Following reports of flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet (China) border, many Vietnamese travellers contacted tour operators to seek clarification about the impact on upcoming trips and safety conditions in the region.
Many families choose Nepal for pilgrimages and spiritual travel (Photo: T.L.).
Nguyen Tran Hoang Phuong, chairman of Golden Smile Travel, said the company had not recorded any tour postponements or cancellations linked to the disaster.
The affected area is not included in the itineraries currently operated by the company, and tours scheduled for September and October are proceeding as planned.
“We are proactively updating information from local authorities so travellers understand which areas have been affected, rather than assuming that all of Nepal or Tibet is unsafe,” Phuong said.
In Vietnam, tours to Nepal are generally divided into two categories: pilgrimage journeys combining India and Nepal, and adventure trips exploring the Himalayas. These tours are usually organised for private groups and remain far less common than trips to destinations such as South Korea, Japan or Europe.
Pham Anh Vu, deputy chief executive of Du Lich Viet, said tours to Nepal and Tibet account for only around 0.5-1 per cent of the company’s outbound tourism revenue.
However, specialist operators focusing on pilgrimages, trekking expeditions and Himalayan exploration run such tours more regularly. Du Lich Viet organises only a few groups each year, while Golden Smile Travel operates an average of two to three groups each month.
Traditionally, pilgrimage tours have attracted mainly middle-aged Buddhists and families travelling for religious observances at the start of the year. In recent years, younger travellers have increasingly joined these journeys.
“It is not simply a holiday, but a spiritual journey that requires careful preparation in terms of rituals, content and companions,” a representative of Golden Smile Travel said.
Pilgrimage programmes typically include visits to sacred Buddhist sites, exploration of Buddhist history and philosophy, participation in religious ceremonies and experiences within meditation or monastic settings. Compared with conventional sightseeing tours, these itineraries are generally longer, cover fewer destinations and allow more time at each location.
Beyond religious travel, Nepal is also attracting affluent travellers seeking deeper experiences in the Himalayas.
In recent years, the Himalayas have emerged as a distinctive destination for travellers with financial means and a desire for deeper experiences (Photo: Provided by the subject).
Nguyen Manh Duy, a representative of OM Himalayas Adventure, said such trips appeal to a niche market. Most participants are financially secure travellers who have already visited many destinations and are looking for more meaningful experiences rather than simply sightseeing and taking photographs.
A specialised one-week itinerary in Nepal typically costs around VND 60 million (USD 2,310), while a two-week journey through Tibet can cost as much as VND 120 million (USD 4,620).
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the country welcomed more than 1.15 million international visitors in 2025. Vietnamese arrivals reached 12,204, accounting for 1.1 per cent of the total and representing an increase of 4.4 per cent compared with the previous year.
The figures suggest that Vietnam is not yet one of Nepal’s largest source markets, but demand for pilgrimage travel and Himalayan exploration is becoming increasingly established.
Vietnamese tour operators said the disaster has so far had little impact on their business operations. However, ensuring the safety of travellers currently in affected areas remains the top priority.