Kathmandu is usually on travelers’ bucket lists for its golden temples, bustling markets, and as the gateway to Mount Everest. But right now, Nepal’s capital is making headlines for a very different reason. Violent protests, deadly clashes, and airport shutdowns.
So, what’s happening on the ground? And is it safe to travel?
What Sparked the Protests?
The unrest began after the government announced a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X. Young people (largely Gen Z) poured into the streets of Kathmandu, waving flags and chanting, “Shut down corruption, not social media.”
The ban was quickly reversed following an emergency cabinet meeting. But by then, the protests had already grown into something much larger — a nationwide movement against corruption and nepotism. Demonstrations spread to Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Bharatpur, turning violent as protesters set fires and clashed with police.
- Casualties: Reports confirm at least 30–34 deaths and over 1,000 injuries since September 8.
- Political fallout: Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, and the army has opened talks with protest leaders about forming an interim government.
Even with the ban lifted, protesters have vowed to keep going.
Government Travel Advice
Different governments are sounding the alarm in slightly different tones:
- UK (FCDO): Advises avoiding all protests, warns of curfews in major cities, and “lethal force” by police.
- Australia: Raised its alert to “Reconsider your need to travel.”
- Canada: Urges travelers to exercise a “high degree of caution.”
- US: Hasn’t updated its countrywide travel advisory yet, but encourages Americans to enroll in STEP and follow embassy alerts.
Across the board, the message is the same: protests can flare up without warning, and violence is a real risk.
Is the Airport Open?
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Nepal’s busiest hub, shut down temporarily when smoke and unrest made flying unsafe. It reopened on September 10, but operations remain uneven.
- Some flights were diverted to India during the closure.
- Indian carriers added extra flights once the airport reopened to help clear the backlog.
- Travelers should expect last-minute cancellations, delays, and long waits.
If you’re flying in or out, confirm your flight before leaving your hotel and carry proof of travel to get through curfew checkpoints.
What This Means for Tourists
If you’re already in Nepal:
- Stay inside during curfews and avoid crowds.
- If protests begin unexpectedly, travellers should follow established protocols.
- Carry cash and essentials in case banks and digital payments are disrupted.
- Keep power banks charged. Electricity and mobile data may be cut.
If you’re planning a trip:
- Expect curfews, protests, and travel delays to disrupt sightseeing. Some UNESCO sites in Kathmandu, including Durbar Square, have been off-limits during the unrest.
- Hotels in government-heavy districts may see increased security or even incidents of vandalism.
- If you’re risk-averse, now might be the time to postpone until things settle.
Can You Cancel for Free?
Here’s the tricky part. Since the UK and US have not advised against all travel, airlines and tour operators don’t have to offer full refunds. You’ll need to check your travel insurance policy carefully. Many exclude civil unrest unless your government explicitly bans travel.
For UK travelers, if your flight is canceled, UK/EU regulations still guarantee care and re-routing, but not necessarily cash compensation since unrest counts as “extraordinary circumstances.”
Nepal Travel: Pause or Proceed?
Nepal hasn’t shut its doors to tourists, but the country is currently in turmoil. Protests continue, curfews are active, and the airport is only slowly recovering from chaos. If your trip is soon and flexibility is limited, postponing may save a lot of stress. If you’re already there, stay cautious, follow embassy alerts, and avoid all demonstrations.
Nepal will always be a once-in-a-lifetime destination. But for now, put your safety first.
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