Kathmandu, July 3: Nepal received 621,624 international tourists between January and June 2026, reflecting continued growth in the country’s tourism sector as post-pandemic travel demand remains strong, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
In June alone, Nepal welcomed 91,363 foreign visitors, a 19.5 percent increase compared to 76,425 arrivals in the same month last year. The figure also exceeded the pre-pandemic June 2019 total of 74,883 visitors by 22 percent.
India remained Nepal’s largest source market in June, contributing 41,809 visitors, or 45.76 percent of total arrivals. The United States ranked second with 11,836 visitors, followed by China with 9,995. Bangladesh and Australia completed the top five source markets.
NTB Director Mani Raj Lamichhane said sustained tourism promotion campaigns in India and growing regional travel have significantly boosted visitor numbers. He added that changing travel preferences among Indian tourists may have also contributed to the rise in arrivals.
Monthly arrivals reached 92,573 in January, 105,441 in February, and peaked at 120,516 in March before declining to 107,934 in April, 102,626 in May, and 91,363 in June.
Regionally, South Asian countries accounted for the largest share of visitors, followed by other Asian nations, the Americas, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa.
The steady rise in international arrivals highlights Nepal’s strengthening position as a leading tourism destination in South Asia, supported by improved connectivity, effective promotion, and sustained recovery in global travel.
