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.
Also Read: Where is Nepal located? and Why you should Visit Nepal?
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.
Practical Tips for Safe and Responsible Travel:
Now that we have established the current situation for travelers in Nepal, it is known that while the country is still experiencing certain political unrest, traveling to Nepal is going to be back to normal in a week or so.
Therefore, below are some practical tips to keep in mind for a safe trip to Nepal:
Pre Trip Preparation:
- Check the official travel advisories issues by your country with regards to traveling to Nepal. They have been issues to keep you safe.
- Monitor local news and any other update about the situation in Nepal via reliable sources. Don’t believe everything you see on the internet.
- Delay your travel plans to Nepal by a week or so, let things get a little more calm.
- When you book your trek, make sure to book with flexibility. Ensure that your flights and accommodations offer maximum flexibility for changes or cancellations.
- Opt for a comprehensive travel insurance that covers delays or cancellations due to any reason, not limited to but including civil unrest. Make sure your evacuation is covered by the insurance company.
On The Ground Safety Measures:
- Avoid locations where any forms of demonstrations are taking place. Steer clear of sensitive areas in general as protests might erupt without prior notice in such areas.
- Hire a local, licensed trekking agency like Beyond the Limits Treks and Expeditions to help you navigate through the trek. We have expert guides who can take you through the best route and keep you safe in case of any emergency.
- Once you book your trek with a reliable local trekking agency, it is important that you listen to the real time information that they provide.
- Be aware of your surroundings when in Nepal. As fascinating as it might be, avoid joining or even observing protests for your own safety.
- Have an emergency plan in place. Keep emergency contacts handy and share your itinerary with your family.
- Inform your country's embassy in Nepal of your travel plans for added security.
How Gen-Z's Role Shapes the Future of Travel in Nepal?
The current Gen Z protest in Nepal has made things quite difficult, especially for tourists wanting to travel the country. More so because this is the season of autumn which is the peak season for trekking in Nepal. We get it.
However, in the long run, this Gen Z revolt can change the future of travel and trekking in Nepal. Gen Z in Nepal has demonstrated remarkable activism, advocating for transparency, accountability, and systemic change.
Their involvement in the recent protests highlights a growing desire for a more equitable society. Travelers, especially from Gen Z, can benefit a lot by these as these protests can help build cross cultural understanding among people.
Now, your next trip to Nepal won’t just be about exploring the natural beauty of the country but it will also be about learning resilience, community strength, and cultural appreciation.
Also, during your next trip to Nepal, you might come face to face with more open and accountable systems, with government procedures not taking weeks and months, and you not having to stand in long queue for the smallest of things as the country fights against corruption.
As visitors, you can support these efforts by promoting responsible tourism, supporting ethical businesses, and engaging in cultural exchanges that respect Nepal's heritage.
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Conclusion
Despite the current political changes in Nepal, the country remains a captivating destination for travelers seeking adventure, natural beauty, cultural interaction, and lots of adrenaline rush.
Yes, the current situation in Nepal is undoubtedly difficult for the locals as well as travelers. However, Nepal is safe to visit as the resilience and commitment of Nepali people towards a better future gives us all hope.
The trekking trails are still there, and the majestic peaks in the Himalayan region of Nepal including Everest Region and Annapurna Region await you with open arms during this peak season for trekking in 2025.
We at Beyond the Limits Treks and Expeditions are hopeful and confident that peace and stability will soon be restored in the country. Connect with us today to plan your next trekking adventure in Nepal.
Most Asked Questions by Foreign Tourists:
1) Is it safe to travel to Nepal now?
✓ While many countries have issues travel advisories for Nepal and asked to excise caution while traveling to Nepal, these were issued regarding the Gen Z protests of September 8th and 9th in the country.
As of 14th September 2025, life in the country has gotten back to normal with curfews being lifted and local life resuming. Therefore, trekking regions like Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang are currently completely safe for travelers. However, it's essential to stay updated on local conditions and monitor for any changes. Also, avoid areas with ongoing protests.
2) Are flights operating in/out of the country normally?
✓ While the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu was temporarily closed after the protests, the airport has resumed its services in full capacity as of 14th September. You can book your tickets to Nepal and smoothly fly in without any hassle. You might just have to go through a few more security checks for your own safety, that’s all. No other delay or issues in flight operations in the country have been reported.
3) Are local transportations available in Nepal right now?
✓ Following the protests, the local transportation in the country was heavily affected as there was a curfew in place which restricted the movement of both short distance and long-distance vehicles in Nepal.
As of now, the curfew has ended, and the local transportations have resumed their services starting from 13th September 2025. Right now, these vehicles are limited but you will see more of them in coming 1 to 2 days.
However, if you are traveling to Nepal, make sure to request airport transfers from your trekking agency as it ensures your safety as well as comfort in the current situation of political change in Nepal.
SUMMARY: Left wondering ‘Is Nepal Safe to Travel?’ after the recent political change in the country? Following the Gen Z revolt, we have a detailed guide regarding how safe it is to travel to Nepal right now and what precautionary measures you can take.
