UPDATE: A surge in violence in Nepal has left at least 19 people dead amid escalating anti-corruption protests in the capital, Kathmandu. In response to the deadly unrest, the Australian government has raised its travel advisory for the region, urging citizens to reconsider their need to travel to the popular trekking destination.
The protests, which have resulted in demonstrators storming and setting fire to the nation’s parliament, reflect deep-seated frustrations over years of poor governance and corruption. Nepal’s Prime Minister has resigned, leaving a power vacuum and no clear successor, further fueling the chaos in the streets. Kathmandu’s international airport is currently closed, with all flights canceled, raising concerns for tourists and locals alike.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning that the situation may continue to deteriorate without notice, heightening the urgency for travelers to stay informed. Authorities are advising Australians to avoid all non-essential travel to Nepal due to the unpredictable security landscape.
“Historically, it’s not as catastrophic as people might think,” said Seane Pieper, founder of Himalayan Guiding Australia, who is monitoring the situation closely. He plans to travel to the Langtang Valley in two weeks and remains hopeful that the unrest will subside.
Despite the violence in Kathmandu, Pieper noted that tourists in remote areas have generally been safe during previous uprisings. “They’re not worried about it up in the hills,” he explained, contrasting the tense atmosphere in the capital where the recent fatalities have understandably caused fear among residents.
As the crisis unfolds, anxious travelers are reaching out to their providers for clarity on their plans. Pieper is fielding calls from clients concerned about safety, emphasizing that while the situation is unpredictable, it is not without historical context. “The history of Nepal is that these things blow up and then they actually calm down a bit and people get on with their lives,” he stated.
Tourism operators are hopeful that the situation will stabilize, allowing for a return to normalcy. However, for now, the immediate impact of the protests is felt deeply within the Nepalese community in Australia and among those with ties to the nation.
Travelers and those with plans to visit Nepal should stay updated on the evolving situation via official channels and remain in contact with their travel providers for the latest information. With the situation developing rapidly, vigilance is essential as Nepal navigates this critical moment in its political landscape.
