Trekking In Nepal?

I am planning to go to Nepal in March, visiting Khatmandu and Pokhara, and to do some trekking but I have a couple of questions I'd like to put out there.

1) How fit do I need to be to trek in Nepal? I have asthma and I'm a bit worried about my breathing whilst trekking at a higher altitude. I am reasonably fit, I swim a lot and walk almost everywhere - should I be doing anything else to prepare my body?

2) How safe is it to visit Nepal at the moment? I don't want to be blinded by government propaganda from Eastern & Western governments - so first hand knowledge would be so appreciated.

Also, do you have any tips/recommendations/warnings etc? I am so looking forward to visiting Nepal, but like any sensible traveller, I'd just like to be prepared.

Thanks ;-)

By the sounds of it ,you already exercise enough to be fit for a lowlevel trek at least.!! When you get to Kathmandu try to walk to places like Pashupati Nath and Swayambunath(monkeytemple) if you are staying in Thamel area, that will prepare you for bigger walks(treks).Try not to stay in Kathmandu too long as the pollution can be annoying with your asthma condition. When you arrive in Pokhara you will find the climate much more to your liking and your breathing will be easier due to lower altitude and cleaner air , but make sure you stay in Pokhara Lakeside(Baidam).In Pokhara there are hundreds of small and big treks you will be able to do. I also suffer from short breath and slight unfitness(and nearly 60 years old) ,but i managed to trek to Muktinath without bother,and also many of the other treks available. I have been there about twelve times(last time in feburary/march 2007) and never had any bother . In tourist areas the situation is usually safe , just be sensible and stay away from protests etc.I receive about ten e-mails from Nepal (some from trekking guides) every month and every thing was safe for tourists last week.If you have not booked in pokhara yet, i can recommend some places and people that will be very helpful.Last piece of advise is , do not travel with much luggage , everything in Nepal is available and very ,very cheap.Take a look at my website (link below) and you will get an idea about Nepal and also have a look at the links page on my website , it has all you ever need to know on it.Lucky you going there!!!

am frm nepal and i advise u to avoid kathmandu, not tat u can really avoid it coz the only intl airport is in kathmandu. otherwise u can stay in the suburbs of kathmandu, they've got really fabulous places out there.
well, and as for trekking, all u need to have is the courage and wisdom to appreciate the sorroundings, recently even differently challenged people have conqoured many mountains including everest! u are perfectly fit to come to nepal and which government in da world doesnt spread propoganda!!! its safe and fun out here!!