Nepal treks “inoperable”: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has pulled the pin on imminent departures to Nepal and Tibet following extensive infrastructure damage in Kathmandu and the Everest region.

The trips cancelled were set to depart over the next 2 weeks include Everest Circuit and Cho La, departing 29 April, Lhasa to Kathmandu Cycle, departing 3 May, Everest base camp and Kala Pattar, departing 3 May, Api Himal Exploratory with Tim Macartney-Snape, departing 3 May, The Kingdom of Mustang, departing 8 May and High Road to Lhasa, departing 10 May.

The company said after Saturday’s earthquake, the unreliability of internal aviation and potential damage to trails and villages in regional areas has rendered the treks inoperable.

“World Expeditions continues to update its website and facebook page daily and is regular communicating with many clients about changed and cancelled travel arrangements,” the company said in a statement released today.

Ceo Sue Badyari said there could be potentially other trips cancelled and would be advised in coming days after safety assessments are completed.

“We regret last minute changes to our clients’ travel plans but we cannot operate trips unless clients’ safety is assured,” she said.

“Our permanent campsites in the Everest region have been extensively damaged and repairs will take time.”

“There is damage to roads also and power is still not back to normal.”

“Almost all scheduled flights out of Lukla have been cancelled and there is a backlog of trekkers waiting to get to Kathmandu.”

“There are insufficient pilots and crew and we are doing all we can to get our clients on flights, although those with medical needs are naturally being taken first,” she said.

Badyari has not ruled out the possibility of contingencies and alternative travel to Lukla in coming days if the situation has not improved, and post trek extensions are being handled on a case-by-case basis locally.

World Expeditions have lent out its extensive store of tents, sleeping bags and other equipment to Kathmandu staff who have lost their homes in the quake.

Earlier this week all trekking areas in Tibet have been closed and trekkers at Everest Base Camp were ordered to leave.

The company stated all departures to Bhutan and India remain as scheduled.

The death toll continues to rise following Saturday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

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