Well, there could be a stranger place than Kathmandu to operate a sex parlor...say, the Vatican. But clearly, it is only a matter of time. The search for spirituality and natural beauty is, apparently, paved with lap dances.

This week's Economist has an article on the rise of sex tourism in Nepal. There are now an estimated 200 "massage parlors" and over 35 dance/strip bars, selling "sex" for as little as $28, which of course is not insignificant for them. Those women, however, might be better off than the 200,000+ Nepali women, who are trafficked into India for sex every year.

Some say Nepal is becoming the new Bangkok. Since the civil war ended only recently and marked the end of Nepal's Himalayan tourism industry, sex tourism is ready to replace it. I especially like the part of the article where the Nepal Tourism Board suggests that tourists should "Have a drink at one of the local dance bars, where beautiful Nepali belles will dance circles around your pals."

Now, all you need is a low-cost carrier to fly there direct. Makes me want to scream.

Filed under: Asia, Nepal, Nightlife