Foreign tourist arrivals in Nepal rose 12.1 percent year-on-year in September 2026, totaling 88,248 visitors compared with 78,711 tourists in the same month of 2025, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
South Asian Tourists Lead Arrivals
Tourists from South Asia comprised the largest share with 30,085 visitors, representing about 34.9 percent of total arrivals. India accounted for the highest number in the region with 17,425 tourists, followed by Sri Lanka with 7,108 visitors. Bangladesh contributed 3,964 tourists, Bhutan had 1,111, and Pakistan brought 429 visitors.
Significant Growth in Chinese Arrivals
The number of Chinese tourists to Nepal surged by more than 58 percent year-on-year to 11,212 visitors in September 2026,
marking a notable increase that reinforces Nepal’s appeal to Chinese travelers.
Decline in European and Oceania Visitors, US Numbers Drop
European arrivals declined by 8.7 percent year-on-year to 15,148 tourists. The breakdown includes 3,725 visitors from the United Kingdom, 1,974 from Germany, 1,389 from France, 1,120 from Spain, and 910 from Italy. Visitors from Oceania totaled 5,422, including 4,842 Australians and 580 New Zealanders, reflecting a 25.9 percent decrease compared to September 2025.
Tourist arrivals from the United States also decreased to 10,107 from 11,523 in the previous year.
Growth from Middle East and Africa
Tourist arrivals from the Middle East increased by 11.9 percent to 2,606 visitors in September 2026. African tourist arrivals saw
a 23.3 percent rise year-on-year, reaching 424 visitors.
