Lots of news related to political change and civil unrest has been coming from the country. And these news have left many travelers and trekkers questioning the safety of visiting the country at such a time.
Many tourists have been asking the difficult question: Is Nepal safe to travel after the new political change? In this blog, we are here to delve into the current situation, assess the safety of traveling to Nepal, and clear your doubts without sugarcoating things.
Understanding the Political Shift in Nepal:
Before we get into the travel safety in Nepal, let’s quickly understand what really transpired in the country. What exactly is the political shift that is happening in Nepal?
In the early second week of September, widespread protests erupted all over Nepal. To understand the context, this was not any other traditional clash. It was a movement headlined by the up-and-coming Gen Z.
While most of the international media wrongly covered it as protests against the social media ban, that was not really the case. The clash had been going on in digital platforms for a few weeks now in the form of the ‘Nepo Babies’ trend.
Young people, digitally savvy and politically aware, had grown tired of seeing their leaders and their ‘nepo kids’ flaunt lavish lifestyles funded by the taxpayer money while youth unemployment soared and basic services languished.
Yes, the government imposed social media ban acted as an immediate catalyst which took the protest to the streets as it was an infringement on free speech, but at its heart the Gen Z protest was an anti corruption movement in Nepal.
This Gen Z revolt had been brewing behind the scenes for quite a while and issues like government corruption, nepotism, and lack of employment opportunities for the general public fueled the unrest.
Protesters demanded transparency and accountability from the leaders in what started as a peaceful protest. However, the demonstrations quickly escalated after the orders of shooting against young protesters which led to the death of 51 people in the country.
The country witnessed violent clashes with security forces, government buildings set ablaze, and, tragically, a significant number of casualties. The protests also culminated in significant political changes.
Prime Minister KP Oli was forced to resign, leaders of significant political parties forced to flee their residences, and the house of representatives dissolved upon discussion with protesting groups, president, and army chief of Nepal.
The country also welcomed their first female interim prime minister in the form of Honorable Madam Sushila Karki, a former chief justice. While this is not the Nepal we know and love, these protests mark a powerful moment of change driven by the Gen Z fighting to build a better future for their country.
Assessing Safety in Nepal:
So, what is the ground reality in Nepal right now? As of 14th September 2025, the country has returned to a state of relative calm. The demands of the protesters have been met, new interim government has been formed, and people have regained hope in the country.
The protests had mainly impacted urban areas like Kathmandu, the capital, and Pokhara which is an important destination for trekkers. However, now the curfew imposed during the unrest has been lifted, and daily life is resuming in these cities. Shops are open, flights are operational, and all the local public and private transports have become completely functional in the country. Tourist services, including trekking routes, hotels, and transportation, are operational.
However, we won’t sugarcoat things. While things are getting back to normal, travelers are advised to stay informed about local developments and exercise caution in certain areas which are sensitive to protests, like Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu. Several countries have issued travel advisories for Nepal. The U.S. State Department has raised its advisory to Level 3, urging travelers to "reconsider travel" due to civil unrest.
Similarly, Canada advises avoiding non-essential travel to Nepal. However, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not issued a specific warning, indicating a more stable outlook for travelers.
Why Nepal Still Remains a Top Trekking Destination?
Despite many countries issuing travel advisories for Nepal, the country still remains a top trekking destination. Yes, things were bad in Nepal, but the country is already starting to get back on track.
The ground reality in Nepal is not dangerous anymore and people have started returning back to their normal lives. And this is the situation of the urban areas where the protests had caused the most impact, including Kathmandu valley. When it comes to trekking regions in Nepal, these areas have not been directly impacted by the political shift of the country in any way. It is important to differentiate between such regions.
Nepal offers many iconic trekking routes, and most of these routes are tucked away in the Himalayas or in the remote corners of the country where life is pretty much secluded from the cities.
These remote trekking regions like Manaslu, Everest, Annapurna, and other regions are a world away from the chaos of the city as the political turmoil is largely an urban phenomenon in the country right now.
The trails themselves remain as peaceful and stunning as ever with no damage to the trails. You will still get majestic Himalayan views, rich cultural interactions, and warm hospitality during the trek.
What might impact your journey slightly and become a hurdle is the journey to get to those trails. The security situation in cities directly impacts your ability to start and end your trek safely.
