Kathmandu, Jan. 23 -- Pokhara, Nepal's tourism capital, was shrouded in a thick haze during the peak tourist season in 2024, dimming its iconic mountain vistas and disrupting air travel. Scores of flights were cancelled or delayed due to poor visibility, leaving many tourists-particularly those visiting for mountain sightseeing-deeply disappointed.

Until a few years ago, Pokhara was regarded as an exceptional city, largely free from air pollution. That reputation is now fading.

Janakpur and Chitwan face similar plights.

Airline officials say flights to and from Janakpur, Pokhara and other tourist destinations are frequently cancelled or delayed because of haze, mainly during spring, one of Nepal's busiest tourism seasons.

In Pokhara, ...