On September 4, 2025, the government of Nepal shook the world by announcing a social media ban in Nepal, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
This shocking move is going to disrupt the communication channel across the Himalayas.
Back on August 25, 2025, the Government had issued a notice requiring all social media platforms to register under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within seven days. Later, since many of the platforms didn’t respond to that notice, the deadline was further pushed to September 4, 2025.
However, only Viber, WeTalk, TikTok, Nimbuzz, and Poppo Live were the platforms that came forward for registration.
This whole fiasco then resulted in the ban of all the major social media platforms in Nepal.
During this process, the major effect will be seen on Nepal’s Trekking industry. The Himalayan Teahouse and lodge ecosystem in Nepal heavily relies on digital platforms.
These family-run establishments on iconic routes like Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit typically interact with and book clients using WhatsApp, which is currently banned.
So today, let’s discuss the repercussions that the social Media ban in Nepal will have on the Himalayas.
The Impact of Nepal’s Social Media Ban On the Himalayas
Since the best season for trekking is just around the corner, the impact this decision brings will be particularly harsh. From connecting with travellers from around the globe to staying informed about the local weather updates, everything depended on social media.
As the ban takes hold, everyone in the Himalayas might have to face the harsh reality that threatens their survival.
Break In Family Connections And Cultural Communication Network Due To Social Media Ban In Nepal
Many locals in the Himalayan region, including those near Everest and Annapurna, have family members who often worked as guides and porters in Nepal. Since the arrival of digital media, they have relied on it to stay connected. These ties that once made them feel connected might get broken.
Additionally, the locals, like Sherpas, are on the verge of losing their cultural identity. Even inside their own community, many young individuals are unaware of their local languages.
With an aim of preserving their authentic culture, they used to share their traditions, songs, and language on social media. This helped them to educate people across the globe about their unique traditions. But, since the ban is now in effect, there is a chance of losing that unique identity.
Let’s just take the cultural ritual, like puja, as an example (a praying ritual performed before climbers begin their expeditions). Without social media to educate trekkers about why it’s important, these traditions are at risk of being mere tourist spectacles.
This sudden shift might mark the beginning of the commercialization of culture, as families can no longer use digital platforms to share the authentic, spiritual practices that define their community.
Breakdown of High Altitude Emergency Communication System
The high-altitude teahouses in the Manaslu circuit and the Annapurna Base Camp previously used WhatsApp and Facebook groups for real-time communication regarding weather conditions, trail updates, and emergency coordination.
For example, during the May 2024 tragedy involving Nawang Sherpa and Cheruiyot Kirui, the lack of access to immediate communication tools became evident.
Dorchi Sherpa, a base camp leader, described the moment of panic, saying,
When I heard that final transmission, my heart sank. The weather was clear, but something had clearly gone wrong up there.
Social media platforms like WhatsApp were essential for helicopter coordination and other emergency services, but now these systems are rendered useless.
Similarly, porters and guides, who often operate in remote regions with limited mobile signal, relied on social media to communicate during emergencies or coordinate with teahouse owners.
Yak Kharka, at 4,018 meters, is one such place where teahouses had weak mobile signals but used social media as a backup communication method. The ban has left these regions more vulnerable, as emergency communication must now rely on slower, more cumbersome methods, which can be fatal in critical situations.
Disruption In Booking Teahouses Due To Social Media Ban In Nepal
The majority of teahouses in the region don’t have their own booking platforms, which means that they have to rely on a first-come, first-served basis for booking.
However, for the past few years, local teahouses have used WhatsApp to finalize bookings. This ensured the travellers had a sound mind before arriving in the region.
However, since the ban, it is difficult to pinpoint how solo trekkers are going to book the teahouses.
Regarding our involvement, we have maintained contact with local teahouses and guides. We have also been in contact with them through other registered social media channels to ensure the booking of our travellers in advance.
Climate Change Adaptation and Information Sharing Disruption
The social media ban also hinders climate change adaptation efforts across the Himalayan region.
Communities that have been greatly impacted by climate change (such as glacial melt, landslides, and floods) used social media to document and share adaptation strategies.
For instance, Walung villagers had previously used platforms to share traditional environmental knowledge and spiritual responses to climate change. These practices are now isolated, limiting other communities from valuable insights on crop adaptation and disaster preparedness.
Furthermore, communities such as Muktinath and Manang once used Facebook to disseminate weather updates and safety warnings, which helped trekkers and residents navigate the challenges posed by extreme weather.
The removal of these platforms has left these regions more vulnerable, as they can no longer share real-time information about changing environmental conditions.
Our Availability During the Social Media Ban In Nepal
Despite the ban, we are still available on all social media platforms. We have been in direct communication with our trekkers from around the world through our branch location in the USA.
Furthermore, for the travellers who are currently residing in Nepal, we advise you to contact us through Viber or Email.
Here is the QR code through which you can contact us on Viber:
Or if you wish to mail us, our email is [email protected]
In Case You Don’t Know
As of this writing, here is the list of social media that are currently banned:
- Facebook Messenger
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter) (currently in the process of registration)
- Snapchat
- Discord
- Signal
- Threads
- Quora
- Tumblr
- Clubhouse
- Mastodon
- Rumble
- MeWe
- VK
- Line
- IMO
- Zalo
- Soul
- Hamro Patro (currently in the process of registration)