British YouTuber goes viral after vacationing in Nepal during government coup

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A British video blogger, who specializes in travel documentaries, unexpectedly got caught up in Nepal’s political upheaval. His real-life footage captured on the streets became incredibly popular, leading to a significant increase in views for his channel.

Since September 8, Nepal has experienced a series of youth-led protests against the government, driven by frustration over perceived corruption and a temporary social media ban. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli stepped down, parliament was dissolved, and Sushila Karki, former chief justice, took over as interim prime minister. The authorities lifted curfews and scheduled new elections for March 5. Official sources have confirmed at least 51 deaths during this turmoil, with several government buildings being engulfed in flames.

The YouTube content creator known as wehatethecold usually shares motorbike travel videos that didn’t often exceed 100,000 views until an unexpected event during Nepal’s upheaval occurred. Since his arrival in Kathmandu on September 8, three new uploads have garnered significant attention, with “A side of Nepal rarely seen by the media” being the most popular, amassing over 20 million views in just a few days.

YouTuber goes viral while stuck in Nepal

In his initial popular video, the individual mingles with groups while law enforcement discharges tear gas and protesters forcefully break through barricades towards administrative buildings. He communicates to spectators “I shouldn’t be here” followed by “for the first time in my life, I have just been exposed to tear gas,” as background voices repeatedly shout “The Parliament is on fire” while smoky haze ascends above the city. Amidst conflicts, residents provide him with water and advise him to stay safe, a situation he characterizes as “the essence of humanity persists despite the chaos.

In simpler terms, he’s documenting the city currently under lockdown and gas scarcity, where shops are closed and charred vehicles line the major roads. On live television, he refers to the situation as “martial law,” depicting once bustling streets as eerily deserted, with checkpoints and barbed wire visible. Residents interviewed claim that life continues as usual under military supervision.

The video transitions to more tranquil settings, depicting tea at a roadside café, volunteers distributing water, and locals recalling him from the initial upload, as he follows the path where he had his first encounter with tear gas. He muses that the moment was particularly unfavorable for an ordinary tourist, yet observes that the city was gradually becoming peaceful.

Officially, curfews have been relaxed in Kathmandu now, given that the interim government is now in control, and elections are set for March 5th. The authorities have also promised accountability for victims’ families during this time. The creator intends to stay put until all restrictions are lifted, capturing daily life in Nepal as it enters its transitional phase, continuing to film and document the situation.

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2025-09-14 00:18