Nepal welcomed 132,814 international visitors in October 2026, marking a 3.4% increase compared with the same month in 2025, according to the latest international visitor arrival figures released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The growth reflects sustained international interest in Nepal as a travel destination and highlights the country’s continued appeal among travellers from major tourism markets worldwide.
The United States emerged as Nepal’s largest tourist-generating market during the month, followed by India, China, the United Kingdom and Australia. Together, these five countries contributed a substantial share of total arrivals, demonstrating the importance of both neighbouring and long-haul markets to Nepal’s tourism industry. The regional distribution of arrivals also showed Europe as the largest contributing region, accounting for 30.02% of total visitors. Other Asian countries and South Asian markets followed, while the Americas and Oceania also made significant contributions. The figures highlight Nepal’s diverse visitor base and the continued importance of strengthening tourism promotion across established and emerging markets.
United States Leads Nepal’s Top Five Tourist-Generating Markets
According to the October 2026 statistics, the United States ranked first among Nepal’s international tourist-generating countries, contributing 17,437 visitors, equivalent to 13.13% of total international arrivals. India secured the second position with 12,097 visitors, accounting for 9.11% of the total, while China ranked third with 11,695 arrivals, representing 8.81%. The United Kingdom followed with 9,385 visitors, contributing 7.07%, while Australia recorded 9,352 arrivals, accounting for 7.04% of the total.
The strong contribution from these five countries reflects Nepal’s continued appeal across different international travel markets. India and China remain important neighbouring markets, while the United States, United Kingdom and Australia represent significant long-haul markets for Nepal’s tourism industry. These countries are important sources of visitors interested in Nepal’s trekking routes, mountaineering opportunities, cultural heritage, wildlife experiences, adventure activities and natural attractions. Maintaining international interest from these markets can support tourism businesses, including hotels, airlines, trekking agencies, tour operators and other hospitality services.
Europe Accounts for the Largest Share of Arrivals
The regional distribution of international visitor arrivals in October 2026 placed Europe at the top, contributing 30.02% of total arrivals. This made Europe Nepal’s largest regional source market during the review month. Asia (Other) ranked second with a 20.36% share, followed by South Asia (SAARC), which accounted for 18.11% of international arrivals. The Americas contributed 16.01%, while Oceania represented 7.64% of the total. Other markets accounted for 5.78%, while the Middle East contributed 1.76%. Africa represented the smallest share, with 0.32% of total visitor arrivals.
The regional breakdown demonstrates the geographical diversity of Nepal’s tourism market. Europe’s leading contribution highlights the importance of long-haul international visitors, while the combined contribution of Asian and South Asian markets reflects the continued significance of regional tourism. The contribution from the Americas and Oceania also underlines the importance of maintaining Nepal’s visibility in international markets beyond its immediate neighbourhood. A diversified source-market base provides opportunities for tourism businesses to reach different visitor segments and strengthen the country’s tourism presence.
October Growth Strengthens Nepal’s Tourism Outlook
The 3.4% year-on-year increase in visitor arrivals indicates continued growth in Nepal’s tourism market. October is traditionally one of the important months for Nepal’s autumn tourism season, attracting visitors interested in trekking, mountaineering, sightseeing, cultural exploration and nature-based travel. The country’s diverse tourism attractions provide opportunities for visitors to experience different aspects of Nepal, from the Himalayan landscapes and popular trekking destinations to historic cities, religious sites, national parks and adventure tourism activities. Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, the Everest and Annapurna regions, Chitwan and Lumbini remain among the country’s prominent attractions for travellers.
The latest arrival figures also underline the importance of Nepal’s tourism promotion and destination branding efforts. Continued engagement with major source markets, improved air connectivity, quality hospitality services and better tourism infrastructure can help strengthen the country’s competitiveness as a global destination. The performance of different source markets further highlights the need to maintain a balanced tourism promotion strategy. While established markets continue to contribute significantly, growing interest across Asia and other regions offers opportunities to expand Nepal’s reach.
With 132,814 international visitors recorded in October, Nepal’s tourism industry has received another encouraging indication of international market demand. Sustaining this momentum through destination promotion, improved visitor services and stronger international connectivity will remain important for supporting tourism businesses, generating local economic opportunities and strengthening Nepal’s position in the global travel and tourism market.
