Solu Khumbu (the area around Everest) is a safe place to trek, assuming you fly in to Lukla (there is a police post there that prevents Maoists entering the higher valleys). Kathmandu itself is currently safe, and the Maoists are not targeting tourists, but demonstrations are frequent and things could, of course, change (check the Foreign Office website, fco.gov.uk, or online local newspapers thehimalayantimes.com).

Duncan Gilbert

If you're worried about the security situation in Nepal, how about tackling Everest from the north side through Tibet? It's even less developed than Nepal, though you will have to face Chinese regulations at some stage. Nevertheless, there are operators - eg Wildchina (wildchina.com) - which run trekking expeditions in Tibet, so they might be your best bet.

Philip Sen

· If you have advice or questions, email: ask.a.fellow.traveller@theguardian.com.