Why the Majestic Himalayas Are Fading from View

The once-clear views of the Himalayas are increasingly shrouded by haze, driven by air pollution and climate change, leading to significant repercussions for the trekking industry and local communities.

Trekking through the breathtaking Annapurna region of Nepal used to guarantee sightings of the majestic Himalayas, but these days, visitors are often greeted with a hazy veil that obscures the view. The situation is alarming as severe air pollution continues to linger over this region, affecting visibility throughout the year. Just recently, an international flight into Kathmandu was forced to circle the airport multiple times due to the low visibility caused by haze.

For many who grew up in Kathmandu, like Yogendra Shakya, owner of a Nagarkot hotel, the unobstructed view of serene Himalayan peaks has become a rare occurrence. Shakya has had to rebrand his tourism offerings to focus more on the area's history and culture, stating, “We no longer promote views of the sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas because haze has made them virtually unattainable.”

The scientific community asserts that the intensity and duration of the haze are increasing. This pollution, born from a mix of dust and smoke particles, can reduce visibility significantly—often rendering the majestic mountains less than 5,000 meters away virtually invisible. The prolonged dry season, exacerbated by climate change, allows haze to stagnate, complicating efforts to escape this growing problem.

The traditional peak trekking seasons of spring and autumn, once marked by excellent visibility, are witnessing increasing degrees of haze. "No sighting means no business," laments Lucky Chhetri, a trekking guide who describes a 40% drop in her business linked to the inability to show trekkers the Himalayan splendor. This setback is echoed in accounts from international tourists, like John Carrol, who express deep disappointment at not being able to glimpse the mountains during their visits.

Warnings from local experts further highlight the precarious situation. Krishna KC, provincial chair of the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal, spoke about the desperation many trekking operators feel, with some contemplating a career change due to the ongoing haze.

Further complicating matters, places closer to the central Himalayas in India report that haze patterns have changed, returning more quickly and in greater density than before. Malika Virdi, managing a community-run tourism business, noted the struggle for visibility has become a common plight she faces. Conversely, the western Himalayas in Pakistan have experienced relatively lower impacts, though visibility issues persist even there.

The driving force behind this atmospheric haze includes emissions from vehicles and industrial sources as well as dust from ongoing construction projects. Additionally, forest fires and the burning of agricultural waste exacerbate the problem. Current climate patterns, where warmer air traps pollutants, make it difficult for these contaminants to disperse.

"With air pollution levels consistently ranking South Asia among the most affected regions in the world, the health implications are becoming increasingly severe," warns Dr. Someshwor Das from the South Asia Meteorological Association. The number of hazy days registered in major tourism hubs has surged.

In a world where the panoramic views of the Himalayas could soon fade to mere memories, trekking guides and local businesses find themselves grappling with guilt for failing to deliver the wonder that they promise their clients. "Our clients pay to see these mountains, and we feel helpless when we can't show them," Chhetri concluded, highlighting an urgent need to address the growing haze problem that threatens the very essence of Himalayan tourism.