SATV 10 May, Kathmandu: As tensions continue to escalate between India and Pakistan, Nepal’s tourism sector has grown increasingly concerned. Stakeholders fear that conflict between the two South Asian nuclear-armed neighbors could directly impact tourist arrivals in Nepal. This time of the year typically sees a significant influx of Indian tourists to Pokhara to escape the summer heat, but the ongoing strain between the two countries may discourage travel, they say.
Entrepreneurs warn that increased security checks and strict movement across borders due to fears of cross-border infiltration could hinder tourist inflows. They caution that not only Indian tourists, but also third-country visitors transiting through India may be discouraged by the tension.
“War never benefits tourism. Conflict in any region affects travel,” said Tikaram Sapkota, former member of the Nepal Tourism Board, “This particular clash between two SAARC nations could give the message that the whole of South Asia is unstable, which might worry tourists.”
According to Sapkota, this is the season when Indian religious tourists visit Nepal. Besides pilgrimage, many Indians travel to Pokhara during the summer to avoid the intense heat in India. But amid domestic instability, they may be reluctant to travel abroad.
“When a country is embroiled in conflict, its citizens might choose to postpone travel plans,” Sapkota said, “Even those who believe Nepal is safe may hesitate because the broader message conveyed is a negative one. Leisure travel isn’t essential for everyone, but safety always is.”
He further said that if the air routes between India and Pakistan are affected, Nepal’s tourism sector will automatically take a hit. “Tourists from third countries transiting through India might be alarmed by the tension. If India halts flights from various cities, panic spreads among travelers,” he said, “War anywhere affects tourism, but when it involves regional neighbors, the consequences are far-reaching.”
Tourism entrepreneurs note that the trekking season has just ended, and this period is particularly favorable for Indian visitors. Pokhara’s relatively cooler climate attracts Indian tourists escaping the heat. Additionally, many visit Nepal for religious purposes, including pilgrimages to Muktinath. Their travel, too, could be affected, they warn.
“India’s domestic air routes have already been affected, which could impact connecting flights,” Sapkota said, “If Nepal tightens checks at its border points, tourists might find the process too cumbersome and cancel their trips.” According to him, as Nepal enters the monsoon season, tourists from Gulf countries also tend to visit. But their travel plans could also be impacted. Entrepreneurs estimate that the current Indian tourist season will last through August.
Hari Sharma, president of the Hotel Association Gandaki, also said that this period is dominated by Indian tourists, and the ripple effects of the India–Pakistan conflict will undoubtedly reach Nepal.
“Even now, the largest number of foreign visitors to Nepal is from India. Pokhara especially benefits from Indian tourists due to easy land access,” he said, “But if Indian arrivals drop due to the conflict, the tourism sector here will suffer.”
Sharma also emphasized that third-country travelers might view the regional tension differently. “They may get the impression that all of South Asia is unstable. Being a neighbor of India, Nepal could be indirectly impacted by this perception. Tourists might choose to avoid travel altogether,” he said, adding that Indian tourists will be the most affected by this conflict.
“India has already reduced flights on several routes. As domestic travel within India gets disrupted, even tourists visiting popular Indian cities will be affected. Nepal will inevitably feel the impact,” he added, “Since this is the peak season for Indian tourists, the tourism industry has been relying heavily on them. But with India itself entangled in conflict, Indian citizens' travel plans are likely to be affected, which is worrying for Nepal’s tourism.”
Gupta Giri, manager of the newly opened Temple Bell Boutique Resort in Pokhara, also views the India–Pakistan conflict as a serious concern for the tourism industry.
“Indian tourists have already begun placing hotel bookings on hold. This is not a good sign for the tourism sector,” Giri said, “If the conflict between the two nations continues, Nepal’s tourism will face a major blow. If the conflict ends soon, the damage might be minimal. But prolonged tension will definitely hurt.”
He believes that given Nepal’s already fragile security situation, escalating tensions between the two neighbors could further dampen tourism activity. “A sense of insecurity may grow. Tourists are already in the mindset of putting their travel plans on hold,” Giri said, “This is the Indian tourist season in Nepal. The government might impose stricter checks at border and air entry points due to the India–Pakistan conflict, which would naturally affect tourists’ movement.”
According to Giri, Indian airlines have already cut some domestic routes. Flights to airports potentially affected by the conflict with Pakistan have been halted, sending a bad signal to the tourism industry. “Tourists traveling via Indian territory, especially Indian citizens themselves, are more vulnerable to these disruptions. A large number of third-country visitors also arrive in Nepal through India. They, too, may cancel their trips,” Giri added.
