Tourists are cautioned to obtain a trekking permit from the Central Immigration Office, to avoid trekking alone, to be alert for signs of altitude sickness, and to obtain a meningococcal meningitis vaccination if trekking outside the Kathmandu Valley. Those wishing to climb the high peaks should write for permission to the Ministry of Tourism, to the attention of the mountaineering division, well in advance of planned expeditions. Travelers should note that there are no forms of international communication in rural areas. In the event of an emergency, the U.S. Embassy may assist Americans in contacting family and friends. Americans planning to travel from Nepal to Tibet should be aware that Chinese authorities strictly regulate such trips.
Additional information is contained in the Consular Information Sheet on China.
Travelers can also contact the U.S. embassy in Kathmandu for current information on the status of border crossing points. In March 1995, a shuttle carrying employees of the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi was attacked by unknown assailants. Two American employees were killed. However, all travelers are urged to exercise prudent security precautions. Sectarian and factional violence has increased in Pakistan.