Nepal, particularly its capital Kathmandu, was rocked by anti-corruption protests in September 2025, initiated by frustrated Nepali youth.

The “Gen Z protests” were set off by a sudden nationwide ban of 26 social media apps due to what authorities said was their failure to comply with new rules. The suspension threatened to directly hurt the livelihoods of young content creators who depended on those platforms, as well as silence the collective online voice of the young.

The ban stoked already simmering anger after children of prominent political leaders – or “nepokids” as they came to be known - showed off their lavish lifestyles and overseas holidays in social media posts on platforms such as TikTok. The violent protests in Kathmandu that ensued quickly overthrew the previous government of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. More than 70 people died.

Since then, a sense of normalcy has returned to Kathmandu after an interim government headed by Nepal’s first female chief justice in 2016-2017 was appointed. General elections were set to take place in March 2026.

Overall, Nepal remains politically stable for foreign visitors. The protests mainly caused civil unrest rather than widespread violence or crime targeting foreigners. Some foreign governments continue to advise their citizens to be “vigilant in public spaces” and follow local advice. Others warn of potential protests and “unpredictable” situations in the run-up to the March 2026 elections.  

The protests are a reminder to all visitors, not just to Nepal but everywhere in the world, not to skimp on comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Having access to reliable communication, including local SIM cards, is also essential for safety and emergency coordination.

In a post-protest environment, travellers should demonstrate respect for local sentiments and cultural sensitivities. Engaging with local communities respectfully and be mindful of social norms can help build positive interactions and prevent unwanted misunderstandings. 

All things considered, tourists continue to be welcome in Nepal and be guests in a country renowned for the warm hospitality of its people, even in the face of back-breaking poverty and political upheavals over the past few decades. Tourism, still recovering from the devastating impact of COVID-19, is a key plank of the economy, and tourists have never been set up as targets.  

Despite a dip in tourist arrivals in September, visitor numbers have started to bounce back, especially after Tihar, the Hindu festival of lights celebrated across South Asia and elsewhere, according to local media reports.