Social Media Blackout in Nepal – What it Means for Climbers

Nepal’s government has implemented a social media blackout, impacting climbers and hikers in the region. The decision, effective from September 2025, requires platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X to register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology within a week or face restrictions. This stems from the Social Media Regulation Guideline, 2080 BS, and a Supreme Court order aiming to control misinformation, cybercrimes, and ensure compliance with local laws. Only Viber, WeChat, TikTok, and Nimbuzz have registered. As of today, 26 major apps, including Facebook, Instagram and X are blocked until further notice.

For climbers and hikers, the blackout disrupts communication and planning. Many rely on platforms like WhatsApp for real-time updates on weather, routes, and team coordination. American climber Tyler Andrews, in Nepal for an Everest Fastest Known Time attempt, faced challenges as Instagram went offline, though WhatsApp remained functional briefly. Expedition agencies posted alternative contact methods like email and phone numbers before platforms went dark. The blackout affects trip documentation, as climbers and hikers often share updates on social media to engage sponsors or followers.

Nepal’s digital landscape, with 13.5 million social media users (43.5 per cent of the population in 2024), relies heavily on these platforms. The government’s move follows a 2023 TikTok ban for “social disharmony,” lifted in 2024 after ByteDance complied with registration. Climbers and trekkers face logistical hurdles, as social media facilitates connections with local guides, outfitters, and communities, especially in remote areas like the Khumbu Valley.

The blackout’s timing complicates matters for expeditions. Sherpa teams fixing the Khumbu Icefall for Andrews and skier Andrzej Bargiel’s Everest attempts cannot easily share progress. Tourists and trekkers, contributing to Nepal’s $5.07 million climbing permit revenue in 2019, may struggle with limited access to real-time information.

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