Nepal is one of the safest places in the world. Violent crimes are very rare,
and the only real concern to a traveler is petty theft. However, if you take
basic common sense precaution, there is nothing to fear. Don't bring valuable
things with you unless necessary for your trip. Keep your money and other
valuables in a money belt or pouch strapped around your waist. Lock your bags
and luggage.
Not really. You will be fine in most well trafficked area. But if you will be
trekking particularly in remote areas and during times of the year when there
are fewer travelers (June-September), it is generally advisable to team up
--especially if you are a woman-- with others even though cases of trouble are
few. Teaming up not only deters potential trouble-makers, of which there are not
many, but also will be of help in case of any other emergency. You can easily
find welcoming fellow tourists along popular trekking routes or in Kathmandu and
Pokhara.
Report it immediately to the police. They are normally at least comforting if
not helpful. If you need a police report for insurance purposes, you have to go
to the Interpol Section of Nepal Police located at Naxal. Dress smartly and be
very polite, you will come out much ahead than otherwise.
Yes, two. First, smuggling --particularly of drugs and gold-- into Nepal can run
you into serious legal trouble. Second, proselytizing is against the law and is
punishable by years in prison. Preaching of Christian religion by organized
missionary groups has become quite widespread recently, but it is safest to keep
your religion to yourself. There have been cases of unsuspecting tourists being
jailed for distributing religious materials to locals.
Yes, especially in the form of staring and catcalling on the streets. But the
problem does not even come close to what you will face in India and other parts
of Asia. Just mind your own business, the harassers rarely do anything more.
Accosting them only creates more trouble you would rather avoid. Many trekking
guides and tourism business related locals, however, have had enough liaison
with foreign women to make "moves" on you. If you are not interested,
a firm but gentle disapproval will solve the problem.
As in any poor country with enough "rich" foreigners, Nepal has its
share of street beggars and middle-men touts trying to sell you everything from
information to drugs. There is no need to be intimidated by them. If you are not
interested, mind your own business or tell them to leave you alone. They will.
