The recent unrest in Nepal, triggered by Gen Z protests against corruption and a controversial social media ban, has left many tourists stranded and shaken. Amidst the chaos, stories of survival and resilience are emerging. One such account comes from an Indian tourist who recounts her experience during the peak of the turmoil.

Upastha Gill, an Indian woman who traveled to Nepal to host a volleyball league in Pokhara, found herself in a terrifying situation when her hotel was stormed by protestors and set ablaze. Gill recounts being in the spa when the mob entered, forcing her to flee for her life as they chased her with sticks. "All my luggage, all my belongings, were in my room, and the entire hotel was set on fire," Gill stated in a video that has gone viral on social media. She has appealed to the Indian government for rescue, emphasizing the dire situation faced by tourists. "The situation here is very bad. Fires are being set on roads everywhere. They are not sparing tourists here," she added.

The protests, initially sparked by a government ban on social media platforms, quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations against corruption, nepotism, and overall misgovernance. The ban, ostensibly implemented over concerns about tax revenue and cybersecurity, was later revoked, but the underlying issues fueled the unrest. The resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli did little to quell the anger. Demonstrators stormed government buildings, and set fire to the parliament and the homes of high-profile leaders.

The impact on tourism has been significant. An Indian tourist bus carrying 49 passengers was attacked near Kathmandu while returning from the Pashupatinath Temple, leaving several injured. Bus driver Ramu Nishad reported that the mob attacked without reason, not sparing women and elderly passengers. Many tourists have cut short their trips, seeking to return home as quickly as possible. The India-Nepal border at Sonauli witnessed a surge of Indian tourists seeking to leave Nepal. Some tourists had flights cancelled and were forced to stay in lodges overnight before returning.

The hotel industry, a crucial component of Nepal's tourism-driven economy, has suffered substantial losses. Reports indicate that over two dozen hotels across the country have been vandalized, looted, or set on fire, resulting in losses exceeding Rs 25 billion.

The Indian Embassy has been working to assist stranded citizens, including arranging special flights to evacuate those who wish to return home. The Andhra Pradesh government facilitated the safe return of over 150 Telugu people who were stranded, providing assistance and guidance after their hotel in Pokhara was allegedly set on fire.

The situation in Nepal remains tense, with a curfew imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu. Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel dissolved parliament and called for fresh elections to be held on March 5, 2026. Sushila Karki has been appointed as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government.