
A group of 81 people from north coastal Andhra Pradesh, who travelled to Nepal on a leisure-cum-pilgrimage trip, are now stranded in Kathmandu. What was meant to be a joyous holiday turned tense when political unrest flared, curfews were imposed, and normal life ground to a halt. With basic necessities scarce and communication cut off, the travellers and their families are seeking urgent help to get them home.
The tour started on September 3, with plans to visit several scenic spots and pilgrimage sites in and around Nepal. The group reached Kathmandu and checked into Royal Kushum hotel near Pashupatinath temple. Once political protests and clashes escalated in the capital, curfews were declared, roads shut down, and public transport suspended.
The stranded travellers report facing multiple issues: food, water, and medicine supplies are running short. There have been power outages. Many say mobile networks are disrupted, making contact with family and coordinating for help difficult. ATMs are reportedly shut, making it hard to access cash.
Local Indian government bodies, including Andhra Pradesh officials, are aware of the situation. An emergency cell has been activated. The Andhra Pradesh government has identified the tourists’ locations and is working with Indian diplomats in Kathmandu. Advice has been issued to stay in safe places, and attempts are underway to arrange evacuation and transportation.
People from smaller towns often travel with less buffer in funds, fewer alternative plans, and limited awareness of such risks abroad. The breakdown of basic services hits them hard because making last-minute arrangements is more difficult. Their families may face emotional and financial stress when communication fails.
Keep documents handy: passport, hotel booking, identity proofs. Stay indoors during curfews. Reach out to the nearest embassy or consulate. Let friends or family know your exact location. In such crises, staying calm and following official guidance tends to help more than trying to push through risky travel.
This Vizag group’s ordeal is a reminder of how quickly politics and protests can turn travel plans upside down. With safety at stake and uncertainty growing, the priority now is ensuring their swift return. For all travellers, especially those from Tier-2 cities, this underscores the need for awareness and preparation whenever venturing abroad — because comfort and convenience can evaporate fast when unrest takes hold.