Weather, Natural Risks & Safety Advisories

October has also brought serious weather-related setbacks. A combination of a western disturbance and a low‐pressure system over the Arabian Sea triggered heavy rainfall and unseasonal snowfall in high mountain zones (e.g., Gandaki, Bagmati, Karnali provinces) between 27–29 October.

As a result, the Everest region trekking and mountaineering routes were halted due to hazardous snow and avalanche risk.
Some 2,000 tourists (domestic + foreign) were reported stranded in Himalayan regions like Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Gorkha.
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) issued urgent travel‐safety advisories, asking trekkers and tourists to exercise extreme caution.

• This highlights how natural hazards remain a critical vulnerability for Nepal’s mountain-adventure tourism, especially during peak season when large numbers of visitors are in high-altitude zones.

Regional Booms: Mustang, Annapurna & Beyond

Certain Himalayan and mid-hill districts are riding a wave of domestic tourism. For example, the Mustang district recorded more than 40,000 tourists in the first ten days of Kartik (mid-October) with around 37,000 domestic and 3,700 foreign visitors. Elsewhere, in the Annapurna region, hotels in the districts of Myagdi, Baglung and Parbat report accommodation fully booked.

This surge reflects improved road connectivity (e.g., Beni–Jomsom highway), increased domestic mobility during festivals (such as Tihar), and a preference for shorter trips by Nepalis returning home. The strong domestic‐tourism base is a key buffer for the sector.

A Resilient Comeback Amid Mixed Signals

Nepal’s tourism industry is sending strong signals of rebound. According to reports, the country has welcomed about 800,000 international tourists so far in 2025, indicating a robust surge. Figures suggest a return of traveller confidence, and in key destinations such as Pokhara hotels report ~90% occupancy during the festive holiday period.

Nevertheless, the picture isn't uniformly positive: In September, tourism arrivals dropped by 18.3% compared with September 2024—a warning that not all segments of the market are recovering at the same pace. So while the momentum is real, vulnerabilities remain.