35,000 Foreign Tourists Currently in Nepal; Tourism Sector Looks Toward Recovery
Kathmandu – Nepal, after experiencing some of the worst crash outs of the history, is gradually headed toward normalcy. The nation saw some of the worst case of violence, arson and vandalism in the last 48 hours. The country, which is known globally for its majestic mountains, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, received a massive hit in its very core. Meanwhile, Nepal is currently hosting around 35,000 foreign visitors, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Despite the recent disruptions caused by demonstrations, these tourists are reported to be safe amid exploring popular destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and trekking regions.
Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of NTB, confirmed that the visitors were distributed across major tourist hubs. “Over the past ten days, approximately 35,000 foreign tourists have been in Nepal. Some are in the capital, some in Pokhara and Chitwan, while others are trekking in the Himalayas,” he said.
Before the temporary closure of Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, nearly 150 flights had brought in around 500 travelers, including Indian nationals, non-resident Indians (NRIs), and international visitors. While managing their movement during the sensitive situation was challenging in the afternoon, NTB facilitated their transfer to respective hotels once the situation calmed by evening.
Tourism experts have expressed concerns that incidents such as fires in international hotel chains, including the recent case at Hilton Hotel in Naxal, Kathmandu, could send a negative message to global investors and travelers. Such events, if associated with unrest, risk portraying Nepal as an unstable destination. However, NTB has assured that strategies for recovery and renewed promotion will be rolled out once the situation stabilizes.
Despite these temporary challenges, Nepal’s tourism landscape remains intact. All trekking trails, cultural heritage sites, and national parks are safe and will soon welcome visitors as normal operations resume. The country’s diverse attractions — from the serene lakes of Pokhara to the wildlife of Chitwan and the spiritual aura of Kathmandu’s temples — continue to hold strong appeal for international tourists.
NTB has advised travelers to remain alert, hire local guides for a safer experience, and follow official advisories during their stay. To support visitors, the following emergency contact points have been made available:
- Tourist Police Hotline: 1144
- NTB Helpline: +977 9846967180
- Crisis E-mail: crisiscell@ntb.org.np
As Nepal moves forward, the resilience of its tourism industry and the warmth of its people remain the nation’s strongest assets. With proper recovery strategies, the current setback is expected to be temporary, and Nepal will continue to be a safe and welcoming destination for global travelers seeking adventure, culture, and peace in the heart of the Himalayas.
