Rain Cancels Overland Trip to Nepal? Get Budget-Friendly Flights for Travelers

Over the years as a travel consultant, I've gradually realized that the true test of service quality is the ability to react quickly to unexpected situations. My experience with two guests in September 2024 reinforced this belief deeply.

They were two silver-haired tourists from Hong Kong and Australia, who chose our Asia Odyssey Travel's carefully crafted seven-day overland trip from Tibet to Gyirong.

The first six days were picture-perfect, with the golden roof of the Potala Palace shimmering in the morning light and the mesmerizing blue waters of Yamdrok Lake. The two elders were always smiling, capturing every moment with their cameras. Ms. Mai from Hong Kong, a photography enthusiast, constantly asked the guide questions along the way, while Mr. Ho Li Zhen from Australia was quieter, often sitting in roadside teahouses, sipping yak butter tea and gazing at the distant snow-capped mountains.

The unexpected hit as the trip was nearing its end.

Rain Cuts Off Road Access

On the final day, they were supposed to cross the Gyirong Port early in the morning and continue their South Asia journey to Kathmandu, Nepal. However, a morning downpour completely disrupted the plan.

Initially, my colleagues and I thought it was just a brief delay, so we arranged for them to rest at a hotel in Gyirong town. The guide even reassured them, "Rain in the plateau comes and goes quickly, we might be able to leave by noon."

But by the afternoon, the rain intensified. Sections of National Highway 216 were submerged by raging flash floods, and the traffic police urgently closed the roads. Worse, the continuous rain triggered landslides, with rocks and mud blocking the only access to the port. The guide's voice on the phone was anxious: "All vehicles are stopped at the checkpoint, let alone cross the border."

I immediately contacted the local road administration department, and they informed me that the roads would be impassable for at least three days.

This was a serious problem. The two seniors had booked flights and hotels for their subsequent trip to India, and any extended delay would disrupt their entire travel plan. More concerning, although Gyirong town is not at a very high altitude, the continuous rain had caused a sharp drop in temperature, which was uncomfortable for elderly guests.

Securing Budget-Friendly Flights to Kathmandu

I quickly adjusted the plan, deciding that instead of waiting in Gyirong, it would be better to return to Lhasa and fly directly to Kathmandu. However, as soon as this decision was made, another problem arose. Due to the closure of Gyirong Port, many stranded travelers were rushing to buy tickets for the Lhasa-Kathmandu flight, causing prices to soar from 3,000 yuan to 7,000 yuan in just a few hours.

"Girl, we're too old to handle these online booking apps......" Ms. Mai said helplessly on the phone. Her voice was tired, and I could picture her holding the phone, overwhelmed by the complex booking pages.

My colleagues and I immediately took action, with several of us simultaneously refreshing Fliggy, Ctrip, and the Himalaya Airlines website. Ticket prices were rising every minute, and we watched helplessly as a ticket jumped from 4,500 to 6,000 yuan, and then to "sold out." The atmosphere in the office was tense, with everyone staring intently at the screen, afraid of missing any available tickets.

Finally, we found two tickets for 3,600 yuan on Qunar - nearly half the market price! We immediately locked in the payment, fearing they would be snatched up by someone else in the next second. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when the booking was confirmed.

On the way, the driver made a special stop in Shigatse and took them to an authentic Tibetan restaurant. The hot beef noodles and sweet tea finally helped the two seniors relax. Ms. Mai smiled and said, "Although we didn't follow the original plan, this unexpected experience was actually more interesting. Thank you."

Later, they arrived safely in Kathmandu and sent us a group photo with the backdrop of the sunset at Durbar Square. They wrote in the email: "Without your help, we would have faced much higher financial pressure and possibly missed our subsequent trip to Nepal and India. Thank you for your professional service and thoughtful care, which made us feel warm and secure in a foreign land."

I am honored to be someone who safeguards tourists during their travels, turning cold accidents into heartwarming experiences!