Nepal sees 12.1 percent rise in foreign tourist arrivals in September

Kathmandu, October 1, 2026 — Nepal recorded a 12.1 percent year-on-year increase in foreign tourist arrivals in September 2026, with 88,248 international visitors entering the country, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.

The number of arrivals increased from 78,711 in September 2025, adding 9,537 visitors compared with the same month last year.

South Asia accounted for the largest share of foreign tourist arrivals, with 30,085 visitors from the region, representing around 34.1 percent of total arrivals.

India remained the largest source of tourists from South Asia, with 17,425 visitors. It was followed by Sri Lanka with 7,108, Bangladesh with 3,964, Bhutan with 1,111 and Pakistan with 429.

Nepal received 11,212 tourists from China in September, marking an increase of more than 58 percent compared with September 2025.

Arrivals from Europe, however, declined by 8.7 percent year-on-year to 15,148. The European visitors included 3,725 from the United Kingdom, 1,974 from Germany, 1,389 from France, 1,120 from Spain and 910 from Italy.

Oceania contributed 5,422 tourist arrivals, including 4,842 visitors from Australia and 580 from New Zealand. Arrivals from the region fell by 25.9 percent compared with September 2025.

Tourist arrivals from the United States also declined. A total of 10,107 American tourists visited Nepal in September, down from 11,523 in the same month last year.

Meanwhile, arrivals from the Middle East increased by 11.9 percent year-on-year to 2,606. Nepal also received 424 tourists from African countries, representing a 23.3 percent increase compared with September 2025.