Impact of Political Unrest in Nepal on Chinese Tourism: How the Crisis is Affecting Travel from China to Nepal

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Published September 19, 2025

Young Chinese tourists have been flocking to Nepal, a country renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich Buddhist history, and reasonable prices. But recent political upheaval has led to a sharp decline in Chinese tourism, a market that had experienced rapid expansion. Nepal’s tourism industry has suffered greatly as a result of the unrest that began in early September and has made many prospective tourists wary.

Unrest Leads to Mass Cancellations

In early September, protests broke out in Nepal as citizens took to the streets to voice their discontent over issues such as corruption, nepotism, and censorship. The protests turned violent, leading to clashes with security forces. Government buildings were torched, and the situation spiralled into a chaotic week of unrest. As a result, mass cancellations of travel bookings, particularly from China, began to take effect almost immediately. Data from China Trading Desk, a travel marketing and technology company, revealed that around 50 per cent of Chinese travellers’ bookings for September were cancelled in the aftermath of the violence. This sudden drop in interest is set to continue well into 2025.

The impact on Chinese tourism, a major contributor to Nepal’s economy, was felt immediately. Bookings for the remaining months of 2025 are expected to decline by 30 per cent, according to the CEO of China Trading Desk. Prior to the unrest, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal had been steadily increasing, with an average of 7,500 Chinese arrivals per month from January to August 2025. This decline has posed a significant challenge to Nepal’s tourism sector.

Travel Disruptions Amplify the Impact

In addition to the political instability, travel disruptions further complicated matters for potential visitors. Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, a major entry point for international tourists, was temporarily shut down during the peak of the protests, preventing many travellers from entering or exiting the country. This closure added to the growing concerns of tourists already apprehensive about safety in Nepal.

Chinese airlines also took drastic steps in response to the violence. At least two major Chinese airlines suspended their flights to Nepal during the unrest, further deterring travel to the region. Cathay Pacific, a Hong Kong-based airline, cancelled all flights between Hong Kong and Kathmandu from September 15 to 30 as a precautionary measure, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Political Unrest and Its Aftermath

The protests that began on September 8 were fuelled by widespread dissatisfaction with the government. Citizens demanded reforms to address corruption, limit nepotism, and end restrictions on social media. These protests escalated, culminating in violent clashes and the storming of government buildings, including the Supreme Court and parliament. By September 12, Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, leading to further instability.

The violence resulted in the deaths of more than 70 people, according to various reports. In response to the growing unrest, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal issued a warning, urging Chinese nationals and businesses to take extra precautions. While the situation has since been described as “returning to normal”, the damage to the tourism sector is already done. The lingering effects of the unrest continue to affect perceptions of Nepal as a safe and desirable travel destination.

Nepal’s Growing Popularity Among Chinese Tourists

Despite the current downturn, Nepal had been emerging as a top destination for Chinese travellers prior to the unrest. The country’s appeal lies in its affordable offerings, ranging from trekking adventures in the Himalayas to visits to sacred Buddhist sites. These experiences resonated particularly with budget-conscious younger travellers from China, who sought both adventure and cultural immersion.

The Nepal-China connection had been growing stronger over the years, with well-established air routes linking Kathmandu to multiple Chinese cities. The flight duration between the two countries is relatively short, with travellers able to reach Nepal in just four to five hours. Additionally, Nepal’s proximity to China, with its land border crossings, made it an accessible destination for Chinese tourists. The growth in Chinese arrivals was substantial, with a 67 per cent increase in 2024 compared to the previous year, bringing the total number of Chinese tourists to 101,879.

Prospects for the Future of Chinese Tourism in Nepal

As the dust settles and the political situation stabilises, the Nepal Tourism Board has attempted to reassure international travellers, including those from China, that the situation is under control. However, the long-term effects of the unrest on Chinese tourism are uncertain. It will likely take months, if not longer, for confidence to fully return to the market. Given that Chinese travellers are a crucial part of Nepal’s tourism industry, it is imperative for the country to rebuild its image as a safe and attractive destination.

Although Nepal’s tourism industry has faced setbacks due to recent events, there is still potential for recovery. The country remains a unique destination with its breathtaking landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. With the right strategies and sustained efforts to rebuild trust among international tourists, Nepal could regain its status as a popular travel destination for Chinese tourists.

Conclusion

The political turmoil in Nepal has had a severe effect on Chinese travel, resulting in a sharp decline in reservations and numerous cancellations. The future of Nepal’s tourism sector, which had been flourishing as a result of an increase in Chinese tourists, has been called into question by this change. Even though things have calmed down, Nepal will have a long road to recovery and will need to put in a lot of effort to regain its standing as a secure and alluring travel destination for tourists from abroad.