit- what should I do?
Initially on any visit to a new destination, do a good risk assessment, where are the safe areas and areas to avoid. Once you have done that have a plan so that all of your group react in the same way more to the same points. If you are in a building pillars and door frames are generally the safest places but obviously if you can get outside into open spaces then that is the best course of action. Regroup and take care of your own safety first.

16.   What is the situation of Pokhara, Chitwan /Nagarkot/Bhaktapur, Thamel.. is it safe to go there? 
Yes it is safe to travel to these regions and locally safety advice is available at the tourist sites and temples. Both districts were virtually untouched by the event. Hotels are open and ready to receive visitors

17.   What can I do and see around Kathmandu/Patan/Bhaktapur.... basically in Nepal after this earthquake...? 
All these areas have obviously been affected but there are many tourist sites, temples and treks that have been unaffected, these and the Durbar Squares and UNESCO sites are now open. An added attraction is to watch the craftsmen busy at work reconstructing the damaged areas.

18.   I have kids with me...is it still safe to come to Nepal? 
Yes just as long as you take into consideration the other relevant Q & A advice above

19.   Is petrol available? 
Yes all services requiring petrol are working normally

20.   Are trekking staff available or are they all working in their villages? 
Many of the trekking staff live in Kathmandu, even if they don’t reputable trekking agents will have a list of contacts in their trekking areas and all staff will welcome the opportunity to work to earn money to help improve their situation.

21.   Are hill airstrips still in good condition? 
Yes all are operating as usual subject to the normal weather conditions

22.   Are there any food shortages and can I buy supplementary trek food in Kathmandu? 
All super-markets are open and they still stock all the food stuffs as pre April 2015, there is a wide choice of trekking ‘snack’ type food available. All other food is available as before

23.   Is Kathmandu still safe or has there been an increase in the crime rate against tourists? 
Kathmandu and Nepal have always been very safe in this respect, just be sensible and follow all the usual ‘travel in foreign destination’ advice

24.    Are there still 'cheap rate' hotel rooms available or is it just the more expensive hotels that are functioning at present? 
There is  a good range of hotels open for business both in Thamel as well as in other areas in the Valley and further afield.


28.   Are the Lodges safe and operational or should I intend to use tents and camp? 
Lodge treks are available especially in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Langtang is still closed and other effected routes are getting reinstated and opened for trekkers. Advice differs for different areas seek specific advice from your trekking agent.

We hope this helps a bit when planning your trip to Nepal. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email us info@grgadventurekayaking.com

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