Nepal Records 19.5% Growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals in June 2026; Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels
Nepal welcomed 91,363 foreign tourists by air in June 2026, marking a 19.5% year-on-year increase, according to immigration data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
The figure is up from 76,425 foreign arrivals recorded in June 2025. It also surpassed the pre-pandemic level of 74,883 arrivals registered in June 2019, representing a 22.01% increase over the same month before COVID-19.
Among the total arrivals, South Asian (SAARC) countries remained Nepal's largest source market, contributing 48,254 visitors, or 52.8% of total arrivals. India alone accounted for 41,809 tourists, maintaining its position as Nepal's largest inbound tourism market.
Visitors from other Asian countries totaled 16,152, representing 17.68% of total arrivals. China led the segment with 9,955 visitors, followed by Japan with 925 visitors, South Korea 914 visitors, and Thailand with 514 vistors.
From Europe, Nepal received 6,954 visitors, including 2,500 from the United Kingdom, 557 from Germany, and 502 from France. The Americas contributed 13,119 visitors, accounting for 14.36% of total arrivals. The United States remained the largest source market in the region with 11,836 visitors, followed by Canada 1,011 visitors, Brazil 140 visitors, and Mexico 132 vistors .
Meanwhile, 3,090 tourists arrived from Oceania, reflecting a 56.35% increase compared to June 2025 and a 57.17% rise over June 2019. Australia accounted for 2,896 visitors, while New Zealand contributed 194. Nepal also welcomed 292 visitors from Africa and 674 from the Middle East during the month.
According to Santosh Bikram Thapa, Senior Officer at the Nepal Tourism Board, the sustained growth in tourist arrivals has been driven by expanded international air connectivity, ongoing tourism promotion campaigns, targeted marketing in major source markets, and Nepal's growing reputation as a safe and attractive travel destination.
The board said it plans to intensify promotional activities in key tourism markets, including India, China, the United States, Europe, and other priority destinations, ahead of the upcoming tourism season.
