Nepal: Travel alerts for the week of October 17, 2010

(October 17, 2010)

The fall festival season is under way with Dashain running through Friday and Tihar from Nov. 5 to 7.

The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu reported that criminal activity spikes this time of year, and travelers are urged to remain alert for pickpockets. Street harassment from intoxicated individuals is also a problem.

An additional 1,090 police officers will be on duty in the Kathmandu Valley throughout the holidays, and checkpoints have been set up to screen for weapons and explosives.