What we know
- The Nepali Times reported on September 8, 2026, about the one-year anniversary of the September Storm protests in Kathmandu.
- The protests, which began peacefully, took a violent turn near Parliament, resulting in fatalities.
- Students participating in the rally, such as Icchya Thapa and Attul Shahi, described the initial peaceful atmosphere and the sudden shift to violence.
- Nine students were shot by riot police near Parliament, according to the Nepali Times.
What this means if you are travelling
- The Nepali Times report reflects on events from a year ago in Kathmandu and does not indicate any current disruptions.
- The specific locations mentioned, Maitighar Mandala, Baneswor, and Anamnagar, are central areas in Kathmandu.
- As this report covers past events, travellers currently in Nepal or planning trips do not need to adjust their plans based on this information.
- Mantra Mountain advises all travellers to stay informed on local news for any new developments when visiting urban areas.
The Nepali Times on September 8, 2026, revisited the September Storm protests that occurred in Kathmandu exactly one year prior. The report detailed how a rally organised by young people, initially peaceful, escalated into violence, leading to deaths outside the Parliament building.
Students who participated in the demonstration shared their experiences, recounting the sudden shift from a festive atmosphere to one of fear and chaos. This retrospective piece offers insight into a significant event in Kathmandu's recent history.
The September Storm Rally: A Year Ago
On September 8, 2025, young people, including twenty-three-year-old Icchya Thapa, gathered at the Maitighar Mandala roundabout in Kathmandu. They were protesting against a sociopolitical system perceived as corrupt and detrimental to ordinary citizens. The rally began with participants chanting, playing music, and carrying placards, described by Thapa as a good-natured gathering.
Another student, Attul Shahi, joined the demonstration out of curiosity and frustration with the previous government. He noted the strong sense of solidarity among the young people present. The protest route passed through areas like Baneswor and Anamnagar, where students from various colleges converged.
Escalation to Violence Near Parliament
- The peaceful demonstration took a turn for the worse when shots were fired outside Parliament, according to the Nepali Times.
- Attul Shahi witnessed someone being shot nearby, prompting him to leave as tear gas filled the area and police began beating protesters.
- Icchya Thapa, who had left the main protest earlier, learned about the tragic outcome upon reaching her office.
- The Nepali Times reported that nine students were shot at close range by riot police guarding Parliament.
Rupasi Dulal, aged twenty-four, had been motivated to join the rally partly due to a government ban on twenty-six social media platforms, viewing it as an attempt to suppress dissent. Her college teachers provided safety advice to students planning to attend the protest.
Implications for Travellers
This Nepali Times report is a reflection on events that occurred one year ago and does not indicate any current unrest or safety concerns for travellers in Kathmandu. The article focuses on historical accounts from past participants.
Kathmandu remains a vibrant city for visitors. There is no information in the source material to suggest that these past events affect current travel plans or safety in areas like Maitighar Mandala, Baneswor, or Anamnagar today.
Travellers should always remain aware of their surroundings and monitor local news for any contemporary developments. However, based on this specific report, no immediate action or changes to existing travel itineraries are necessary.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
Is it safe to travel to Kathmandu right now?
Yes, this news report from the Nepali Times discusses events that happened one year ago, on September 8, 2025. It does not indicate any current safety concerns or unrest in Kathmandu for present-day travellers.
What happened during the September Storm protests?
The September Storm protests began as a peaceful youth rally in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025. According to the Nepali Times, they turned violent near Parliament, where nine students were shot by riot police.
Were any specific areas of Kathmandu affected by the past protests?
The protests one year ago primarily took place at the Maitighar Mandala roundabout and along routes towards Parliament, encompassing areas like Baneswor and Anamnagar. These are central locations within Kathmandu.
Should I change my travel plans to Nepal based on this news?
No, this report is a retrospective on events from a year ago and does not suggest any current need to alter travel plans to Nepal. The information provided focuses on past incidents rather than ongoing situations.