What’s Happening on March 5, 2026, in Nepal?
On March 5, 2026, Nepal will hold its General Election to elect 275 members of the House of Representatives, with polling stations opening from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM across the country. President Ram Chandra Poudel officially announced the election date. On this day, there will be a nationwide holiday to allow citizens to vote. As a result, most businesses, schools, and private offices will remain closed.
Originally, the upcoming election was planned for November 2027. The change in date occurred after the massive youth-led Gen Z protests on September 8, 2025, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the appointment of an interim government led by Sushila Karki. The election was moved up to address widespread public anger over corruption and economic stagnation.
Why the Upcoming General Election Matters for Foreign Visitors?
While people talk about being careful on election day, let’s look at the real, ground-level changes that will impact your logistics, budget, and safety.
The 24-Hour Movement Ban (March 5)
Vehicle restrictions start the night of March 4. And on election day, there will be a pause on all private cars, public buses, and taxis from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM to prevent voter fraud and ensure security. The only vehicles allowed are official Green Plate vehicles and Tourist Police shuttle buses, which run between the airport and main hotel areas, such as Thamel.
If you are coming from India, expect the borders to close completely on March 5th. In fact, vehicles with international number plates cannot cross the border within 10 days of the election.
Domestic Flight Grounding
International flights to Tribhuvan International Airport may operate as normal on March 5. However, domestic flights are usually suspended for 24 hours on March 5th. Thus, do not book flights to Lukla or Pokhara for March 4th, 5th, or 6th.
Election-day delays often cause big backlogs. We recommend planning domestic flights either before March 3 or after March 7.
Impact on Tourist Services & Permits
On election day, government offices will be closed. This means you cannot get trekking or climbing permits or pay for national park entry on March 5. Guided tours and local transport are also unavailable.
To avoid problems, make sure you arrange all permits and bookings by March 3. If you happen to be in a city like Kathmandu on election day, treat it as a quiet rest day at your hotel.
The Silence Period
For 48 hours before the election, all political campaigning stops. The streets usually become much quieter as rallies and loud music stop. Thus, you will find silence all around.
So, is it Safe to visit Nepal During Elections?
The short answer is YES, Nepal is safe to visit during the election. Election day is generally peaceful in Nepal with no rallies or protests. Also, looking at election history, past elections in Nepal have been peaceful, and tourists have rarely faced any issues. We expect the same for March 5, 2026.
Further, to tighten security, the Nepal government has also put in place strong security measures. Over 300,000 security personnel, including the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force (APF), will be stationed across the country. Plus, special operations have been active since November 2025 to ensure order, especially in cities.
Not to mention, the local tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God) remains the same, meaning tourists are well cared for. This is evident in the 2025 Gen Z protests, where protesters were seen helping escort tourist vehicles safely. So there’s no reason to worry about safety.
Nonetheless, here are some things you need to take care of as a tourist:
- Listen to political talk, but avoid giving strong opinions or criticizing the process.
- Avoid unnecessary travel between 5:00 AM and 7:00 PM on the election day.
- Postpone day trips or excursions scheduled during election hours.
- Pack essentials (food, water, medicines) in case of unexpected delays.
- Consult the local guide for updates on routes and any security measures.
- Keep trekking if you’re already on the trail. Trek areas like the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu regions are mostly unaffected.
Should You Change Your Plans?
If you are having thoughts like “Should I cancel my trip?” or "Should I change my plan?", let us tell you: you don’t have to. Nepal doesn’t stop being the world’s premier trekking destination just because there’s a vote happening.
In fact, March is one of the most beautiful months to visit. The weather is pleasant, the mountain views are clear, and rhododendrons begin to bloom across the hills. To make the most of your trip, you can make a few small tweaks to your schedule. We will discuss this below.
Smart Travel Planning Around March 5, 2026
Here's how you can plan your trip around March 5, 2026:
Option A: Be on the mountain trail before March 5:
Arrive in Nepal by 1st March or 2nd. Take care of permits and gear in Kathmandu, then head to your trailhead, like Lukla or Pokhara, by 4th March. This way, while the country votes on March 5, you’ll already be in the mountains where life is peaceful and trekking continues as usual.
Option B: Stay in the city on March 5:
If you’re in Kathmandu or Pokhara on election day, treat it as a rest day. Relax at your hotel, enjoy a spa, or take a quiet walk on the empty streets. If your itinerary includes sightseeing in these cities, plan it for another day for a smoother experience. Then, from the next day, you can hit the trail.
Note: At Nature Excursion, we can adjust trip schedules to avoid election-day travel in Kathmandu when needed, and we keep plans flexible for our guests.
Election Impacts in Major Cities Like Kathmandu and Pokhara
On the election day, the normally busy streets of Kathmandu and Pokhara become quiet and pedestrian-friendly. This is what travelers can expect on the ground:
| Feature | Status on March 5, 2026 | Traveler Notes |
|---|
| City streets | Vehicle free | Taxis, buses, and motorbikes are banned from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Streets are safe for walking. |
| Shops and markets | Mostly closed | Most local shops close so owners can vote. Tourist areas like Thamel (Kathmandu) and Lakeside (Pokhara) may keep some restaurants open. |
| Security | High and visible | The Nepal Army and Police are more present than usual. This is for order, not danger. |
| Atmosphere | Quiet and special | The day feels like a holiday, with locals walking to polling stations. Stay respectful near voting lines. |
Election Impacts on Trekking Routes
There will be no election effect on trekking routes, be it the Everest Base Camp in the Everest region, the Annapurna Circuit Trek route in the Annapurna region, the Manaslu Tsum Valley in the Manaslu region, or the Upper Mustang Trek route in the Upper Mustang region.
Even during the election period, life in the mountains continues as usual. Teahouses remain open, yaks keep hauling supplies, and trails remain busy with trekkers enjoying the spring weather. Also, the villages of the Himalayas focus on the busy spring trekking season, prioritizing tourism, hospitality, and daily life over the urban rallies seen in Kathmandu.
The primary impact of the election time on trekking is logistical. Since government offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara will be closed on election day, travelers need to get their trekking permits (National Park entry permits and climbing permits) by March 3. Also, they need to board a flight to Lukla or any other trailhead before the election. Once they're on the trail, they’ll likely notice no difference in daily trekking experience.
Election impact by trekking region:
| Trekking region | Election Impact |
| Everest Region | None |
| Annapurna Region | None |
| Langtang Region | None |
| Manaslu Region | None |
| Upper Mustang | None |
Final Say for Spring Trekkers
The Nepal Election on March 5 is a single day in a journey of a lifetime. While it brings minor changes in the cities, it doesn’t affect the majesty of the Himalayas or the legendary warmth of the Nepali people. With a little bit of planning and a flexible mindset, you will enjoy the trip as you planned to.
So, pack your boots, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure. Nepal is ready for you, and so are we. If you have any questions about your travel dates or want to plan your March 2026 itinerary, contact our experts today. Our guides stay in touch with local authorities like Nepal Tourism Board to get real-time updates and ensure your trip goes smoothly.
