Over the past week, Nepal has seen some of the biggest youth demonstrations in its history. Since many of our friends and guests abroad have been asking what’s happening here, we want to share what we’ve witnessed and understood — calmly, clearly, and with reassurance that Nepal remains safe for travelers and trekking has not been affected.

The Pretext – Why Did This Begin?

For years, frustration has been brewing among young people in Nepal. Corruption scandals and displays of wealth by political elites — often their children, sometimes called “nepo kids” — stood in sharp contrast to the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. Many young Nepalese felt left out, unheard, and disillusioned.

When the government also tried to push stricter laws on media and social platforms, it was widely perceived as a move against free expression. This became the final spark. What followed was not a typical political protest, but a Gen Z-led demonstration. Organizers even asked older people and politically affiliated groups to stay away — they wanted it peaceful, youthful, and focused on accountability.

The Timeline We Lived Through

September 8 (Monday)
Tens of thousands gathered in Kathmandu. The march began peacefully, but as the crowd neared Parliament, scuffles broke out. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets — and also live fire.

What shocked many of us was not just that live rounds were fired, but how they were used. Instead of firing into the ground to disperse, shots were fired above the waist. By evening, official numbers confirmed at least 19 dead including some younger students. This approach of government to supress the protest was the turning point of where this protest is headed.

The Home Minister resigned. Curfews were announced. But the anger could not be contained.

September 9 (Tuesday)
Despite the curfew, protests swelled. On this day, youths was furious because of the previous day's incidents. What had begun in Kathmandu(majorly) now spread to other major cities. The outrage was stronger than the fear. Many government offices were attacked, properties linked to politicians were burned, and clashes intensified. By the end of the day, the Prime Minister stepped down. Offices, business and residents related to politicians were attacked.  

September 10–11 (Wednesday–Thursday)
Political uncertainty deepened. The ruling coalition collapsed, and security forces remained on high alert. On September 11, The President dissolved Parliament and announced that new elections will be held in March 2026. For the first time, conversations about a neutral caretaker government took center stage.

September 12 (Friday)
History was made: former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed as interim Prime Minister — Nepal’s first woman to hold the post. Curfews began to ease, supplies started flowing again, and the worst seemed to be behind us.

What This Means for Travelers

From our side as a trekking company, we want to stress: tourists were never a target.

During demonstrations in the city, we personally saw crowds clearing the way for tourist buses, some even waving and smiling at visitors.
 

The trekking regions — the Himalayas, the trails, the villages — were completely untouched by these events. Life in the mountains went on as usual.
 

The only inconvenience some travelers faced was in Kathmandu, where transportation (air and road) was briefly disrupted during curfew hours.

In fact, many here believe that in the long run these protests may push Nepal toward a cleaner system. Tourists, too, have often felt the burden of corruption and inefficiency at checkpoints, airports, and services. Change, even when painful, can pave the way for something better.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to trek or travel in Nepal: please do. The country is safe, the mountains are waiting, and the warmth of Nepali hospitality is as strong as ever. The protests were about Nepalis demanding better governance for themselves — not against visitors.

As we tell our own families abroad: the streets of Kathmandu were loud, but the trails of the Himalayas remained silent, peaceful, and welcoming.

Video capturing youths escorting tourist bus amids ongoing protest:  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cuTvoJ1LcPs