Travellers warned about dangers of visiting Nepal

New Zealanders in Nepal are being warned to avoid crowds and take extreme care in public places as the risk of attacks against tourists escalates there.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade today reissued its online travel advisory, warning against tourist and non-essential travel to Nepal given the "ongoing security situation".

Maoist insurgents have been battling the government since 1996 and a recent ceasefire had ended, with clashes intensifying since March.

Maoist rebels have warned they will target tourist areas within days, according to the website, and there was a risk of "indiscriminate attacks in public places".

New Zealanders in Nepal are being advised to record their details with the New Zealand consulate in Kathmandu.

- NZPA