The Change in Nepal...

I have been hearing of recent that Nepal has been through some real changes. There was a time, not long past, when the the streets of Kathmandu, in Thamil centre, were a buzz with travellers from all over the world and alongside them, the Nepali were thriving off the spoils of mass tourism.

Groups would gather in the bars and restaurants to discuss coming adventures or to reminise journeys made. Climbers and mountaineers would wander, peering through every door longingly, stalking the streets, claiming a quiet distain for the hubub that the city would generate. Backpackers were taking time out from the hardships of neighbouring India to enjoy the colour and hospitalty that Nepal so casually laid before them.

Kathmandu has had some great glory days, however there was always a side or untouchable reality for the Nepalese that is hard for most of us tourists to realise. After the royal family massacre, the proud Nepal of old was gone forever. The instabilty and distrust by the people for their King, whom many believed was responsible for the killings, was only felt by us, but never clearly understood.

What happened allowed the minorities and the extremists to call to action and no more so than the Moaists. They found an unspoken and secretive support with the young and many of the poor from the countryside. Eventually after many years of badgering and enforced ‘tourist tax’ they we heard by the parliament and they won a voice and places of power.

With this new responsibility came a new power that was inexperienced and often way out of its depth. The repercusions have been severe. There have been power shortages and curfews. The efficiency and social fabric was torn as road blockades seperated people and families and the feeling of watch thy neighbour was becoming apparent even to the tourists, there were riots on the streets and embassies were advising to stay away for a short time. However, the charms and the draw of the mightiest mountains in the world did still prevail and we travellers: trekkers, mountain bikers and culture vultures did still continue to visit this incredible and wonderful country.

Nepal has found its way through, but it has felt the scars of change and it carrys them to the future as it looks ahead. The tour operators like Direct Adventures are in Nepal with clients and tourists; Everest has still drawn hundreds to its lofty heights and tourists are hearing more and more of Nepals wonders. It is truly magnificent country that like all great countries carries its history close while it looks forward to the good time round the next corner.