Pick pocketing and bag snatching are common in Nepal, particularly in airports and on buses. Take particular care in the areas of Thamel, Sanepa and Kupondol in Kathmandu and be mindful that your valuables are not on show. Always use your hotel safe.

Air travel is sometimes unavoidable in Nepal. Check the weather conditions before travelling - bad weather conditions in mountainous and hill regions could increase the risk to your safety and cause lengthy delays.

The general standard of driving throughout Nepal is poor and badly regulated. Roads are very congested, drivers are not properly licensed, and vehicles are poorly maintained. There are few pavements outside central Kathmandu, but pedestrian right of way doesn’t exist, so exercise extreme caution, avoid travelling at night and don’t get on a bus if you think it’s overcrowded.

Trekking in Nepal often involves treks to very remote areas. Always use a reputable trek provider, don’t veer off established routes and walk in groups – never allow your kids to wander off on their own even if it is ‘just for a minute.’

Keep an eye on the local press to find out about impending strikes, demonstrations and curfews. Don't ever break curfews as the green light has been given for those who do to be shot.

Be wary of deals offered by gem dealers in the city that involve you buying stones to sell for a ‘vast profit’ at home. There are no gems and there is no profit – you’d be surprised how many have fallen for this unlikely rouse.

Kids attract kids - other scams include young kids asking for milk, which you then buy for a hugely inflated price and the kid then returns pocketing the mark-up. Cheeky.