Heavy rains lashed Pokhara on October 4 and 5, 2025, stopping many visitors from reaching the city for Dashain holidays and hurting local tourism hard. Hotel owners report a sharp drop in bookings, turning what is usually a busy festive season into a quiet disappointment for businesses reliant on holiday crowds.
Rainfall Disrupts Travel Plans
The downpour hit five provinces, including Gandaki, where Pokhara sits as a key tourist spot. Weather experts had warned of risks like floods and landslides, leading officials to urge people to skip non-essential trips. Public transport halted for safety, leaving roads empty and families stuck at home.
This timing could not have been worse, as Dashain draws crowds for family gatherings and adventures. Last year, the festival brought a rush of domestic tourists, but 2025 saw many cancel plans due to the weather alerts. Reports show similar issues in nearby areas, with blocked highways adding to the chaos.
Travelers shared stories of frustration online, noting how the rain turned excitement into worry. One group from Kathmandu had to turn back midway, fearing slippery roads and potential slides.
Hotel Occupancy Plunges
Hotel leaders in Pokhara paint a grim picture. Occupancy rates fell to just 30 percent this Dashain, down from 80 percent in 2024. Laxman Subedi, head of the local hotel group, said rooms that once filled up fast stayed empty, even on peak days like Bijaya Dashami.
Businesses geared up for the usual surge, stocking supplies and hiring extra staff. Instead, they faced losses from low turnout. Lakeside spots, known for boating and views, saw few guests, with paragliding and other activities grounded by the weather.
The drop affects more than hotels. Restaurants, shops, and guides all feel the pinch, as tourism drives much of Pokhara’s economy. Estimates suggest the sector supports over 500,000 people in the area, making this slowdown a big blow.
Here is a quick look at hotel occupancy trends during Dashain:
| Year | Occupancy Rate | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 70% | Normal weather, high domestic travel |
| 2024 | 80% | Post-pandemic rebound, family trips |
| 2025 | 30% | Heavy rains, travel warnings |
Climate Change Adds to Woes
Experts link the intense rains to broader shifts in weather patterns. Studies show Pokhara has seen more days with over 150 mm of rain in recent years, raising risks of landslides and floods. This October’s storms fit a pattern of unpredictable monsoon tails, made worse by warming temperatures.
Urban growth in Pokhara heightens vulnerability, with new buildings in risky zones. Marginalized communities suffer most, as floods hit low-lying areas hard. Recent reports note increased sinkholes and erosion, scaring off tourists who seek safe adventures.
Similar events struck other spots this year. In Bali, unseasonal rains flooded resorts in September 2025, cutting visitor numbers. North India’s hill stations also dealt with landslides, showing a regional trend in extreme weather hitting tourism.
Broader Economic Impact
The tourism slump ripples through Pokhara’s economy. With half a million residents and a steady tourist flow, the city counts on festivals like Dashain for revenue. This year’s low numbers mean lost income for thousands, from hotel workers to street vendors.
Local leaders call for better infrastructure to handle rains, like improved drainage and early warning systems. Some hotels offered free stays for stranded guests, a kind gesture amid the gloom. Yet, without quick fixes, future seasons could see repeats.
Protests earlier in September 2025 added to the damage, with unrest keeping some visitors away even before the rains. Combined, these factors left Pokhara unusually quiet during what should be its peak time.
Recovery Efforts Underway
As skies clear, businesses hope for a rebound. Hotels slash prices and promote safe activities to lure latecomers. Officials work to clear roads and assure safety, aiming to salvage the tail end of the holidays.
Tourism groups push for government aid, like subsidies or marketing campaigns to rebuild confidence. With climate risks growing, long-term plans include eco-friendly builds and better forecasting.
Visitors who made it despite the weather praise the city’s beauty, even in the rain. One family enjoyed indoor cultural shows, finding silver linings in the storm.
- Key tips for travelers: Check weather apps before trips, pack rain gear, and book flexible stays.
- For locals: Join community efforts to push for flood defenses and support affected businesses.
Looking Ahead for Pokhara
The 2025 Dashain washout serves as a wake-up call for Pokhara’s tourism. With rising rains tied to climate change, the city must adapt to protect its appeal as Nepal’s adventure hub.
Share your thoughts on how weather affects your travel plans, or if you visited Pokhara this Dashain. Your stories could help others prepare better for future trips.
