The majestic Himalayas, a natural wonder, are now often veiled by thick haze due to severe air pollution, leaving many unable to enjoy their grandeur.
The Disappearing Majesty of the Himalayas: Haze Obscures Iconic Views
The Disappearing Majesty of the Himalayas: Haze Obscures Iconic Views
As air pollution rises, the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas become increasingly elusive for locals and tourists alike.
In recent years, the view of the Himalayas has increasingly become obscured by air pollution, especially around Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. Growing up in this beautiful city, I yearned for the majestic views of the towering peaks; however, each return visit has been marred by disappointment as the renowned mountains slip away behind a curtain of haze.
The haze, primarily caused by severe air pollution, has become a persistent issue throughout the year, making it challenging even during traditionally clear spring and autumn months. As tourists flock to the region for its breathtaking landscapes, many have been left unable to catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring mountains. For instance, during one of my recent visits, my flight had to circle the sky multiple times before landing in Kathmandu due to poor visibility, a far cry from the excitement that once accompanied this experience.
Hotel operators in areas like Nagarkot have had to adapt their offerings due to this situation. Yogendra Shakya, who runs a hotel in Nagarkot, shared that he had to reposition his business’s appeal away from views of the Himalayas to focus more on the area's historical and cultural significance, as the famous panoramas now remain hidden more often.
Scientific observations confirm that haze has become denser and more prolonged. Haze is primarily caused by a mix of airborne pollutants, including dust and smoke, reducing visibility dramatically. This condition has intensified due to climate change, which lengthens the dry season and exacerbates air pollution. The once-clear seasons of March-May and October-November, pivotal for tourism, are now marred with thick haze, challenging the viability of trekking and other tourism-related activities in the area.
The consequences of this worsening environment are significant for local businesses. Trekking guide Lucky Chhetri reported a staggering 40% decline in business, attributing it to the inability to showcase the mountains to trekkers. Increased absence of the Himalayas has left long-time visitors feeling disheartened, echoing sentiments from people like Australian traveler John Carrol, who regards the loss of mountain views as a major letdown compared to previous visits in the past decade. Meanwhile, trekking industry leaders express concerns over declining interest, with many contemplating a shift in careers as uncertainty looms.
The shift is not limited to the Nepal region alone. On the Indian side of the Himalayas, tourism operators face similar challenges, lamenting the omnipresent haze. In Pakistan, visibility that once allowed locals to enjoy gorgeous mountain views has drastically diminished as well, with Asif Shuja mentioning that even accessible peaks are often shrouded by haze.
Contributing to this environmental crisis, air pollution in South Asia regularly ranks among the highest in the world, with various sources like vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices. The increasing occurrence of hazy days has disrupted lives and business alike, creating a challenging reality for both locals and tourists. Records indicate that Pokhara, a tourism hotspot, experienced 168 hazy days in 2024, compared to merely 23 in 2020.
Experts indicate that the Himalayas suffer disproportionately due to air pollution in this densely populated region. With no clear resolution in sight, awe-inspiring vistas might now only belong to memories captured in photographs. Local tour guides and trekking leaders feel a profound sense of guilt as they are unable to deliver on the promise of showcasing the majestic mountains that define the region’s allure.
In light of these growing challenges, action is needed to safeguard the future of the Himalayan vistas and restore their former glory, lest they become relics of the past rather than experiences for future generations to behold.
The haze, primarily caused by severe air pollution, has become a persistent issue throughout the year, making it challenging even during traditionally clear spring and autumn months. As tourists flock to the region for its breathtaking landscapes, many have been left unable to catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring mountains. For instance, during one of my recent visits, my flight had to circle the sky multiple times before landing in Kathmandu due to poor visibility, a far cry from the excitement that once accompanied this experience.
Hotel operators in areas like Nagarkot have had to adapt their offerings due to this situation. Yogendra Shakya, who runs a hotel in Nagarkot, shared that he had to reposition his business’s appeal away from views of the Himalayas to focus more on the area's historical and cultural significance, as the famous panoramas now remain hidden more often.
Scientific observations confirm that haze has become denser and more prolonged. Haze is primarily caused by a mix of airborne pollutants, including dust and smoke, reducing visibility dramatically. This condition has intensified due to climate change, which lengthens the dry season and exacerbates air pollution. The once-clear seasons of March-May and October-November, pivotal for tourism, are now marred with thick haze, challenging the viability of trekking and other tourism-related activities in the area.
The consequences of this worsening environment are significant for local businesses. Trekking guide Lucky Chhetri reported a staggering 40% decline in business, attributing it to the inability to showcase the mountains to trekkers. Increased absence of the Himalayas has left long-time visitors feeling disheartened, echoing sentiments from people like Australian traveler John Carrol, who regards the loss of mountain views as a major letdown compared to previous visits in the past decade. Meanwhile, trekking industry leaders express concerns over declining interest, with many contemplating a shift in careers as uncertainty looms.
The shift is not limited to the Nepal region alone. On the Indian side of the Himalayas, tourism operators face similar challenges, lamenting the omnipresent haze. In Pakistan, visibility that once allowed locals to enjoy gorgeous mountain views has drastically diminished as well, with Asif Shuja mentioning that even accessible peaks are often shrouded by haze.
Contributing to this environmental crisis, air pollution in South Asia regularly ranks among the highest in the world, with various sources like vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices. The increasing occurrence of hazy days has disrupted lives and business alike, creating a challenging reality for both locals and tourists. Records indicate that Pokhara, a tourism hotspot, experienced 168 hazy days in 2024, compared to merely 23 in 2020.
Experts indicate that the Himalayas suffer disproportionately due to air pollution in this densely populated region. With no clear resolution in sight, awe-inspiring vistas might now only belong to memories captured in photographs. Local tour guides and trekking leaders feel a profound sense of guilt as they are unable to deliver on the promise of showcasing the majestic mountains that define the region’s allure.
In light of these growing challenges, action is needed to safeguard the future of the Himalayan vistas and restore their former glory, lest they become relics of the past rather than experiences for future generations to behold.
