More than 200 tourists from Karnataka found themselves stranded in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, after political unrest and violent protests erupted across the city. The sudden disruption left the visitors unable to access transport, forcing them to seek shelter in nearby restobars and hotels for safety. According to eyewitnesses, several areas of Kathmandu witnessed clashes between demonstrators and security forces, leading to road blockades and suspension of regular travel services. For the stranded tourists, the situation has been both stressful and uncertain, with many anxiously awaiting updates from authorities on evacuation and safe return.
The unrest in Kathmandu escalated after demonstrators took to the streets demanding political reforms and protesting against alleged corruption within the government. Security forces responded with heightened measures, including curfews and restrictions on movement in key parts of the city. Tourists who had planned sightseeing and travel to popular destinations such as Pokhara and Lumbini were caught off guard, unable to proceed with their itineraries. Karnataka residents in particular reported difficulties in communicating with local authorities due to language barriers and limited access to reliable information about the unfolding situation.
Families of the stranded tourists have expressed deep concern, urging both the Karnataka and central governments to step in and coordinate with Nepalese authorities for the safe evacuation of citizens. Helplines have been activated, and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has assured stranded travelers that efforts are underway to provide assistance and alternative shelter arrangements. Meanwhile, stranded tourists continue to rely on hospitality establishments such as restobars for food, shelter, and access to communication facilities, as uncertainty looms over when normalcy will return to the Nepalese capital.
Government Steps in to Assist Stranded Tourists
The Karnataka government has set up a special cell to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Nepal. Officials have collected details of those stranded and are facilitating communication between families in Karnataka and their loved ones in Kathmandu. The embassy has also issued advisories urging tourists to remain indoors, avoid crowded areas, and cooperate with local law enforcement. In addition, arrangements are being explored to provide transportation once conditions stabilize, with the possibility of special flights being considered if unrest continues.
Civil society organizations and travel agencies are also stepping in to offer support. Some tour operators have organized group shelters in hotels and provided essential supplies to tourists under their care. Activists emphasize that such crises highlight the need for stronger emergency preparedness measures, including travel insurance awareness and comprehensive contingency planning for overseas travelers. For now, the immediate priority remains ensuring the safety of the stranded Karnataka residents, as authorities work closely with Nepalese officials to arrange their safe passage back home.
Many of the stranded tourists had traveled in groups for leisure and pilgrimage, with some visiting religious sites in Nepal. The unrest disrupted not only their sightseeing plans but also their sense of security in an unfamiliar country. Several families reported being confined to a single location for extended hours, relying on hotel staff to provide updates. The sense of helplessness was compounded by rumors spreading quickly through social media, creating panic and uncertainty. Travelers are now relying heavily on Indian Embassy advisories for credible information in an otherwise volatile atmosphere.
Karnataka residents caught in the crisis include senior citizens, students, and families with young children, all of whom face different challenges in managing the disruption. Older travelers expressed difficulties in accessing medicines due to closed pharmacies, while parents struggled to comfort children unaccustomed to prolonged confinement. For students and young professionals, concerns about missing work or academic schedules added another layer of stress. Tour leaders and local guides, though cooperative, admitted that they too were facing challenges as their own movements were restricted under the curfew orders.
The situation also raised concerns about the availability of food and water, especially as restaurants and shops remained shuttered in protest-hit zones. Restobars that opened their doors to stranded tourists became critical lifelines, offering shelter, meals, and even basic medical assistance where possible. Tourists described the solidarity shown by Nepalese hospitality staff as heartening, noting that despite shortages, they were treated with kindness. However, officials warned that prolonged unrest could strain such support systems, making it vital for quick evacuation measures.
Families back in Karnataka are making frantic calls to officials, pleading for updates on rescue plans. Social media platforms have been flooded with appeals, photographs, and videos, amplifying the demand for urgent action. Several political leaders in the state have raised the issue in public forums, urging the central government to prioritize the evacuation. For many families, the uncertainty is emotionally taxing, with every passing day deepening their anxiety. Helplines established by both the Karnataka government and the Indian Embassy are receiving hundreds of calls daily.
Meanwhile, travel agencies and tour operators in Karnataka are facing reputational and logistical challenges. Many agencies had organized group tours, and now find themselves responsible for stranded clients in Nepal. While most are coordinating with embassy officials to ensure safety, they also face financial setbacks due to cancellations and refund requests. Some agencies are exploring compensation packages, but admit that such incidents highlight the unpredictable risks of international travel. Calls for better risk management and safety clauses in future travel contracts are growing stronger among stakeholders.
Diplomatic coordination between India and Nepal has intensified, with both governments seeking to balance safety concerns with maintaining order. Nepalese authorities have assured India of their cooperation, but also stressed that security challenges are widespread and unpredictable. Indian diplomats stationed in Kathmandu are closely monitoring developments, dispatching staff to check on stranded groups. Officials note that while immediate evacuation may be logistically difficult due to airport disruptions, ground-level support is being extended through shelters and consular assistance.
The crisis also draws attention to the vulnerability of tourists during civil unrest abroad. Experts in travel safety emphasize that Indian travelers often underestimate the importance of travel advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. In this case, many travelers admitted they were unaware of the growing political tensions in Nepal prior to their trip. Analysts suggest that better awareness campaigns and stricter adherence to advisories could reduce such instances, ensuring citizens are better prepared for emergencies in foreign countries.
Awaiting Safe Passage Amid Uncertainty
For the stranded tourists, the immediate concern is survival and safety in a volatile environment. With streets blocked and markets closed, access to essential goods has become limited. Although restobars and hotels have extended their support, uncertainty about the duration of the unrest continues to weigh heavily on travelers. Officials caution that evacuation will depend on the stability of the situation on the ground, with security forces still struggling to contain demonstrations. Until then, the tourists remain in a state of waiting, clinging to assurances from authorities and hoping for a swift resolution that will allow them to return safely to Karnataka.
Humanitarian concerns have begun surfacing as well, particularly regarding access to medical care for stranded individuals. With hospitals overwhelmed due to injuries from protests, non-resident patients find it difficult to get treatment. Some Karnataka residents with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable, sparking urgent appeals to embassy staff for assistance in securing medicines and medical check-ups. Civil society groups within Nepal are stepping forward to provide volunteer support, showcasing the resilience of local communities amid turmoil. Their efforts have been welcomed by stranded Indians struggling in uncertainty.
As the days progress, pressure is mounting on both the Indian and Karnataka governments to act swiftly. Proposals for chartered flights or military-assisted evacuations are being discussed, though officials stress that the timing must align with ground-level security assessments. The Karnataka government has also announced compensation for families facing financial losses due to the extended stay, though the exact modalities remain under discussion. Political commentators argue that the crisis could test state leadership, as effective intervention would demonstrate both efficiency and empathy in handling citizens’ distress.
For now, the plight of over 200 stranded Karnataka tourists remains a reminder of the fragile balance between travel aspirations and geopolitical realities. While restobars and hotels have turned into temporary shelters of safety, uncertainty looms large. With curfews extended and protests showing no signs of subsiding, the road to safe evacuation appears complicated. Tourists and their families wait anxiously for clarity, holding onto hope that coordinated efforts will soon pave the way for their return home. Until then, patience and resilience remain their only companions.
Observers point out that the Kathmandu crisis may serve as a wake-up call for policymakers in Karnataka and beyond to strengthen protocols for assisting citizens abroad. Suggestions include creating a dedicated state-level emergency response unit that can coordinate with Indian embassies during such crises, ensuring faster identification and support for stranded residents. Additionally, greater promotion of travel insurance and mandatory registration of international travelers with embassies are being proposed. These measures, officials argue, could minimize risks and ensure timely interventions, preventing situations where tourists are left vulnerable in foreign lands during sudden unrest.
Follow: Karnataka Government
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
