POKHARA, May 7 -- Bijay KC, a trekking entrepreneur currently en route to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), is experiencing firsthand the impact of air pollution on tourism. While leading a group of domestic tourists on a trek to the base camp, he observed a notable decline in visibility and clarity, KC shared while returning to Pokhara.

"Everywhere is shrouded in mist. Even our guests are questioning why they chose to visit the base camp at this time," he said from Chomrong, while making his way back from ABC to Pokhara.While acknowledging that the pollution levels were not as suffocating as in Pokhara, he said, "The Himalayan peaks are covered by haze. A clear view is only possible upon reaching the base camp."

According to KC, despite reach...