Hi there,

as I am just travelling through Nepal, I would like to inform other travellers about some special issues in Nepal at the moment.

Petrol:
As there is a Fuel shortage in Nepal, caused by an "low governmental budget", it is not easy to get any Petrol in the whole country.
Petrol is availible at certain Fuelpumps at certain times only. The situation is worse in Kathmandu, as long ques are to be found on those stations a few houres before the Petrol arrives. I was able to get the tank full and 30lt spare by one Fuelpump outside of Katmandu insitingly asking for it... So don't give up asking easily, as they have mostly few literers stored in containers...
Outside Katmandu, about 20% of the stations I asked had fuel availible...
Again, it is possible to get fuel - just plan well ahead and use every opportunity to fill up.

Strike:
There were lots of occasions, where the roads were blocked for traffic by strikers (Differnet reasons each time). There are mostly burning tires used to block the road, along with big rocks or busses used to shut the road. So far I was always able to get through as a forigner, just drive slow, keep on smiling and ask nicely for permission to get through. There is mostely Police around, so it was so far never dangerous - but definately unusual as a nonNepalese...

Still, Nepal is just great to travel in with the bike and to spend time there. I will come back for sure soon to some trekking here.

rgs, Tom Welcome to TomsRide.net

Monday 27th Apr 2009
Motorbikes and vehicles queue up to refill petrol at the Nepal Army-run pump at Bhadrakali in front of Singhadurbar in Kathmandu on Sunday. There is shortage of petroleum products in the capital as the indefinite Tarai banda called by the Tharuhat Joint Struggle Committee has affected the supply

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Poul
May you enjoy peace and good health !