Is it safe to go to Nepal this spring? Here is what you should know as a tourist.

For many, the meaning of a spring visit to Nepal is good weather, great trekking, beautiful scenery, festivals, and friendly people. But in the last few months, protests and political unrest have raised some questions: Is it safe to visit Nepal? The answer is, yes, but with some caveats. Most of Nepal is still a safe place to visit especially outside of major cities and protests. It is important that travelers still remain vigilant, have an open itinerary, and same precautions.

We have outlined the current situation, threats, safe practices, and reasons for why spring is still a great time to visit Nepal with proper planning.

Current Situation: The Context

In September 2025, Nepal experienced countrywide protests, primarily in the capital, Kathmandu, resulting from government action regarding social media rules. Dubbed the “Gen Z protests,” the situation resulted in clashes, some violence, service interruptions to social media, and sadly some fatalities.

The government, the body that foreign ministries weighed in on, issued assurances of calm including political changes (a new interim prime minister) and interruptions in social media service.

Some international groups have issued travel restrictions indicating the potential of isolated political violence in certain areas, advising against protests or crowds and to continue to monitor updates.

So, while everything has been tense and an inconvenience, most of what has taken place is in local areas, and a lot of the disruptions look to be intermittent. Outside of protests, life has returned back to normal.

nsider Perspectives from Foreign Advisories

• •         The United States State Department designates a travel advisory for Nepal at Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, around the potential for sporadic political violence.
• •         Australia's Smartraveller also identifies a high degree of caution, citing a risk of civil unrest and natural disasters.
• •         Other advisories (e.g., Government of UK, Indian Ministry of External Affairs) issue a similar warning of "stay away from protests", "stay vigilant", and "keep track of local news".
• •         None of the advisories say "don't travel anywhere in Nepal". Instead, they say to stay cautious and aware.

High-risk areas

1. Kathmandu and urban areas

Most protests, disruptions, and damage to government buildings have occurred in Kathmandu, particularly around political and administrative areas. Roadways may be obstructed by protesters; public transport may be compromised; curfews or restrictions may be imposed suddenly. If you’re still in the city, monitor the situation and avoid protest sites.

2. Demonstrations and crowds

A demonstration, even if peaceful when it begins, can become violent rapidly. Tear gas, clashes with police, barriers. Tourists can be stuck in the middle of upset protestors and the police for some reason, or caught on the wrong side of an unforeseen barrier or closure.

3. Natural hazards

Regardless of protests, spring carries certain environmental risks. For example, with shifting weather and climate in the Himalayas there may be early season snow, and the possibility for avalanche hazards at higher elevations or landslides at lower elevations during late pre-monsoon rains, or the road conditions that can change without notice. All of these can happen, and are part of preparations.

4. Health, and infrastructure

In major cities, medical and health facilities are adequate; however, in remote trekking areas, you are far from modern hospital facilities. Consider that altitude sickness, changing weather, and injuries on the trail are real

Why Nepal is still safe for most travellers

• ·         Despite the risks, there are many reasons to believe travel in Nepal this spring can be not just safe, but deeply rewarding.
• ·         Peaceful zones: Most tourist destinations—Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, many trekking routes—are far from protest activity. These places are largely unaffected by the political unrest in Kathmandu.
• ·         Restored order: After recent protests, the government has taken steps to calm the situation: changes in leadership, restoration of services, lifting of some bans. There is broad social desire to restore calm.
• ·         Local hospitality: One constant in Nepal is how often locals go out of their way to treat visitors well. Nepal’s tourism sector depends heavily on travelers. For many Nepalis, your safety and comfort are priorities.
• ·         Natural beauty, cultural richness: Spring brings rhododendrons in bloom, manageable weather at many altitudes, cultural festivals, and fewer crowding issues than peak season. If you time things well, you’ll get many advantages: great scenery, pleasant trekking, less congestion.
• ·         Flexibility and resources: With good guides, local operators, and solid travel infrastructure (especially in popular trek zones), you can avoid many of the risks. Many trekking companies are experienced in handling sudden weather shifts and safety concerns.
• ·         Don’t go near protests: If there’s a protest or political rally in your area, avoid it. These can erupt suddenly. Monitor local news or your hotel or guide’s advice.
• ·         Keep informed: News websites, local media, social media channels are good sources. But verify from multiple sources.
• ·         Flexible itinerary: Be ready to change plans if something happens—roadblocks, curfews, or strikes. Build in buffer days.
• ·         Permits and guides for trekking: In protected national parks, etc., rules require guides or porters; you need proper permits. Going alone into remote terrain is riskier.
• ·         Travel insurance: Get insurance that covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and political unrest to an extent.
• ·         Health precautions: Altitude sickness, unpredictable weather, risk of minor injuries. Make sure vaccinations are up to date, bring good gear, and get acclimatized properly.
• ·         Avoid political or sensitive discussions in public; don’t get involved or take sides.
• ·         Keep valuables safe, especially in cities: pickpocketing, bag snatches, scams are an issue everywhere, especially where there are many tourists.

Here are some actionable tips to make the most of your trip with minimum risk while travelling to Nepal.

• ·         Check travel advisories (from your own country + Nepal government).
• ·         Register with embassy if possible.
• ·         Let family/friends know your itinerary.
• ·         Get travel insurance.                                    
• ·         Spring (March-May) is great for lower altitude treks; pre-monsoon conditions are generally stable.
• ·         Avoid times when protests are announced or political sessions occur (sometimes these trigger unrest).
• ·         In cities, choose hotels in safer neighborhoods (tourist districts).
• ·         In rural/trekking areas, stay in lodges with good reviews, experienced operators.                                                 
• ·         Use established transportation companies; avoid travelling at night on mountain roads if possible.
• ·         Domestic flights are generally good but check weather delays.                                        
• ·         Have a local SIM, carry a battery backup, offline maps.
• ·         Be prepared in case internet/social media services are disrupted.                                                                             Stay in touch with your local embassy or consulate, your tour operator, and local contacts (hotel, guides).
• ·         They can warn you of sudden changes.
• ·         Always carry first aid, extra food/water.         
• ·         Know basic altitude sickness signs
• ·         Hire good local guides or join groups.
• ·          Trekking gear and guide support Bring appropriate clothing layers, waterproof gear.

What about protest-related risk: Recent updates

The protests related to social media restrictions have led to fatalities and property damage, but mostly in limited zones. The government has lifted the social media ban. Normalcy in services is largely restored.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian nationals to “defer travel” and to exercise caution. But those already in Nepal were mostly advised to stay indoors or avoid protest zones.

So while there is unrest, recent moves suggest the situation is stabilizing rather than escalating.

Why spring is still a great time to visit (if cautious)

Weather: The mountains are waking up. Trees and flowers, especially the rhododendron blooms, are at their best. Lower-moderate altitude routes are pleasant.

Trekking season gearing up: Routes like Annapurna, Langtang, Gosaikunda etc., are opening up, and the trails are less crowded than peak autumn.

Cultural events: Spring festivals (e.g. Holi, various local jatras) give chances to see local life.

Better value: With some drop in international arrival due to concerns, lodging, guiding, and transport may offer more competitive rates in otherwise popular locations.

Verdict: Is it Safe Enough?

Yes, Nepal is safe enough this spring, provided they travel smart. If you stick to the usual tourist paths, avoid protests, stay abreast of local developments, and take standard safety precautions, you can have a fantastic time.

For those who like off-the-beaten tracks and high altitude trekking, the same applies but with extra attention to weather, guide selection, and health preparations.

If you’re especially risk-averse or travelling with elderly people or young children, you might want to limit time in Kathmandu or around major cities, and plan stays in calmer rural or mountain areas.

Sample travel checklist

·         Here’s a quick checklist for those preparing to visit now:

• ·         Passport + copies, required visas/permits
• ·         Travel insurance covering medical evacuation + trip interruption
• ·         Local SIM and backup communication plan
• ·         Confirmed itinerary + contact info for lodges/tour operators
• ·         Guide / porter for trekking routes as required
• ·         Emergency cash, small local currency
• ·         Good quality gear for cold and wet conditions in mountains
• ·         Awareness of local media, weather reports, announcements

Nepal has had its share of unrest lately. But even in volatile times, the heart of Nepal — its mountains, temples, people — remains deeply welcoming. Travel is never without risk, especially in current global times, but Nepal’s strengths—its beauty, culture, and resilient people—make it more than just worth the journey.

If you plan carefully, stay informed, and respect local conditions, you can confidently travel here this spring, enjoy stunning scenery, wonderful hikes, vibrant culture, and authentic hospitality. Nepal is not just safe enough; it still has a lot to give.