Nepal Travel Advice after the Earthquake 2015

While reports regarding the Nepal earthquake may be slowly out of sight and mourning rituals end, the inquiry asking "when can I travel to Nepal" never ceased sending to us. We are sorry to see many cancel their travel plan or choose anywhere else instead, meanwhile, we feel the urge to provide travel advice if Nepal is on your future list. After all, ranking among TripAdvisor’s Traveler's Choice award-winning destinations in 2015, Nepal well deserves to be rediscovered. Here are things you need to know when thinking about traveling to Nepal after the earthquake.

The massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley on 25 April 2015, with a large amount of casualties rendered and villages flattened. The epicenter Gorkha district, which lies north of the main highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, suffers the deadliest impact. The tremor triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest and killed hikers. Adjoining areas of China, India, and Bangladesh were affected but no severe devastation has been reported. A series of aftershocks continue to hit during the days and may in the days ahead, causing new quake temblors and damages. 

The impact of the Nepal earthquake on attractions

Nepal boasts many cultural heritages designated by UNESCO, and abreast are awe-inspiring natural wonders including Mount Everest. Unfortunately, after the earthquake, things are different.

Seven groups of monuments and buildings in Kathmandu Valley make up the world heritage site. Take a sad look at what has gone and what stands still.

Three urban zones

Durbar squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan: largely collapsed.

Four religious sites

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): heavily damaged, while the central stupa with the famous Buddha eyes gazing out still stands.

Boudhanath Stupa: though significant cracks developed in surrounding structures, the white-topped dome of the stupa remains standing.

Hindu temple complexes at Pashupatinath: survived and remain unharmed.

Hindu temple complexes at Changu Narayan: partially collapsed.

The nine-story Dharahara Tower, which once loomed over Kathmandu city for 183 years and was reconstructed after Nepal's 1934 earthquake, now is in the rubble.

Scientists believe that the Himalayas dropped by around one meter after the quake. Trekking routes in other famous places, such as Annapurna and Mustang, are affected and currently closed.

Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and the oldest Buddhist shrine, inflicted only minimal impact.

Pokhara and Chitwan are not much affected in terms of loss. The tourism resources remain unharmed in both places.

Recovery update & When can I visit Nepal?

Reopening of World Heritage Sites

On 15 June, Nepal reopened most of its UNESCO groups of monuments and buildings in Kathmandu Valley. Travelers must wear helmets and be on a guided tour to ensure their security inside and around the buildings.

Reopening of trekking routes

Most trekking routes, including the popular Langtang route, could all be reopened by the autumn, according to local tourism experts and officials.

Return to normal life

Most tour offices, hotels and shops have reopened throughout the Kathmandu Valley as they didn’t suffer structural damage. Communication has been back and airports have resumed operation some time ago. Odyssey local staff claimed that life has returned to some normality.

While security measures and tourist lanes have been adopted in the reopening sites, UNESCO raised safety concerns that travelers should reconsider an unnecessary visit to or inside the affected attractions.

Speaking from another perspective, Nepal needs your future visit - this country heavily relies on its tourism industry. Some danger might exist between June and August as the monsoon season looms, therefore it is advised to put back trekking itinerary until September, while Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are comparatively safe to visit throughout time.

You are welcome to reach us at trip@odynovotours.com for concerns and further questions regarding travel to Nepal.

Suggestion to your existing booking

According to Odyssey local staff in Nepal, tour operation has recovered. You may stick to the initial plan, though attractions in repair are suggested skip lest hidden danger occurred. Check with your travel consultant/tour planner to make sure the attractions you are going to visit are reopened or not.

Being that many World Heritage Sites are under rebuilding process, the value of a visit might fail expectations of history buffs. In this case, switching to other destinations (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan) at that point in time would be a nice alternative.

How can I help?

We understand many are desperate to offer help in the wake of the Nepal earthquake. If you possess specific skills that may beef up the earthquake effort, please contact relief organizations. Otherwise, the greatest contribution you can make is to make donations via vetted charities. For your reference, here is a list of organizations that are already working on relief efforts in Nepal: edition.cnn.com/2015/04/25/world/nepal-earthquake-how-to-help/ 

Share this article to help travelers make better decisions. For this moment, it is kindly advised tailor-make an Asia tour outside the affected area.

It is with the greatest sorrow to report that we lost one of our own, Rabin Dai (French/English-speaking guide), and one of our staff Rita’s family members was injured in this tragic quake. Other local staff are unharmed and are safe. Our thoughts and hearts go out to Rabin and Rita’s family and friends whilst we pray too for all those who have lost their lives in the calamity.

In the last few days we donated to “Fill the Bucket”, a private charity project managed by Odyssey local member to buy tents for those who are left homeless in the earthquake. Meanwhile, we’d like to extend profound appreciation to Odyssey guests who wrote to ask about the state of the Nepali tour guides of their previous Nepal trip. If you feel like participating in “Fill the Bucket” to enhance the relief effort too, kindly contact Odyssey to make a donation.