Nepal's deadly protests hammer tourism sector as arrivals fall 30%

FILE PHOTO: A member of the Armed Police Force (APF) stands guard in front of the main gate of the vandalised Parliament as a man takes photos through the closed gate of the vandalized Parliament during the candlelight vigil in memory of people who died during the protest against anti-corruption triggered by a social media ban, which was later lifted, in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 13, 2025. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar/File Photo

KATHMANDU (Reuters) -Nepal’s deadliest protests in decades erupted just as the country entered its peak tourist season, dealing a blow to businesses that had been preparing to welcome trekkers from around the globe to experience its world-famous trails.

Shops, pubs and restaurants lining the neatly organized alleys of places like Thamel — Kathmandu's bustling tourist hub — remained largely deserted, even after reopening in the aftermath of a violent anti-corruption protest that left 72 dead over 2,000 injured and forced former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign.