Nepal has recorded a significant improvement in international tourist arrivals in January 2026, signaling renewed global confidence in the country’s tourism sector. According to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 92,573 International Visitor Arrivals (IVAs) were recorded during the month, marking a strong start to the year for Nepal’s tourism industry.
Growth Compared to Previous Years
The January 2026 arrival figure represents a 15.7 percent increase compared to January 2025, when Nepal welcomed 79,991 international tourists. The growth trend is even more notable when compared to January 2024, during which 79,101 tourists visited the country.
Furthermore, NTB data shows that January 2026 arrivals are 14 percent higher than pre-pandemic January 2019 levels, highlighting Nepal’s steady recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and the gradual strengthening of its international tourism market.
Tourist Arrivals Comparison (January)
International Visitor Arrivals – January 2026
Analysis of January arrivals indicates that India continues to be Nepal’s largest source market, contributing 26,624 visitors, or 28.8 percent of total international arrivals. China follows with 9,101 tourists (9.8 percent), while the United States contributed 8,406 tourists (9.1 percent). Bangladesh and Australia rounded out the top five markets, with 5,814 (6.3 percent) and 4,957 (5.4 percent) visitors, respectively.
Regionally, the distribution of IVAs in January 2026 shows strong representation from South Asia (SAARC countries), accounting for 39.3 percent of total arrivals. Other Asian countries contributed 26.1 percent, followed by Europe with 12.3 percent, and the Americas at 10.8 percent. Visitors from Oceania comprised 5.7 percent, while the Middle East and Africa accounted for 1 percent and 0.4 percent, respectively. Tourists from other regions made up 4.5 percent of arrivals.
Regional Distribution of IVAs (%)
- South Asia (SAARC): 39.3
- Asia (Other): 26.1
- Europe: 12.3
- Americas: 10.8
- Oceania: 5.7
- Middle East: 1.0
- Africa: 0.4
- Others: 4.5
Factors Contributing to Growth
Nepal Tourism Board CEO, Deepakraj Joshi, noted that the encouraging figures signal rising international confidence in Nepal as a safe and desirable destination.
“The growth in January reflects the success of recent destination promotion initiatives, improved air connectivity, and the growing appeal of Nepal’s adventure and cultural tourism offerings,” said Mr. Joshi.
CEO Joshi highlighted that the tourism growth is not merely a recovery from the pandemic but a sign of Nepal’s potential to position itself as a “Lifetime Experience Destination”. He emphasized that sustainable development, improved facilities for travelers, and continued marketing efforts will be key to maintaining and accelerating growth in 2026 and beyond.
Sector Outlook
Tourism experts note that the start of the year is particularly encouraging as it coincides with favorable weather conditions for trekking, cultural tourism, and wildlife visits. The first-month figures suggest that Nepal’s tourism sector is on track to meet or surpass targets for international arrivals in 2026, provided the momentum is maintained through strategic promotions and infrastructure enhancements.
The NTB has announced plans to focus on digital marketing campaigns, partnership initiatives with international travel agencies, and special promotional offers for top source markets. These measures aim to ensure that Nepal continues to attract not only first-time visitors but also repeat travelers, thereby boosting average length of stay and tourism revenue.
