Indian tourists, pilgrims stranded across Nepal and along Nepal-China border

Around 600 Indian pilgrims who had gone for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through private tour operators have been stranded in Taklakot on the Nepal-China border.

A large number of Indian tourists are also stranded in capital Kathmandu, Pokhara and other locations across Nepal where October to December is generally considered to be peak holiday season.

Nepal protests LIVE: Updates on September 10, 2025

In view of the prevailing situation, the tourists stranded in Taklakot are unable to enter Nepal and most of them are facing problems due to a lack of accommodation and resources. Sridhar, a pilgrim from Andhra Pradesh, told The Hindu that the situation is dire as many have fallen sick and are in need of urgent medical attention. “We urge the Government of India to help us as there are hundreds of us here and the Nepal border is not yet open,” said Mr. Sridhar.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in an advisory that the pilgrims should take “necessary care and precautions” and follow advisories from local authorities as well as the Embassy of India in Beijing.

Nepal’s situation prompted Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday (September 10, 2025) to write to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar seeking urgent intervention to ensure the safe evacuation of a group of tourists from Kerala stranded in Pokhara, amid protests and arson in the Himalayan tourism hub. He said that the State government would extend full cooperation for all necessary coordination in the evacuation efforts.

In the letter, Mr. Vijayan said that the anti-government protests in Nepal had taken place near areas where most of the visitors from Kerala, including senior citizens, were staying. Steps had to be taken to ensure their safety as it had become extremely difficult for them to continue there. Interventions should be made to urgently bring them back home safely, he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday (September 10, 2025) said efforts were under way to bring back tourists from the State, who have been stranded in violence-hit Nepal. She urged the tourists from West Bengal to stay in the neighbouring country for a couple of days, till the situation eases.

“We are also making arrangements from the State government. You stay there for one or two more days. Do not be in a rush to get out and fall into in any trouble,” Ms. Banerjee said. West Bengal shares about a 100-km border with Nepal.

“If you or someone you know requires assistance for returning to India through Panitanki or Pashupati check post under Darjeeling district, please contact on the numbers given below. Mobile/WhatsApp: 9147889078 Landline: 0354-2252057,” the West Bengal Police posted on social media.

Several tourists from Telangana have been stranded in Kathmandu after the airport was shut down amid widespread riots that have rocked the country over the past few days.

“We arrived in Kathmandu last Saturday (September 6, 2025) on a business trip. We took a 25-minute flight to Pokhara from there and came back. We were supposed to return to Hyderabad on Thursday (September 11, 2025) but are cooped up in our hotel,” said Shyam Mohan, a businessman from Malkajgiri.

He and his group of seven friends flew down to Nepal to explore business opportunities and visit temples when they were caught in the internal strife.

“As of now, we are safe and confined to our hotel. There is no problem with regard to food and water. But we were terrified when we noticed a hotel about 500 yards away being burned down,” he said.

The Indian Embassy and local authorities have advised them to stay in the hotel till an official communication is released from the Indian government. “There is curfew in the town but two-wheelers are seen moving around. We are hoping to make it to the airport, which is about 5-6 km away, as soon as our hotel opens up,” said Srinivasa Rao, another Telangana resident.

The Maharashtra government is making all efforts to ensure the safe return of tourists from the State stranded in Nepal, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said. “Our top priority is to bring every tourist from Maharashtra back home safely and to reassure their families. There is no need for anyone to panic,” he said. According to preliminary information, around 100 tourists from Thane, Pune, Mumbai, Latur and Kolhapur districts are currently stranded in Nepal.