Air pollution clouds health, tourism, and economy in Nepal

From flight disruptions to growing health costs, unchecked air pollution hitting lives, livelihoods and tourism.

Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital, was shrouded in a thick haze during the peak tourist season in 2024, dimming its iconic mountain vistas and disrupting air travel. Scores of flights were cancelled or delayed due to poor visibility, leaving many tourists—particularly those visiting for mountain sightseeing—deeply disappointed.