Nepal welcomed 85,444 international tourists in August 2026, according to tourism arrival data received by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) from the Department of Immigration. The figure represents a decline from the 88,680 international tourist arrivals recorded in August 2025, with arrivals falling by around 3.65 percent year-on-year.
Despite the overall decline, several key source markets recorded significant growth during the month, particularly from China, Sri Lanka, Russia, Ukraine, Bhutan and Cambodia. The figures indicate that while Nepal’s tourism industry experienced a contraction in overall arrivals, a number of international markets continued to demonstrate strong demand for Nepal as a travel destination.
India Remains Nepal’s Largest Source Market
India continued to dominate Nepal’s international tourism market in August 2026, accounting for the largest share of total arrivals. According to the NTB data, 26,373 Indian tourists visited Nepal during the month, representing 30.87 percent of total international tourist arrivals.
India has consistently remained one of Nepal’s most important tourism markets because of its geographical proximity, strong cultural and historical ties, open-border movement and extensive air connectivity. The continued dominance of Indian visitors highlights the importance of the Indian market to Nepal’s tourism recovery and overall visitor economy. Following India, China emerged as the second-largest source market, with 10,304 Chinese tourists arriving in Nepal in August.
Chinese Tourist Arrivals Rise 36.78 Percent
China recorded one of the most notable increases among Nepal’s major tourism markets. A total of 10,304 Chinese tourists visited Nepal in August 2026, compared with 7,533 arrivals in August 2025. This represents a substantial 36.78 percent year-on-year increase in Chinese tourist arrivals.
The strong growth from China has further strengthened Nepal’s position in the Asian tourism market. China is considered a major potential source market for Nepal, and the significant increase in arrivals could provide further opportunities for the country’s tourism businesses, particularly in trekking, adventure tourism, cultural travel and nature-based tourism.
Sri Lanka Records Strong Growth
Sri Lanka also recorded a significant increase in tourist arrivals to Nepal during August. According to the latest figures, 8,710 Sri Lankan tourists visited Nepal during the month. The arrival figure represents a 46.24 percent increase compared with August 2025. The sharp rise has placed Sri Lanka among the fastest-growing major source markets for Nepal during the month. The growth from Sri Lanka demonstrates continued interest from South Asian travellers in Nepal, particularly for pilgrimage, cultural, leisure and mountain tourism.
United States, Bangladesh and UK Remain Important Markets
The United States remained another major source market for Nepal in August, contributing 6,293 tourist arrivals during the month. Although the US market did not register growth on the scale of some Asian markets, it continued to provide a significant volume of international visitors. Similarly, 4,487 tourists arrived from Bangladesh, making it another important South Asian market for Nepal.
The United Kingdom contributed 3,476 international tourist arrivals in August. The UK has traditionally been an important European market for Nepal, with visitors travelling to the country for trekking, mountaineering, cultural experiences, adventure tourism and leisure. Together, these markets continue to form an important part of Nepal’s diversified international tourism base.
South Asia Leads Regional Tourist Arrivals
From a regional perspective, South Asia remained the largest source region for Nepal in August 2026, contributing 41,422 international tourists. The strong contribution from South Asia reflects Nepal’s close geographical and cultural connections with neighbouring countries and the relatively high volume of travel between the region and Nepal.
Following South Asia, other Asian countries contributed 18,275 tourist arrivals during August. The continued strength of Asian markets indicates that the region remains central to Nepal’s international tourism strategy. Europe also remained an important market, contributing 10,875 tourists during the month.
Oceania and the Americas Continue to Contribute
Nepal received 2,529 tourists from the Oceania region in August 2026. The figure represents a 3.86 percent increase compared with the same month last year, indicating moderate growth from markets such as Australia and other countries in the region. Meanwhile, the Americas contributed 7,473 tourist arrivals, representing a 2.47 percent increase compared with August 2025. The growth from the Americas is significant as long-haul markets remain an important source of higher-value tourists, particularly those interested in trekking, mountaineering, wildlife, wellness, culture and other experiential tourism products.
Middle East and Africa Also Record Growth
The Middle East contributed 1,010 tourist arrivals to Nepal in August 2026. Despite the relatively small volume compared with South Asian and Asian markets, arrivals from the region increased by 6.99 percent year-on-year. Similarly, Nepal welcomed 338 tourists from Africa, representing a 4.97 percent increase compared with August 2025. Although these markets account for a relatively small share of Nepal’s total international arrivals, their growth indicates opportunities for further market diversification.
Russia and Ukraine Show Significant Growth
Several individual international markets recorded particularly strong growth in August. Nepal welcomed 769 tourists from Russia, marking a substantial 51.38 percent increase compared with August 2025. The rise demonstrates growing interest from the Russian market despite its comparatively smaller visitor volume. Similarly, 216 tourists arrived from Ukraine, representing an impressive 83.05 percent year-on-year increase. The significant growth from these two markets could create opportunities for Nepal to further strengthen promotional activities in Eastern European markets and develop tourism products tailored to their interests.
Cambodia Records 277.78 Percent Growth
One of the highest percentage increases among the listed markets came from Cambodia. Nepal received 68 Cambodian tourists in August 2026, compared with a much smaller number in August 2025. This resulted in an extraordinary 277.78 percent year-on-year growth. Although the absolute number of visitors remains modest, the sharp percentage increase suggests that Cambodia could have potential as an emerging tourism market for Nepal.
Bhutan, Malaysia and Thailand Also Register Growth
Neighbouring Bhutan also recorded strong growth, with 1,288 Bhutanese tourists visiting Nepal in August 2026. Arrivals from Bhutan increased by 49.25 percent compared with August last year. Meanwhile, Nepal welcomed 1,618 tourists from Malaysia, representing a 13.07 percent increase year-on-year. Tourist arrivals from Thailand reached 681, with the market recording 19.89 percent growth compared with August 2025. The growth from Bhutan, Malaysia and Thailand further demonstrates the continued importance of regional Asian markets to Nepal’s tourism sector.
Mixed Performance Highlights Need for Market Diversification
The August 2026 tourism figures present a mixed picture for Nepal’s tourism industry. While total international arrivals declined by around 3.65 percent compared with August 2025, several major and emerging markets recorded strong growth. India remained the largest contributor, while China and Sri Lanka posted particularly notable increases. Meanwhile, Russia, Ukraine, Cambodia and Bhutan recorded substantial percentage growth from their respective markets.
The contrasting performance across source markets highlights the importance of market diversification, targeted international promotion and stronger connectivity. As Nepal continues efforts to expand its tourism sector, maintaining strong traditional markets while developing emerging destinations will remain crucial.
