In February 2025, Nepal welcomed 96,880 tourists, marking a 0.56% decline compared to the 97,226 arrivals in the same month of the previous year. This slight drop in visitor numbers reflects a marginal fluctuation in international tourism. However, Nepal continues to attract a consistent flow of travelers from around the world.
Despite the decrease, the country remains a popular destination, drawing tourists eager to explore its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and adventure opportunities. The steady influx of visitors highlights Nepal’s enduring appeal among global travelers, reinforcing its status as a sought-after tourism hub.
As per the data provided by the Department of Immigration and shared with the Nepal Tourism Board, India remained the leading source of international visitors in February 2025, with 19,187 Indian tourists arriving in Nepal. This significant influx underscores Nepal’s strong appeal among Indian travelers, driven by cultural ties, religious tourism, and ease of travel between the two neighboring nations. The close geographical proximity and well-established tourism connections between the two countries continue to make Nepal a preferred destination for Indian visitors.
Apart from India, several other countries contributed substantially to Nepal’s tourism industry. The United States ranked as the second-largest source of tourists, with 10,348 American visitors choosing Nepal as their travel destination. This reflects the growing popularity of Nepal among adventure seekers and cultural explorers from the U.S. China followed closely, with 8,232 Chinese tourists visiting Nepal, highlighting an increasing interest in the country’s natural landscapes, trekking trails, and heritage sites. The steady arrival of Chinese travelers indicates a resurgence in tourism ties between the two nations, further strengthening Nepal’s position as a favored travel destination in Asia.
Additionally, Thailand emerged as a key source of visitors, with 5,609 Thai tourists exploring Nepal in February. Similarly, the United Kingdom (UK) contributed 5,057 visitors, further strengthening Nepal’s tourism ties with European travelers. These numbers reinforce Nepal’s status as a globally recognized travel destination, with a strong presence of tourists from both neighboring and distant countries.
The tourism data for early 2025 indicates a steady inflow of visitors, reflecting continued international interest in Nepal’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure tourism. In January 2025, Nepal recorded 79,991 tourist arrivals, demonstrating a consistent trend in inbound travel. The increase in visitor numbers from January to February suggests a progressive build-up of international arrivals as the year advances. Despite the slight dip in February 2025’s figures compared to the previous year, Nepal’s tourism sector remains resilient.
The steady arrival numbers indicate that the country continues to attract visitors seeking diverse experiences, including trekking in the Himalayas, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, engaging in religious tourism, and experiencing Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. The minor decline in arrivals could be attributed to several factors, such as global travel trends, economic conditions, or regional geopolitical influences.
However, the presence of a strong tourist base from key countries suggests that Nepal retains its appeal as a preferred travel destination. Industry experts believe that strategic tourism promotion, improved infrastructure, and enhanced travel facilities will further strengthen Nepal’s position in the global tourism market.
With Nepal’s peak trekking season approaching in the coming months, the tourism industry remains optimistic about a surge in arrivals. Adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural travelers continue to find Nepal an attractive destination, ensuring sustained growth in its tourism sector. The government and tourism stakeholders are also focusing on targeted marketing strategies to attract more international visitors and promote Nepal’s diverse tourism offerings.
As Nepal moves forward in 2025, the tourism industry will continue to play a vital role in the country’s economy, supporting businesses, employment, and local communities. The steady influx of travelers, even with minor fluctuations, reaffirms Nepal’s position as one of the top travel destinations in South Asia.
