Pune: Maharashtra Tourists Stranded in Nepal Set to Return as Flights Resume After Unrest
Pune, 12th September 2025: The situation in Nepal, which had worsened following the government’s decision to ban 26 major social media platforms, is now showing signs of improvement. With air services resuming, Indian tourists stranded in different parts of Nepal, including many from Maharashtra, are expected to return home by Friday, September 12.
The Nepal government’s social media restrictions triggered widespread protests led by youth, which escalated into unrest on Tuesday, September 9. This left hundreds of visitors, including tourists from Pune and other cities in Maharashtra, stuck in resorts and hotels. Most tourists, however, have been reported safe.
“We had travelled to Nepal on September 3. After completing sightseeing, we stayed at a resort outside Pokhara city. On Tuesday, local agitators advised us not to venture out, so we returned to the resort. Apart from that, we did not face any major problems. We also informed the Indian Embassy about our location, and they assured us of safety,” said Bhushan Mahajan, a tourist from Pune currently in Pokhara.
Many tourists initially considered travelling by road to Gorakhpur due to the suspension of flights. However, Indian Embassy officials advised against the plan, citing safety concerns. Following security clearance, arrangements were made for flights from Kathmandu to Delhi and other destinations in India. Bookings for Friday’s flights have already been completed.
Nilesh Bhansali, President of the Travel Agents Association of Pune (TAAP), said, “After the unrest began in Nepal, we appealed to our members to ensure their tourists were safe. Everyone is currently safe and staying at secure locations. Individual travellers have also managed without major issues, and no official complaints have been received so far. We are in constant contact with local tourism bodies, and all necessary precautions are being taken.”
Tourists returning from Nepal will mainly fly out from Kathmandu Airport to Delhi before proceeding to their hometowns across Maharashtra.
