Travelling Nepal During Election 2026 | Flight Information and Safety

Nepal is gearing up for its 2026 general election, and if you are planning on travelling Nepal around this time, you probably have many questions swirling in your head. Will the flights run? Is it safe? Can you still go trekking? This guide answers all of that, and more, in the simplest way possible, so even a first-time traveller can understand what to expect when visiting Nepal on the election day and the days surrounding it.

Whether you are a backpacker, a trekker, or a family tourist, this Nepal election 2026 travel update is your go-to resource for making smart, safe, and informed decisions. Read on.

Table of Contents

1. What Is the Nepal Election 2026 and Why Does It Matter for Travelers?
2. Can Tourists Still Fly Into and Out of Nepal on the Election Day (March 5, 2026)?
3. Are Domestic Flights Suspended During Nepal’s Election, and How Does That Affect Travel Plans?
4. Is Nepal Safe for Foreign Visitors During the 2026 General Election?
5. How Can Travelers Reach the Airport if Ground Transport Is Restricted on Election Day?
6. Will Trekking Routes, Hotels, and Tourist Services Still Operate Normally During the Election?
7. Nepal Election Protests and Travel Impact: What You Should Know
8. Nepal Travel Advisory Election 2026: Official Guidance for Tourists
9. Emergency Travel Tips for the Nepal Election
10. Best Time to Travel in a Nepal Election Year
11. FAQ

1. What Is the Nepal Election 2026 and Why Does It Matter for Travelers?

Understanding Nepal’s Political Landscape

Nepal holds general elections periodically, and the 2026 election is one of the most significant political events the country will experience this decade. The political situation in Nepal for tourists may seem confusing at first, but the good news is that Nepal has a strong tradition of peaceful democratic elections.

However, elections in Nepal do come with some temporary disruptions. These include transport closures, political rallies, and occasional strikes known locally as “bandas.” These are short-term shutdowns called by political parties that affect road transport, shops, and sometimes even airports.

Key Election Details	Information
Election Date	March 5, 2026
Type	General Election (Federal Parliament)
Expected Disruption Period	March 3 – March 7, 2026
Main Impact Areas	Kathmandu, major highways, trekking hubs
Tourist Zones Affected	Yes, partially
International Flights Affected	Minimal but possible delays

Why Travelers Need to Plan Ahead

• Elections can trigger last-minute travel restrictions in the Nepal election window.
• Nepal transport strikes over election periods are real and can strand travelers on roads.
• Furthermore, public transportation in the Nepal election period may be reduced or halted.
• Therefore, planning your arrival and departure dates wisely is absolutely essential.

Transitioning from awareness to action, the smartest thing any traveller can do right now is read this complete Nepal election travel guide before booking anything.

2. Can Tourists Still Fly Into and Out of Nepal on the Election Day (March 5, 2026)?

International Flights During Nepal Election Time

This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is reassuring. International flights during the Nepal election time are generally not suspended. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu typically continues to operate for international arrivals and departures even on election day itself.

That said, there can be indirect disruptions. For instance, Kathmandu airport during the election may experience:

• Reduced ground staff availability
• Slight delays due to security deployments around the city
• Increased wait times at immigration and customs
• Transport issues getting to the airport from your hotel

International Flight Status	Election Day (March 5)	Day Before	Day After
TIA International Operations	Likely Open	Open	Open
Scheduled Arrivals	On Schedule (minor delays possible)	Normal	Normal
Scheduled Departures	On Schedule (minor delays possible)	Normal	Normal
Airline Notifications Expected	Yes	Possible	Unlikely
Recommended Check-in Buffer	+2 hours extra	+1 hour	Normal

Are Flights Operating in Nepal During the Election?

• Yes, are flights operating in Nepal during the election is a common concern, and international ones largely are.
• However, travellers should confirm directly with their airline at least 48 hours before departure.
• Moreover, embassy travel advisories and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) may issue specific notices.

In short, travelling Nepal by international air on election day is feasible, but you must add extra buffer time and stay updated through official channels.

3. Are Domestic Flights Suspended During Nepal’s Election, and How Does That Affect Travel Plans?

Domestic Flights in Nepal During the Election

This is where things get more complicated. Domestic flights in Nepal during the election have historically faced greater disruption than international ones. Airlines like Shree Airlines, Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, and Tara Air operate small aircraft on short routes to trekking hubs like Lukla, Pokhara, Jomsom, and Bharatpur, and these are the routes most at risk.

Nepal flight cancellation election scenarios are not uncommon because:

• Pilots and crew may face difficulty reaching airports due to road closures.
• Smaller regional airports have fewer resources to operate during disruptions.
• Political parties sometimes demand full shutdowns of all transport, including air.

Domestic Route	Risk of Cancellation	Alternative Option
Kathmandu – Lukla	High	Helicopter (if available)
Kathmandu – Pokhara	Moderate	Road (if banda-free)
Kathmandu – Bharatpur	Moderate	Road alternative possible
Kathmandu – Jomsom	High	No easy alternative
Kathmandu – Biratnagar	Moderate	Road (long)
Kathmandu – Nepalgunj	Moderate	Charter options

How This Affects Trekking Travel Plans

• Trekkers flying to Lukla for the Everest Base Camp trek are among the most affected group.
• Travelling Nepal during the election to remote destinations requires a backup plan, always.
• Additionally, booking refundable tickets or travel insurance with election-related disruption coverage is strongly advised.

Therefore, if your trek starts around March 5, you should either begin it earlier (before March 3) or plan to start after March 8 to stay clear of the disruption window entirely.

4. Is Nepal Safe for Foreign Visitors During the 2026 General Election?

Let us address this directly: Is Nepal safe to travel during the election? For most tourists, the answer is yes, with precautions. Nepal has a welcoming culture, and the government takes the safety of tourists seriously, especially given how important tourism is to the national economy.

However, Nepal election safety for tourists depends on where you are and what you do. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, like near a political rally or protest zone, can be uncomfortable and potentially risky.

Safety Aspect	Level of Risk	Recommended Action
Political Protests	Low to Moderate	Avoid large gatherings
Road Bandas (Strikes)	Moderate	Rare but register with the embassy
Petty Crime	Low	Standard precautions
Violence Targeting Tourists	Very Low	Rare but register with embassy
Emergency Medical Access	Moderate	Know your nearest hospital
Communication Disruptions	Low	Download offline maps beforehand

Travel Safety in Nepal Election: What Experts Say

• Travel safety in the Nepal election period is manageable if you avoid political hotspots.
• Is Nepal safe for foreign visitors is a question that travel agencies, embassies, and Nepal Tourism Board all answer positively, with caveats.
• Furthermore, most Nepal election protests travel impact on tourists is indirect: delays, closed roads, and temporary business shutdowns rather than targeted violence.

In fact, tourism in Nepal during the election period has continued with minimal serious incidents in past election cycles, which is a reassuring track record for 2026 travellers.

5. How Can Travelers Reach the Airport if Ground Transport Is Restricted on Election Day?

Public Transportation in the Nepal Election

Getting to the airport is arguably the biggest logistical challenge for travelers during election day. Public transportation in the Nepal election period is often halted or severely reduced. Buses, micro-vans, and shared taxis typically do not operate during a banda.

So, how do you get to Tribhuvan International Airport? Here are your practical options:

Transport Option	Availability on Election Day	Notes
Private Taxi (pre-booked)	Possible	Book well in advance, confirm the night before
Hotel Shuttle	Sometimes	Ask your hotel days before
Motorcycle Taxi	Possible	Risky during protests
Ride-hailing Apps (Pathao, inDriver)	Limited	Drivers may refuse during banda
Helicopter Charter	Yes	Expensive but reliable
Walking (short distances)	Yes	Only viable if hotel is very close

Nepal Transport Strikes Over Election: Practical Tips

• Nepal transport strikes over election can be declared with very short notice — sometimes just hours before.
• Therefore, it is wise to arrange transport with your hotel or a trusted travel agency at least two days before your flight.
• Additionally, consider staying at a hotel that is within 3–5 km of the airport if your departure falls on or near election day.

Consequently, many experienced travellers in Nepal on the election day simply pre-negotiate a private vehicle and confirm it the morning of, regardless of banda status. This single step can save enormous stress.

6. Will Trekking Routes, Hotels, and Tourist Services Still Operate Normally During the Election?

Election Impact on Trekking in Nepal

One of the most important questions for adventure tourists is: Is trekking safe in Nepal during the election? The answer is nuanced. Once you are on a trekking trail, say, the Annapurna Circuit or the Everest Base Camp route, you are generally far removed from political activity. Village teahouses, trail guides, and porters continue operating almost normally.

The real challenge is getting to the trailhead during the election period. The election’s impact on trekking in Nepal is felt most strongly at the transportation and logistics stage, not on the trail itself.

Trekking Factor	Election Impact	Advice
Trail Safety	Very Low Impact	Continue as planned if already on trail
Teahouse/Lodge Operations	Minimal Impact	Open in most cases
Porter & Guide Availability	Some Reduction	Book before election week
Domestic Flights to Trailhead	High Impact	Fly early or have a backup
TIMS & Permit Offices	May Close on Election Day	Get permits days in advance
Rescue & Emergency Services	Slightly Reduced	Ensure satellite communicator

Hotels and Tourist Services During the Election

• Most hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara remain open and operational during elections.
• Tourism in Nepal during the election period is actively supported by the government to prevent economic loss.
• However, some restaurants, souvenir shops, and local services may close voluntarily on election day.

Moreover, major tourist attractions like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Thamel remain accessible in most scenarios, though visitor numbers drop noticeably on election day itself.

7. Nepal Election Protests and Travel Impact: What You Should Know

How Elections Affect Travel in Nepal

Understanding how elections affect travel in Nepal goes beyond just election day. The weeks leading up to March 5 often see rallies, campaign events, and political tensions. Nepal election protests travel impact is largely felt in urban areas, especially Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Birgunj near the Indian border.

For tourists, the direct threat is low. However, being caught in a crowd, a road blockade, or near a heated political exchange is unpleasant and potentially dangerous. Knowing what signs to look out for can make all the difference.

Warning Signs to Watch	What to Do
Large crowds gathering suddenly	Move away calmly
Police deployment in unusual areas	Avoid the area
Return to the hotel	Do not drive through
Sudden shop closures	Contact the hotel for updates
Social media reports of banda	Contact hotel for updates

Nepal Travel Tips During Political Unrest

• Avoid discussing or taking sides in local political conversations.
• Nepal travel tips during political unrest include keeping your passport and emergency contacts accessible at all times.
• Furthermore, registering with your embassy (most offer STEP programs or equivalents) ensures they can alert you if the situation escalates.

In addition, following verified local news sources like The Kathmandu Post or Nepal’s official government portals keeps you ahead of any sudden travel restrictions in the Nepal election window.

8. Nepal Travel Advisory Election 2026: Official Guidance for Tourists

What Governments Are Saying

Nepal travel advisory election 2026 updates are being issued by multiple governments, including the US, UK, Australia, and India. These advisories do not typically say “do not travel” but rather urge travellers to exercise increased caution and monitor the situation closely.

Things to know before travelling Nepal during the election period include:

• Check your home country’s official travel advisory website.
• Ensure your travel insurance covers political disruptions.
• Share your itinerary with a trusted contact back home.

Country	Advisory Level (Expected)	Key Advice
United States	Level 1 or 2	Register with the German embassy in Kathmandu
United Kingdom	Standard with Election Note	Avoid demonstrations, stay informed
Australia	Exercise Normal Caution	Check Smartraveller for updates
India	Standard Advisory	Border crossing may see delays
Canada	Normal with Caution	Follow local authority guidance
Germany	Standard Advisory	Register with German embassy in Kathmandu

Nepal Election Travel Guide: Embassy Registration

• Registering with your embassy before and during your trip in Nepal is the single most powerful safety step you can take.
• Nepal election travel guide advice from official bodies consistently emphasises this registration.
• Additionally, embassy websites provide real-time updates during election periods that no travel blog can match.

Therefore, do not skip this step, it takes only minutes online and can make a major difference if an emergency arises while travelling Nepal during the election.

9. Emergency Travel Tips for the Nepal Election

Can Tourists Travel to Nepal During the Election?

Can tourists travel to Nepal during the election? Absolutely yes, but with a preparedness mindset. Emergency travel tips for the Nepal election are about having backup plans, not about fear.

• Always carry at least 2–3 days of cash in Nepali Rupees. ATMs may run out or be inaccessible.
• Keep a printed copy of your hotel address, passport copy, and airline booking.
• Download offline maps like Maps.me for Kathmandu and trekking regions.

Emergency Prep Item	Why It Matters
Cash (Nepali Rupees)	ATMs may be offline or inaccessible
Offline Maps	Internet may slow down or be cut during protests
Hotel Contact Number	Confirm transport and stay options
Embassy Number	Pharmacies may close on Election Day
Travel Insurance Policy	Know your coverage and hotline
Charged Power Bank	Power cuts are possible
First Aid Kit	Pharmacies may close election day
Printed Itinerary	For police or checkpoint verification

Nepal Election Safety for Tourists: Day-of Checklist

• Confirm your transport to the airport the night before.
• Stay indoors as much as possible on election day itself.
• Nepal election safety for tourists means being a calm, neutral observer, not a participant.
• Moreover, avoid photographing political rallies, polling stations, or security forces without explicit permission.

In conclusion, with the right preparation, travelling Nepal during this period is entirely manageable, and for some travellers, witnessing a democratic election in the Himalayas is itself a memorable experience.

10. Best Time to Travel in a Nepal Election Year

Balancing Election and Travel Seasons

The best time to travel Nepal election year is either before the election window (January–February 2026) or after the post-election settling period (mid-March onward). Nepal’s spring trekking season, which runs from March to May, is one of the finest in the world — and it overlaps almost perfectly with the post-election calm.

Travel Period	Trekking Conditions	Election Risk	Overall Rating
January 2026	Good	None	⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 2026	Good	Very Low	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 1–4, 2026	Excellent	Increasing	⭐⭐⭐
March 5, 2026 (Election Day)	Excellent	Highest	⭐⭐
March 6–10, 2026	Excellent	Moderate	⭐⭐⭐
March 15+, 2026	Excellent	Very Low	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April–May 2026	Peak Season	None	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nepal Election 2026 Travel Update: Timing Your Trip

• Nepal election 2026 travel update from travel agencies widely recommends mid-March onward for the safest and smoothest experience.
• Travelling Nepal during the election window (March 3–7) is doable but requires careful logistics.
• Additionally, April and May offer the absolute best combination of stable weather, open trails, and zero political disruption.

Ultimately, travelling Nepal during an election year is not a reason to cancel your trip. It is simply a reason to plan it better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is travelling Nepal during the 2026 election safe for solo tourists?

Yes, travelling Nepal as a solo tourist during the 2026 election is generally safe. Nepal has a strong tradition of welcoming foreign visitors, and the government actively protects tourist zones during political events. However, solo travellers should exercise extra caution by avoiding political rallies, staying informed through embassy alerts, and keeping cash available. Staying in a well-connected hotel near Thamel or near the airport on election day reduces logistical stress significantly. Register with your embassy and keep emergency contacts readily accessible at all times.

2. Will international airports in Nepal be open on election day?

Yes, Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is expected to remain operational during the Nepal election. International flights during the Nepal election time are not typically grounded by election law. However, minor delays are possible due to reduced staffing and increased security around the city. Always confirm your flight status with your airline 48 hours in advance and arrive at the airport with extra time, ideally two hours earlier than your normal check-in window to account for any unexpected transport or crowd-related delays.

3. Are domestic flights cancelled during the Nepal elections?

Domestic flights in Nepal during the election face a higher risk of cancellation compared to international ones. Airlines operating to Lukla, Jomsom, and other remote destinations may suspend or reschedule flights due to banda declarations or staff movement issues. Travellers planning treks that require domestic connections should have a flexible itinerary and consider travel insurance that covers trip interruptions. Booking refundable tickets and having a helicopter charter contact as a backup is strongly recommended for trekkers departing around election day.

4. What are Nepal transport strikes during elections, and how do they affect tourists?

Nepal transport strikes over election, locally called “bandas”, are politically motivated shutdowns where vehicles are not allowed on public roads. These are declared by political parties and can affect taxis, buses, micro-vans, and even ride-hailing apps. For tourists, the main impact is the inability to travel by road on banda days. The best mitigation strategy is to pre-arrange private transport through your hotel, avoid road travel on election day itself, and keep 2–3 days of flexibility in your itinerary to absorb any sudden transport shutdowns.

5. Is trekking safe in Nepal during the 2026 election?

Is trekking safe in Nepal during the election? Yes, once you are on the trail, the political environment rarely reaches you. Villages on the Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang routes continue operating almost normally. The risk is primarily in getting to the trailhead. Domestic flight cancellations and road bandas can delay your start. Therefore, experienced trekking guides recommend beginning your trek before March 3 or after March 8 to avoid being stranded in Kathmandu waiting for a flight to Lukla or Pokhara during the peak disruption window.

6. What should I do if I am stuck in Nepal on election day?

If you find yourself in Nepal on election day with disrupted transport, the best advice is: stay calm, stay indoors, and stay informed. Contact your hotel for updates on local conditions. Reach out to your airline for flight status. Check your government’s travel advisory page and, if needed, contact your embassy. Keep cash on hand because ATMs may be unreliable. Emergency travel tips for the Nepal election include having an offline map downloaded, a charged phone and power bank, and printed copies of your essential travel documents.

7. How does the Nepal election affect tourism in Pokhara and other tourist cities?

Tourism in Nepal during the election period in cities like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini is less severely impacted than Kathmandu because these areas have lower political activity levels. Hotels and major tourist services generally remain open. However, road bandas can affect intercity travel, so tourists planning to travel between cities around election day should either do so before March 3 or wait until March 7 onward. Local tuk-tuks and boat rides at Phewa Lake in Pokhara typically operate even during election periods.

8. Do I need a special permit or visa to travel Nepal during the election?

No, there are no special permits or additional visa requirements for travelling Nepal during the election. Tourist visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport continue to be issued normally. TIMS cards and trekking permits remain standard requirements for trekking routes. The only change is that permit offices may be closed on election day itself (March 5), so trekkers should obtain all necessary permits at least one to two days before the election to avoid being stuck without documentation at a checkpoint.

9. What is the Nepal travel advisory for the election 2026?

The Nepal travel advisory election 2026 from most Western governments is expected to be at a standard “exercise caution” level rather than “do not travel.” Governments, including the US, UK, and Australi,a advise tourists to monitor local media, register with their embassy, avoid political demonstrations, and keep emergency contacts accessible. No blanket evacuation or travel ban is anticipated. Travelers are encouraged to check their government’s official travel advisory website (such as travel.state.gov for Americans or gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK citizens) for the latest updates closer to the election date.

10. What is the best time to visit Nepal in 2026, given the election?

The best time to travel Nepal election year in 2026 is either in January–February (pre-election, excellent winter trekking conditions) or mid-March to May (post-election, peak spring trekking season). If you must travel around the election, arriving before March 3 or departing after March 8 significantly reduces disruption risk. April and May offer the best combination of safety, open trails, blooming rhododendrons, and clear Himalayan views, making them ideal for anyone who wants a smooth, memorable Nepal experience completely free of any election-related complications.