PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY IN NEPAL? WHAT AFTER THE GEN Z PROTEST?

Nepal - a land of soaring Himalayan peaks, ancient spiritual heritage, vibrant cultures, and world-renowned hospitality - has always drawn travelers seeking beauty, adventure, and meaning. Recently, however, international headlines and social media chatter about the Gen Z protests may have raised concerns among travelers.

As a tourism entrepreneur rooted in Nepal, and as someone who has personally witnessed the unfolding events, we’d like to share a comprehensive update on the situation - what happened, what’s changed, and why you can confidently plan your journey to Nepal without hesitation.

The Gen Z Protest: What Happened and How It Affected Nepal

Recently, Nepal witnessed an unprecedented wave of civic mobilization, primarily led by the country’s youth - commonly referred to as Gen Z. What began as a peaceful movement advocating for accountability, transparency, and reform, unfortunately escalated in some locations, leading to clashes and unrest.

While the intention of the movement was peaceful, the reality on the ground became more complicated:

Dozens of lives were tragically lost, and some areas experienced property damage and disruption.

Most of these incidents were localized to specific pockets of Kathmandu and a few urban centers, and were the result of confrontations between protestors and security forces.

This was a deeply emotional time for many in the country. However, it’s important to understand:

Tourists were not involved or targeted in any way.

Popular travel destinations - including trekking routes, cultural heritage sites, and wildlife reserves - remained calm and unaffected.

The Nepali government responded quickly, initiating dialogue, ensuring accountability, and eventually transitioning to a new leadership widely accepted by the public.

Today, the streets have returned to normal, businesses are open, and the overall mood across the country is one of calm and cautious optimism.

Situation Now: Calm, Controlled, and Normal

Nepal has always had a remarkable ability to bounce back from unrest, natural disasters, and political transitions. Just days after the protests, daily life has resumed in full. Streets are bustling, businesses are open, and most importantly - tourist hotspots, trekking routes, and travel infrastructure are fully operational.

In response to public sentiment, the government acted swiftly. Within days:

The Prime Minister peacefully resigned, acknowledging the need for change. There is a new government in the country, receiving broad public support. Authorities quickly worked to restore order and ensure that no further disruption occurred.

There is a strong public and private travel service sector including trekking and tour operators, airlines, roads, hotels, vehicle services that are almost unaffected by the protest and now running as usual.

There is no curfew or travel restriction anywhere in the country.

There has been zero reported incident of harm or threat to any foreign tourist.

As of now, the situation has completely stabilized.

In fact, tourists who were already in Nepal during the protest period have continued their travels uninterrupted - and many shared their admiration for the peaceful way things were handled.

Safety of Tourists in Nepal: A Proud Tradition

Nepal is one of the few countries in the world where even during times of internal conflict or political change, tourists are respected, protected, and treated with dignity. This is not just policy - it’s a cultural value deeply embedded in Nepali society.

Nepal has a long-standing tradition of protecting visitors, even during periods of internal strife. This time was no different. Despite the unfortunate incidents:

Even during the decade-long Maoist insurgency (1996 - 2006), there were almost no recorded incidents of violence involving foreign tourists.

During the Gen Z protest, there were no reports of harm or hostility toward foreign travelers.

Except for a few hours disruption, the tourism infrastructure continued to function, including airports, hotels, and guides.

Many tourists in the country at the time have spoken publicly about the respect and safety they experienced throughout their stay.

Why You Can Still Confidently Travel to Nepal in 2025

Here are some concrete reasons to keep your travel plans intact - or to book your next adventure now:

Stability Has Returned

The political transition has completed peacefully and swiftly.

There is a general sense of optimism and civic maturity in the air.

Tourist Destinations Unaffected

The protest activity was limited to specific urban areas and lasted briefly.

Trekking routes (Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, etc.), cultural cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Patan, Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Lumbini, etc.,), and jungle safaris (Chitwan, Bardia) were untouched.

World-Class Safety Track Record

Nepal’s tourism history is full of examples of safe travel even during turbulent times.

Tour operators, hotels, and guides are trained in international standards of safety.

Warm, Welcoming People

Nepalese people have a long-standing reputation for treating guests as gods (“Atithi Devo Bhava”).

Tourists are never targets of political or social agitation in Nepalese society.

Travel Demand Is Returning

Flights are operating normally.

Many travelers who postponed are now rebooking, with autumn and spring seasons filling up.

The hospitality sector in Nepal is known globally for its resilience, warmth, and professionalism - even in challenging times.

The government and private sector both recognize the vital role tourism plays in the economy, and have always prioritized the safety and satisfaction of guests.

Moving Forward: A Stronger, More Hopeful Nepal

This moment in Nepal’s history reflects not unrest - but transformation. The youth raised their voice, the government responded, and society moved forward with maturity and unity. For a traveler, this is not a warning sign - it’s a story of resilience, hope, and democratic strength.

The mountains still stand tall. The monasteries still hum with ancient chants. The jungles still echo with birdcalls. And the people of Nepal - always smiling, always kind - are waiting to share their land with you.

Final Message to Travelers

To our already-booked guests: Your safety and satisfaction are our highest priorities. We are here to assist, reassure, and support you at every step of your journey.

To those considering Nepal: There’s no better time than now. Come experience the natural wonders, cultural richness, and unmatched hospitality of a country that has once again proven its strength and grace under pressure.

We, here from ACE HOLIDAY TREKS, kindly assure you that Nepal is not just safe - Nepal is ready.

Welcome and Namaste! See you soon in Nepal!