The number of foreign tourists leaving the Everest region, home to the world’s highest peaks, has surged by 70% in recent weeks due to intensifying cold weather. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in Lukla reported that while 711 foreign tourists arrived in the region by air over the past week, 2,400 departed during the same period. Daily figures reveal a consistent trend of more tourists leaving than arriving. For instance, on November 19, 223 tourists entered the region, while 362 departed. Similarly, November 23 saw 53 arrivals compared to 481 departures. By November 26, the number of tourists leaving continued to exceed those entering, with 257 departures and 132 arrivals recorded.
Tourism entrepreneur Dik Bahadur Darnal explained that the severe cold, worsened by early snowfall in mid-October, is prompting many tourists to cut their trips short. According to Darnal, many visitors are turning back from Lukla and Namche, avoiding the colder, higher-altitude areas. “Once the water starts freezing, foreign tourists hesitate to go further. The sudden drop in temperature has made longer trips less appealing,” he said.
Flight Demand Soars as Tourists Rush to Leave
As the tourist season winds down, the demand for return flights from Lukla has significantly increased. Flights from Kathmandu and Ramechhap frequently arrive empty but return fully booked with departing passengers. According to ATC officer Sanjay Shrestha, securing tickets for outbound flights has become a challenge. While tickets to Lukla are readily available, tourists often need to book return tickets four to five days in advance due to high demand. This demand has also affected Nepali travelers, who face difficulties obtaining tickets as foreign tourists are often prioritized by airlines.
The price disparity between Nepali and foreign passengers has added to the issue. Foreign tourists pay NPR 29,480 for a one-way ticket from Lukla to Kathmandu, compared to NPR 11,000 for Nepalis. As a result, some travelers are choosing to trek to Salleri, the district headquarters, and return to Kathmandu by jeep. Despite these challenges, flights continue to operate regularly, with about 100 takeoffs and landings at Lukla Airport each day. Currently, private airlines such as Tara, Sita, and Summit Airlines are the primary carriers serving this route.
Increased Workload for Local Authorities
The surge in tourist departures has also increased the workload for local police and security personnel. Deputy Superintendent of Police Dwarka Prasad Ghimire explained that Nepal Police and Tourist Police are focused on ensuring the safety of travelers and maintaining records. Officers stationed as high as Dingboche, at an altitude of 4,410 meters, conduct regular patrols extending to Everest Base Camp to assist tourists.
Tourism Trends and the Allure of the Everest Region
The Everest region attracts thousands of visitors annually during its two main tourist seasons, from February to May and mid-September to December. During the off-season, tourist numbers drop significantly. The area is part of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, covering 1,148 square kilometers. The park is known for its iconic peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, and its diverse wildlife, such as musk deer, Himalayan monal, and Tibetan snowcock.
The park also features the Gokyo Lakes, recognized as a Ramsar site in 2007. In addition to trekking and mountaineering, cultural tourism plays a major role in the region’s appeal. Sites like the Tengboche Monastery attract visitors seeking spiritual and cultural experiences alongside the adventure of exploring the world’s tallest mountains.
