BEIJING - Air China says it has seen a huge increase in Chinese tourists visiting Nepal.

There are now 70 times more Chinese tourists visiting the country than in 2002, the year that Nepal became a tourist destination for Chinese people, the airline said.

Air China is the only airline with flights between Lhasa, Tibet, and Kathmandu, Nepal - a route that offers extensive views of Mount Everest.

Aircraft on the route are flown by experienced pilots, and incorporate advanced technology, including Required Navigation Performance (RNP), ensuring optimal safety levels.

Meanwhile, Australia’s official Smart Traveller website has this week revised its travel advice for Nepal.

It advises travellers to exercise “a high degree of caution” in Nepal due to the volatile political and security situation.

The advice continues, “There have been reports of taxi drivers being intimidated and attacked for carrying passengers during local strikes and blockades.

“Travellers using private vehicles, including foreigners, have also been victims of intimidation and attack.”

The advice also warns, “safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities such as rafting, are not always met”.