Nepal has eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world and has more than 240 peaks over 20,000 feet. The season for climbing and hiking runs from March to May, so the earthquake struck at its busiest time.
The fact that so many foreign visitors are in Nepal may help focus extra attention on the stricken region, and boost the level of aid which is urgently needed.
http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/question-time-what-attracted-so-many-tourists-to-nepal-1.2190935