Hundreds of tourists, including many from India, have been stranded in Nepal after Kathmandu Airport was shut down due to violent Gen Z protests against alleged corruption and the Oli government’s controversial social media ban.
The youth-led demonstrations, which began peacefully, spiralled into violent clashes with security forces, leaving several people dead and prompting mobs to attack politicians and torch the homes of leaders. With major highways also blocked by protesters, travellers remain trapped across the capital.
Among those stranded is a group of friends from Navi Mumbai who had come to visit the Pashupatinath Temple. “We were travelling in Nepal with friends, but a curfew was imposed after we arrived. The situation is very problematic now. The sooner we find a way to leave safely, the better it will be for us,” one of them told IANS. Another said they had been confined to their hotel for two days and had contacted the Indian Embassy, which advised them to remain indoors until arrangements for evacuation are made.
Tourists from other countries are facing the same plight. A German traveller said, “The situation is very bad. Yesterday I saw a lot of smoke from hotels. They were burning, and people were dying—innocent people. It’s very sad. I hope everything will return to normal soon.” Another German, part of a group of 14, added, “We are safe, but we hope that we can leave tomorrow.”
The Indian Embassy has assured stranded nationals that efforts are underway to arrange their safe return, but until then, tourists have been asked to stay inside their hotels. With Nepal’s unrest still volatile, uncertainty looms large as travellers wait anxiously for safe passage out of the country.
