By Aftab Ahmed and Sunil Kataria

KATHMANDU (Reuters) -Nepal’s deadliest protests in decades erupted just as the country entered its peak tourist season, dealing a blow to businesses that had been preparing to welcome trekkers from around the globe to experience its world-famous trails.

Shops, pubs and restaurants lining the neatly organized alleys of places like Thamel — Kathmandu’s bustling tourist hub — remained largely deserted, even after reopening in the aftermath of a violent anti-corruption protest that left 72 dead over 2,000 injured and forced former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign.

Nepal’s tourism authority, hotel owners and trek organisers said arrivals had fallen by 30% from this time last year, leading to bookings being cancelled.

“I am sitting outside idle becaus

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