Published on
September 17, 2025
Nepal’s tourism industry has been severely impacted by violent anti-corruption protests, which coincided with the peak tourist season. The protests, which led to significant unrest and damage across the country, have caused a 30% drop in tourist arrivals. As a result, many countries issued travel advisories, urging against non-essential visits, further diminishing visitor numbers. This sudden decline is not only damaging the tourism sector but also eroding investor confidence, posing serious challenges to Nepal’s economic growth during a crucial period.
Nepal recently faced its most devastating protests in decades, coinciding with the peak of the country’s tourist season. These violent events wreaked havoc on businesses and caused a significant decline in tourist arrivals, plunging by 30%. Countries around the world issued travel advisories, urging travelers to avoid non-essential trips to Nepal. While calm has been restored, the aftermath of the protests, including damaged buildings and a sense of lingering unrest, continues to haunt the nation. Despite the challenging circumstances, authorities are working tirelessly to clear the debris, and elections are slated for March 5, 2026, in an effort to restore stability.
Nepal’s peak tourist season, which typically draws adventurers from across the globe, was hit hard by violent anti-corruption protests that erupted suddenly. The country, known for its world-famous trekking trails, saw an abrupt decline in tourism at a time when businesses were eagerly preparing to welcome visitors. Popular areas such as Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist center, which is usually filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes, remained eerily empty. Even after reopening, many establishments struggled to attract tourists, with the effects of the protests still being felt.
The protests, which were fueled by public anger over corruption, led to tragic consequences. Over 70 people lost their lives, and more than 2,000 others were injured. The violence also resulted in the resignation of the country’s former prime minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, who had been in power when the protests erupted. The repercussions were far-reaching, with the tourism industry being particularly affected. The Nepal Tourism Board and various business owners reported that tourist arrivals had fallen by a staggering 30% compared to the same time last year, and many bookings had been canceled as a result.
Renu Baniya, a hotel owner in Kathmandu, shared her frustrations, stating that all of her upcoming bookings for the next month had been completely canceled due to the ongoing turmoil. The situation was further complicated by the negative media coverage of the protests, with dramatic images of burning government buildings and the Hilton Hotel circulating internationally. These images prompted several countries to issue travel advisories, warning against all non-essential travel to Nepal.
The timing of the protests could not have been worse for Nepal’s tourism sector. The country typically attracts around 1.2 million visitors each year, with tourism contributing almost 8% to its GDP. The months of September to December are considered the peak tourist season, with trekkers flocking to the Himalayan region to experience some of the world’s most iconic trails, including the trek to Mount Everest’s base camp.
The violence and damage to infrastructure have sent a concerning message to both potential tourists and investors. Deepak Raj Joshi, the CEO of Nepal’s Tourism Board, highlighted that the damage to government buildings and some hotels could result in long-term repercussions for the country’s tourism industry. The board reported a sharp drop in tourist arrivals, with recent figures showing a 30% decline compared to previous years. Additionally, the cancellation rate for bookings stood at a troubling 8% to 10%.
While Nepalese authorities and business owners remain hopeful for a recovery, the road to normalcy is still long. Despite the violence, some foreign tourists have chosen to stay in Nepal, stating that they still feel safe. These tourists offer a glimmer of optimism, as their presence suggests that, with time, Nepal could regain its reputation as a popular travel destination. However, many are waiting for the political situation to stabilize before making plans to visit. The newly appointed interim government, led by Sushila Karki, has been working to restore peace, and efforts are being made to clear the remnants of the destruction, including burnt vehicles and damaged buildings.
Although the immediate future of Nepal’s tourism industry remains uncertain, there is hope that the country will bounce back. As the government continues to clear debris and make efforts to restore order, the possibility of a tourism revival remains. However, much depends on the results of the upcoming elections, which are scheduled for March 5, 2026. These elections will be critical in determining the country’s political stability, which is key to attracting tourists and rebuilding investor confidence.
In the coming months, Nepal’s tourism industry faces a challenging path ahead, with many waiting to see how the political situation unfolds. Yet, despite the challenges, there is a strong sense of resilience within the country. Nepal’s iconic landscapes, trekking trails, and cultural heritage continue to hold significant appeal for travelers, and the hope is that, with the return of stability, tourists will once again flock to this Himalayan gem.
