Nepal welcomed 71,775 foreign tourists in July 2026, recording a 2.3 percent year-on-year increase, according to the latest data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The country had received 70,193 international visitors during the same month in 2025, reflecting continued growth in Nepal’s tourism industry despite the monsoon season.
India Continues to Lead Tourist Arrivals
India remained Nepal’s largest source market in July, with 23,490 visitors, accounting for 32.73 percent of total international arrivals. The strong performance of the Indian market continues to be driven by geographical proximity, cultural ties, religious tourism, and improved cross-border connectivity. China ranked second among Nepal’s top tourism source markets, with 11,099 visitors arriving during the month. The figure represents an impressive 61.09 percent increase compared to 6,890 Chinese tourists who visited the country in July 2025.
More significantly, Chinese tourist arrivals have now exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Nepal had welcomed 10,215 Chinese visitors in July 2019, meaning the July 2026 figure is 8.65 percent higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the robust recovery of one of Nepal’s key international tourism markets. The United States remained the third-largest source market with 7,754 visitors, followed by Bangladesh (4,179), the United Kingdom (3,773), and Australia (2,428).
South Asia Remains its Largest Regional Market
South Asian countries continued to account for the largest share of international arrivals. During July, the country welcomed 29,755 tourists from SAARC member countries, representing 41.46 percent of total foreign visitors. Despite maintaining its dominant position, the region recorded an 11.93 percent decline compared to 33,787 arrivals in July 2025.
Besides India, Bhutan contributed 991 visitors, while arrivals from Pakistan increased by 3.94 percent to 475. Nepal also welcomed 581 visitors from Sri Lanka, slightly lower than the 598 arrivals recorded a year earlier, while 39 tourists arrived from the Maldives.
Other Asian Markets Continue Strong Growth
Tourist arrivals from non-SAARC Asian countries registered notable growth during the month. Nepal received 17,424 visitors from other Asian markets, accounting for 24.28 percent of total arrivals. Compared to 13,052 visitors in July last year, this segment recorded a healthy 33.05 percent growth, reflecting increasing regional travel demand.
Following China, South Korea contributed 1,394 visitors, Malaysia 1,380, Japan 1,111, and Vietnam 574, while Singapore and Myanmar each recorded 437 visitors. Thailand contributed 428 tourists during the month. The strong performance of Asian markets highlights Nepal’s growing appeal among regional travelers seeking adventure tourism, cultural experiences, and nature-based attractions.
Europe, Americas, and Oceania Maintain Stable Contribution
European countries contributed 9,279 visitors in July, accounting for 12.93 percent of total international arrivals. The United Kingdom remained the largest European source market with 3,773 visitors, followed by Germany (723), Spain (681), France (644), the Netherlands (514), Portugal (489), and Russia (467). Meanwhile, Nepal welcomed 8,824 visitors from the Americas, 2,607 from Oceania, 736 from the Middle East, and 324 from African countries, reflecting the country’s broad international tourism reach.
Chinese Market Drives Tourism Recovery
The latest NTB figures indicate that Nepal’s tourism recovery continues to gather momentum, with the Chinese market emerging as one of the strongest growth drivers. Surpassing pre-pandemic visitor levels marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s tourism recovery efforts.
With India maintaining its position as the largest source market and visitor numbers from Asia continuing to rise, tourism officials remain optimistic about stronger arrivals during the upcoming autumn trekking and festival season. The Nepal Tourism Board expects international arrivals to increase further in the coming months as the country intensifies promotional campaigns in key overseas markets, expands international air connectivity, and prepares for the peak tourism season.
