CURRENT UPDATES
Kenya Travel Update - 26 June 2025
World Expeditions is currently monitoring developments due to the recent demonstrations in Nairobi. The current unrest is concentrated in specific areas of central Nairobi, particularly near government buildings such as State House and Parliament. These are not areas we travel through or operate in as part of our itineraries. Protests, demonstrations and strikes are common in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi. Our adventures in Kenya are designed to take you far beyond the capital, into the peaceful national parks, rural conservancies, and remote cultural heartlands where the rhythm of life continues as normal. Our local teams on the ground remain in close contact with community partners, guides, and relevant authorities, and are providing regular updates to ensure our operations run smoothly. Currently the events in Kenya bear no impact on any of our itineraries, there are no changes to travel advisories and all trips are operating as normal. Please do not hesitate to contact World Expeditions or your travel agent with any questions regarding forthcoming travel; we are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.
Central Asia update - 23 June 2025
Following the recent events involving Israel and Iran, we remain in close contact with our local teams across Central Asia (including Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan) as well as relevant industry partners.
Importantly, the Australian, UK, NZ, Canadian and U.S. governments have not updated travel advice for any of these destinations. These countries remain open and welcoming to visitors, and our trips are continuing to operate as scheduled. Local reports describe calm conditions, with daily life and tourism activity proceeding as normal.
While there may be some airspace rerouting across the broader Central Asia and Middle East regions, this is standard procedure. Airlines are not flying over airspace currently affected by military activity and are highly experienced in adjusting flight paths to ensure traveller safety. As a result, your flights may be adjusted even if your destination is not directly impacted, and your airline or booking agent will advise you of any relevant changes.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely. The safety of our travellers is always our top priority and will never be compromised. Should there be any changes to itineraries or logistics, we will provide timely updates.
If you have any questions about your upcoming travel, please don’t hesitate to contact World Expeditions or your travel agent. Our local teams are ready to welcome you, and we look forward to helping you experience the rich culture, history and landscapes of Central Asia.
Jordan - 16 June 2025
In light of the recent events in Israel and Iran, we are in constant contact with our team on the ground, industry stakeholders and monitoring travel advices along with local intel. We are closely monitoring all travel advisories and we continue to assess the situation on the ground and will provide timely updates should any itinerary adjustments become necessary.
Jordan remains a beacon of stability in the region, with peace treaties with all its neighbours. While close geographically, Jordan is separate from Israel and Iran’s current situation and continues to be safe for travellers. We have been further reassured by the Jordan Tourism Board of the continuing pride in the country of its commitment to ensuring the safety and well being of all visitors. Jordan continues to remain stable and open to tourists as has been the case for past regional conflicts. The warmth and hospitality of the Jordanian people await its visitors. Our trips in Jordan are operational with accounts from our local teams of calm with life proceeding as normal, unaffected by these events. We will continue to monitor the situation in the region more widely and always, the safety of our travellers is foremost in our planning and will not be compromised. Please do not hesitate to contact World Expeditions or your travel agent with any questions regarding forthcoming travel, we are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.
Pakistan and India – 8 May 2025
We would like to provide a further update for World Expeditions travellers currently booked on trips to India and Pakistan, as well as those considering travel to the region. Indian airstrikes occurred in recent days in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in response to an attack which occurred in Indian-administered Kashmir. The international community is calling for calm and the responses are considered by both countries.
We do not travel to Jammu and Kashmir and government travel advisories for the areas we visit remain unchanged. Following a thorough review of current conditions, drawing on updates from our local ground operators, government advice and regional experts, our trips in Pakistan and the Indian Himalaya are operational and we continue to closely monitor the situation closely. As always, the safety of our travellers is our highest priority and will not be compromised. Our experienced and dedicated team remain on hand to assist.
Ladakh Update following Jammu and Kashmir Events – 2 May 2025
An update for World Expeditions travellers currently booked on trips to Ladakh. Recent events in Jammu and Kashmir have had no impact on Ladakh. This has consistently been the case since the outbreak of political uncertainty in 1990. Ladakh has been administered as a separate Union Territory since 2019 and is not subject to the same conditions or advisories as Jammu and Kashmir. Government travel advisories for Ladakh remain unchanged. Authorities in the UK, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia have not heightened current travel advisories for Ladakh.
Following a thorough review of current conditions—drawing on updates from our local ground operators and regional experts our 2025 trips to Ladakh remain fully operational. All itineraries fly directly into Leh, avoiding travel through Jammu and Kashmir. Our commitment to supporting Ladakh’s vital tourism economy remains strong, and we continue to monitor the situation closely. As always, the safety of our travellers is our highest priority and will not be compromised.
TIBET EARTHQUAKE – 7 January 2025
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake has struck Tingri county in the Tibet Autonomous Region, 380km from Lhasa, close to the border with Nepal. Sadly, there are reports of many fatalities with aid and relief efforts being mobilised. All World Expeditions travellers and staff are safe and outside the area impacted. There is no damage to infrastructure in the Solukhumbu on the Nepalese side of the border and all our trips in the field are operating as planned with no amendments necessary. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event.
NEPAL'S EVEREST REGION UPDATE – 09 October 2024
Due to the Desai Festival, the road works between Ramechap and Kathmandu (which were a result of the heavy rains from 28-29 September), have been delayed, leading to the government’s announcement that the direct road is currently closed until work can resume. The authorities have declared a deviation road, via Cherikot, resulting in a journey that will now take between 8-10 hours.
We are assured that the deviation would not have been recommended if it was not suitable, or safe, for vehicular traffic. It should be noted that some sections of the route may have steep drop offs, which could be unnerving for some travellers. We want to reassure any upcoming travellers to the region, that we will have experienced drivers managing this journey for your group.
Officially, there are no direct flights between Lukla and Kathmandu, or return, at this time. Our priority however will be to try and fly our groups directly between Kathmandu from Lukla if we can, but this is unlikely, though we have managed to get a couple of our groups on direct flights last week. Ramechap has been declared the designated airport for flights to Lukla and return (as opposed to directly from Kathmandu) due to the high level of air traffic congestion into and out of Kathmandu with its one runway, and the logistics of managing domestic and international flights. If we can fly directly, there is no additional charge for the flight.
There are other options in the likely event that direct flights are not possible.
1. Fly to Ramechap and take the Alternative Road to Kathmandu and vice versa: The road deviation option involves a longer travel time of around 10 hours following the flight from Lukla to Rachechap. We will ensure that you are well-supported throughout the journey.
2. Helicopter Transfer: Another option may be for the group to consider a helicopter transfer. For a more direct route, and for approximately US$500-US550 per person, this pricing is based on 5 persons maximum per trip.
It is now anticipated that the road between Kathmandu and Ramechap will reopen by 20 October, so the above may be valid for any travellers between now and that time.
We want to ensure that you have the most convenient and enjoyable experience possible, despite these unforeseen circumstances.
NEPAL UPDATE – 03 October 2024
Since the heavy rains in Nepal last weekend, most of the country is operating normally.
We continue to advise that all our travellers who are trekking in the mountains are accounted for and are safe, as are our trekking crews, office teams and staff in country. We have not had to cancel any of our future departures.
The road works between Kathmandu and Ramechap, where there is landslip activity, has been on going. For travellers to the Everest region, where we would normally drive between Kathmandu and Ramechap to take an onward flight to Lukla, (or conversely returning from the Everest region), we are currently flying our guests from Kathmandu to Ramechap with a connecting flight to Lukla. However, wherever possible, we are organising for our passengers to fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa at this time.
Damage to a bridge for our treks into the Kanchenjunga region has meant some rescheduling, but, at this stage, the impacts of those changes are minimal.
There are some other roads around the country with land slide activity. We are advised that these are being attended to.
The weather over the last week has been conducive to all treks continuing with minimal disruption.
As always, good visibility for flights to airstrips such as Paphlu, Lukla and Jomsom is required and there can be delays while awaiting favourable weather windows.
The weather forecasts for coming days should see all treks continue as planned, yet, if contingency itineraries are needed, those adjustments will be put into place.
For travellers due to arrive in Nepal in the coming days, we expect all treks to proceed as planned, with traveller safety being our priority.
NEPAL UPDATE - 29 SEPTEMBER 2024
In the last 48 hours in Nepal, heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding and in some areas, landslides.
We wish to advise that all of our travellers who are trekking in the mountains or in Kathmandu, are accounted for and are safe, as are our trekking crews, office teams and staff in country.
There was disruption to flights both domestically and internationally on Saturday 28th of September.
Today, the weather has been clearing and we are advised that scheduled flights are resuming and that electricity and telecommunications across the country are operational. There has been some evidence of landslip on one area of the road between Kathmandu and Ramechhap, from where our scheduled flights to Lukla and return occur, and that machinery and workman have been deployed to clear the same, which is expected to be complete today.
The weather forecasts for coming days are such that improved weather conditions should see all treks continue as planned, yet, if contingency itineraries are needed after on going assessment, those adjustments will be put into place.
For travellers due to arrive in Nepal in the coming days, we expect all treks to proceed as planned, with traveller safety being our priority.
BOLIVIA UPDATE - 26 JULY 2024
World Expeditions is monitoring developments due to the potential of political protests occurring in Bolivia, specifically in Oruro, spurred by continued diesel shortages. Currently, events in Bolivia bear no impact on any of our itineraries operated in the country as the protests are not focused on areas that are frequented by travellers. All trips are operating as normal. Please do not hesitate to contact World Expeditions or your travel agent with any questions regarding forthcoming travel; we are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.
NEPAL UPDATE - 24 JULY 2024
World Expeditions is deeply saddened by news of the fatal aircraft accident on 24 July 2024 between Kathmandu and Pokhara, the cause of which is still being determined.
There were no World Expeditions travellers or staff on board the aircraft. Short plane journeys are a regular mode of transport in Nepal and are widely used to access trekking areas. With a country still largely without road connections to many remote regions, together with the topography and unpredictable weather patterns, Nepal’s aviation industry is like no other.
In 2022, airports in Nepal serviced 250,000 flights. Domestically, 4.15 million travellers flew safely to one of more than 30 airports, in all corners of the country during 2023. There are currently nine airlines operating domestically and the Nepalese Government, Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) and UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) continue to undertake a multilateral effort to improve aviation standards broadly. Adventure Travel in the Himalaya does involve certain risks and flying is one of them.
Naturally, we can never give any guarantees but our alignment with airlines demonstrating a sound track record and aviation compliance is paramount. World Expeditions have been operating in Nepal for 40 years and in this time, we have not had any passengers or staff involved in any airline accidents.
We plan to continue using the domestic airline industry for our range of treks and tours throughout the Himalaya and we welcome you to contact us should you have any questions in relation to your forthcoming journey.
KYRGYZSTAN - 5 JULY 2024
In recent weeks, heavy rainfall has been affecting various areas of the country. Due to these heavy rains, five provinces, Osh, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Batken, and Talas have been affected by severe floods and aid efforts are ongoing. No adventures with World Expeditions are currently impacted by this situation however we and our local teams are continuing to monitor the situation to ensure the safety and security of our passengers. Current travel advice for travellers has not been amended, links to the relevant travel advisories page are available at the top of this page. All trips are operational and no changes to forthcoming itineraries are required.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA (PNG) – 17 JANUARY 2024
On 12 January, a 14-day State of Emergency was declared for Port Moresby due to civil disorder, violence and looting that broke out in Port Moresby on 10 January and spread to other parts of PNG. Local authorities advise to avoid areas where protests and civil unrest occur and be alert to personal safety risks and monitor the local media for updates. We do not have any travellers in PNG currently with the first travellers due on 17 April to trek the Kokoda Track. Our trips spend limited time in Port Moresby and travellers are personally escorted & transferred directly between the hotel & airport, and to/from the Kokoda Track start/finish. We advise trekkers due to travel to Port Moresby to remain in the hotel and not wander around Port Moresby. Our Kokoda trips remain operational. We will continue to monitor the situation and always, the safety of our travellers is foremost in our planning and will not be compromised.
ECUADOR – 17 JANUARY 2024
The Government of Ecuador has declared a temporary nationwide State of Emergency as a precautionary measure to address challenges posed by organised groups in certain isolated regions. This allows for heightened security measures to manage crises, so visitors can expect more military and police near key sites, including airports and bus terminals. A nightly curfew is in place from 11pm to 5am, exempt for airport travel. The vast majority of Ecuador, including popular tourist destinations, remains peaceful. Tourists are not considered targets in the current situation. A sense of calm has been restored and local authorities have taken swift and effective measures to address issues and prevent any further escalation. The safety and well-being of our clients and their interests in Ecuador are of utmost importance to us.
All trips are operating as normal and our local teams are on hand to assist travellers as always.
JAPAN – 2 January 2024
On Monday 1 January in the afternoon, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred off the coast of Ishikawa Prefecture in North Central Japan. There has been damage to infrastructure and there may be disruptions to essential services, including transport. We have travellers in Japan currently hiking or due to hike the Kumano Kodo. This trail is located in Wakayama Prefecture on the southern (opposite) side of the main island of Honshu, which was not anywhere near the earthquake or associated tsunami warnings for the northern coastal regions. Note - Japan's Meteorological Agency has now lifted all tsunami advisories for areas along the Sea of Japan. All our travellers and teams are safe and well with current and forthcoming trips operating as planned.
Nepal Earthquake – 4 November 2023
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake has struck Jajarkot, a district of Karnali province in northwestern Nepal with reports of many fatalities. All World Expeditions travellers and staff are safe and outside the area impacted. All our trips in the field are operating as planned with no amendments necessary. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and relief efforts will be mobilised in support.
Uganda – 26 October 2023
On 17 October, there was an isolated attack in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Western Uganda which tragically resulted in the loss of three lives. There were no World Expeditions travellers or staff involved with our next journey not set to depart until 2024. The local response has been swift, with those travelling in-country notified of the situation, with the option to re-route their itineraries, and they are continuing with their travels within Uganda’s national parks without incident and no changes in itinerary, including visits to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda’s security agencies have reiterated their commitment to bring those responsible to justice, and there is heavy security deployment to ensure the safety of visitors in Queen Elizabeth National Park and surrounding areas. Our local team is visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park in the coming days and will continue to monitor the situation. As always, the safety of our travellers is foremost in our planning and will not be compromised. There are no government travel restrictions in place for Uganda, and our trips in Uganda are operational. Please do not hesitate to contact World Expeditions or your travel agent with any questions regarding forthcoming travel; we are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories – 7 October 2023
World Expeditions is deeply saddened by events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and our thoughts are very much with those impacted by this escalation and the events that preceded it. We no longer have travellers in the vicinity and have suspended our trips to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories until 1 January 2024. Our trips in Jordan and Egypt are operational with accounts from our local teams of calm with life proceeding as normal, unaffected by these events. We will continue to monitor the situation in the region more widely and always, the safety of our travellers is foremost in our planning and will not be compromised. Please do not hesitate to contact World Expeditions or your travel agent with any questions regarding forthcoming travel, we are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.