Protests in Nepal: what about tourists from Russia

Mass protests took place in Nepal on Tuesday, September 9, amid the blocking of a number of social networks. Nepal's international airport is currently closed, all flights have been cancelled. A curfew has been imposed in Kathmandu and some other cities. Under the current curfew, the Nepal Tourism Board together with the Tourist Police, is launching free shuttle buses for foreign passengers on international and domestic flights. The buses will run from the airport to the main hotels in Kathmandu and back.

Currently, no more than 350-400 Russian tourists can be in Nepal, of which no more than 50 people are on tours organized by tour operators. At the same time, the nearest trips have not been cancelled yet, there are no cancellations for future ones, tour operators told ATOR Bulletin.

«Nepal is an exotic and very niche destination for Russians, attracting primarily mountain climbers, nature lovers, and Eastern and Buddhist culture. The tourist flow to this country from Russia has decreased by around 10-15% year-on-year this year. The destination has always been characterized by political stability, so the current situation was unpredictable». - said Artur Muradyan, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the tour operator Space Travel.

Tour operators adhere to proven recommendations: stay in touch with the tour operator, the host guide, and group members, avoid crowded places, and monitor information from the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian Embassy, including through the Telegram channel.