Foreign tourist arrivals in Nepal increased by 12.1 percent year-on-year in September 2026, with 88,248 visitors recorded compared to 78,711 in the same month of the previous year, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
Tourist Arrivals by Region
Tourists from South Asia made up the largest group with 30,085 visitors, representing about 34.9 percent of total arrivals. China ranked as the second largest single source country, sending 11,212 tourists, marking a more than 58 percent increase from September 2025.
Meanwhile, European arrivals declined 8.7 percent, totaling 15,148 tourists in September 2026. The United States recorded a decrease in arrivals to 10,107 from 11,523 in
the previous year.
Tourists from Oceania numbered 5,422, including 4,842 Australians and 580 New Zealanders, reflecting a 25.9 percent drop compared to September 2025.
Arrivals from the Middle East increased 11.9 percent to 2,606, while African tourists numbered 424, rising 23.3 percent year-on-year.
Country-Wise Tourist Data
Within South Asia, India was the top contributor with 17,425 visitors. Sri Lanka followed with 7,108 tourists, Bangladesh with 3,964, Bhutan with 1,111 and Pakistan with 429 visitors in September 2026.
European arrivals included 3,725 visitors from the United Kingdom, 1,974 from Germany, 1,389 from France, 1,120 from Spain and 910 from Italy during the same period.
Arrivals Trends and Context
Chinese tourist numbers saw significant growth exceeding 58 percent compared to last year. Conversely, arrivals from Europe, Oceania and the United States declined, with Oceania seeing the sharpest drop of 25.9 percent.
Despite recent natural disasters affecting Nepal in the two months prior, the country reported improved incoming tourist numbers in September 2026.
The Nepal Tourism Board provided the official statistics on arrivals, with data reflecting regional and country-specific flow of international tourists into Nepal during the month.
