A total of 1,106 foreign tourists from 53 countries entered Nepal through the eastern border checkpoint of Kakarbhitta during the first three months of the current fiscal year 2026/27, reflecting continued international travel through the country’s eastern land gateway. According to the Immigration Office at Kakarbhitta, 605 foreign tourists entered Nepal through the checkpoint in Ashoj alone, marking a significant increase in arrivals during the beginning of the peak tourism season. The office recorded 281 tourist arrivals in Shrawan, followed by 220 in Bhadra and 605 in Ashoj. The figures indicate a notable rise in cross-border tourist movement in the third month of the fiscal year.
Tulsi Bhattarai, chief of the Immigration Office at Kakarbhitta, said tourists from 53 countries, including Bhutan, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Bangladesh, entered Nepal through the checkpoint during the three months. On average, approximately 12 foreign tourists entered Nepal daily through Kakarbhitta during the period. In Ashoj, the daily average increased to around 19 visitors, reflecting the seasonal rise in international travel.
Bhutan and the United States Lead Tourist Arrivals
Tourists from Bhutan accounted for the largest share of arrivals through Kakarbhitta, followed by visitors from the United States and other countries.
According to the immigration data, the leading source countries during the three-month period were:
- Bhutan: 478 tourists
- United States: 242 tourists
- Australia: 49 tourists
- United Kingdom: 40 tourists
- Bangladesh: 35 tourists
The remaining visitors came from other countries, bringing the total number of nationalities represented to 53. The figures highlight the importance of Kakarbhitta as an entry point for international travellers arriving overland. Its location along Nepal’s eastern border provides access to visitors travelling from India and other parts of South Asia, while also serving tourists from more distant destinations.
Tourist Arrivals Increase During the Peak Travel Season
The rise in arrivals during Ashoj coincides with the beginning of Nepal’s main tourism season. According to the immigration office, foreign tourist arrivals through Kakarbhitta generally increase from Ashoj to Falgun. Favourable weather and growing travel activity during this period can encourage visitors to explore Nepal’s natural landscapes, cultural attractions, religious destinations, and mountain regions.
The seasonal increase presents opportunities to promote eastern Nepal’s tourism potential, including destinations in Koshi Province. Better tourism information, improved transport connections, visitor facilities, and coordinated destination promotion could help encourage more international travellers to explore the region rather than simply pass through the border checkpoint.
Immigration Office Issues Various Types of Visas
In addition to recording tourist arrivals, the Kakarbhitta Immigration Office issued several categories of visas and immigration endorsements during the first three months of the fiscal year. The office issued 992 tourist visas, 75 relationship visas, eight marriage visas, 13 non-resident visas, and eight SAARC endorsement visas during the period, according to office chief Bhattarai.
The figures demonstrate the checkpoint’s role not only in facilitating international tourist entry but also in providing immigration services to foreign nationals visiting Nepal for different purposes. Efficient visa processing and accessible immigration services are important for maintaining a smooth travel experience for international visitors entering the country through land borders.
Nearly 1,000 Foreign Nationals Travel to India
During the same three-month period, 985 foreign nationals completed immigration procedures at Kakarbhitta and travelled from Nepal to India. Monthly figures show that 318 foreign nationals travelled to India in Shrawan, 230 in Bhadra, and 437 in Ashoj. The increase in departures during Ashoj reflects continued cross-border movement through the eastern checkpoint, which serves as an important transit point for international travellers moving between Nepal and India.
Kakarbhitta Holds Potential for Eastern Nepal Tourism
The arrival of 1,106 tourists from 53 countries during the first quarter of the fiscal year highlights Kakarbhitta’s role in Nepal’s international land-based tourism network. As arrivals increase during the peak travel season, the checkpoint offers an opportunity to strengthen tourism promotion in eastern Nepal.
Connecting border arrivals with destinations across Koshi Province through better travel information, tourism packages, transport services, and hospitality facilities could help encourage longer stays and greater local spending. With seasonal tourist arrivals expected to remain important in the coming months, effective coordination among immigration authorities, tourism agencies, local governments, and private-sector operators could help maximise the benefits of cross-border tourism for local communities and Nepal’s wider tourism economy.
