Tourists and travelers to Nepal should be cognizant of the fact that upwards of twelve foreign tourists have disappeared in Nepal, while trekking alone. Consequently, trekkers and hikers are strongly discouraged from venturing out alone in this risk-rich country. Alternatively, travelers are urged to join a reputable and organized trekking party which provides safety in numbers.
One British backpacker recently vanished, sparking fears that trekkers are being attacked by locals. Zisimos Souflas, 27, disappeared in a small town popular with hikers, in a case that came to light just days after a young American woman was found decapitated. The St. Andrews University graduate was last seen at a hotel close to where climbers begin their walk to the Everest base camp.
Souflas' disappearance comes days after Belgian hiker Debbie Mavea, 23, was found murdered in the Himalayas. Her body was discovered decapitated near a hiking trail in Langtang National Park. Her camera and cash were not stolen. Hence, police have ruled out robbery.
University of Colorado student Aubrey Caroline Sacco disappeared in the Himalayas two years ago, but has never been found. Gareth Koch, 24, vanished in 2004 while Julian Wynne, 33, failed to return from a hiking trip four years ago. Alex Ratnasothy, 24, was never found after a robbery as he was on his way to the town of Namche Bazaar in 2003. Lena Sessions, 23, an American, was hiking alone in Langtang in December 2011, when a knife-wielding man threatened to rape and kill her but she was able to escape.
COMMENT: As I have said in all too many previous postings, traveling alone in today's world can bring with it considerable personal risk, particularly considering that few foreign tourists take the time to study, assess and heed the lessons-learned from other travelers who have been victimized while abroad. Additionally, many young travelers simply do not have sufficient experience in high-risk areas to avoid foul play.
Several Western embassies in Nepal have urged their citizens to not trek and travel alone, yet many tourists continue to do so as if they had traveled back in time to the 1960s when the world was much safer and conducive to solo traveling.
One British backpacker recently vanished, sparking fears that trekkers are being attacked by locals. Zisimos Souflas, 27, disappeared in a small town popular with hikers, in a case that came to light just days after a young American woman was found decapitated. The St. Andrews University graduate was last seen at a hotel close to where climbers begin their walk to the Everest base camp.
Souflas' disappearance comes days after Belgian hiker Debbie Mavea, 23, was found murdered in the Himalayas. Her body was discovered decapitated near a hiking trail in Langtang National Park. Her camera and cash were not stolen. Hence, police have ruled out robbery.
University of Colorado student Aubrey Caroline Sacco disappeared in the Himalayas two years ago, but has never been found. Gareth Koch, 24, vanished in 2004 while Julian Wynne, 33, failed to return from a hiking trip four years ago. Alex Ratnasothy, 24, was never found after a robbery as he was on his way to the town of Namche Bazaar in 2003. Lena Sessions, 23, an American, was hiking alone in Langtang in December 2011, when a knife-wielding man threatened to rape and kill her but she was able to escape.
COMMENT: As I have said in all too many previous postings, traveling alone in today's world can bring with it considerable personal risk, particularly considering that few foreign tourists take the time to study, assess and heed the lessons-learned from other travelers who have been victimized while abroad. Additionally, many young travelers simply do not have sufficient experience in high-risk areas to avoid foul play.
Several Western embassies in Nepal have urged their citizens to not trek and travel alone, yet many tourists continue to do so as if they had traveled back in time to the 1960s when the world was much safer and conducive to solo traveling.
