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roadside lodge, the assistance offered when something goes wrong and the generosity of people who have very little but are willing to share what they have that make Nepal so memorable.
These are not simply transactions between a traveller and a business. They are human connections, and they are a large part of why we believe travelling to Nepal remains important, even when the country is facing difficult times.
There is no suggestion that tourism alone can rebuild a country after a disaster. Emergency assistance, infrastructure investment, government support and long-term recovery programmes are essential. Nor should local people be expected to welcome visitors while they are dealing with loss, displacement or the destruction of their homes and businesses.
But when communities are ready to receive travellers, our presence can matter.
Responsible tourism can help. Booking locally owned accommodation, hiring local guides, using Nepalese owned motorcycle tour operators, eating in local restaurants and spending money with small businesses means more of the economic benefit of a trip remains within the communities being visited. And that matters particularly after a disaster. A guesthouse that remains empty still has bills to
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