Foreign Tourist Arrivals Reach 1,20,516 in March 2026 Despite Global Challenges
Nepal welcomed a total of 120,516 foreign tourists in March 2026, according to the latest data released by the Nepal Tourism Board. The figures highlight a steady recovery in the country’s tourism sector, with a notable surge in arrivals from South Asia and other Asian countries.
Tourist arrivals from South Asian (SAARC) countries recorded a significant increase during the month. A total of 42,668 visitors from the region entered Nepal, accounting for approximately 35.4 percent of total arrivals.
Among them, India remained the largest source market, contributing 25,728 tourists. This was followed by Sri Lanka with 10,759 visitors and Bangladesh with 4,676 tourists. The consistently high number of Indian visitors reflects Nepal’s strong appeal for religious, cultural, and short-duration travel, which continues to drive cross-border tourism.
Tourist arrivals from other Asian countries also demonstrated encouraging growth. China led the segment with 11,220 visitors, followed by Myanmar with 6,020 and Thailand with 3,897 tourists. Countries such as Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea also recorded notable arrivals.
In total, 33,436 tourists arrived from other Asian markets, representing about 27.7 percent of overall international visitors in March. This upward trend signals Nepal’s increasing popularity among Asian travelers and the effectiveness of regional tourism promotion efforts.
While arrivals from Europe and the Americas did not show significant growth, they remained relatively stable. The Tourism Board attributed this trend to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflict in West Asia, which have disrupted international travel and affected long-haul tourism markets.
Despite their lower numbers compared to Asian markets, visitors from Europe and the United States are considered high-value tourists due to their higher spending patterns, making their contribution to the tourism economy particularly important.
The March 2026 figures show a slight decline compared to March 2025, which recorded 121,687 tourist arrivals. However, the numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, as March 2019 saw 127,351 visitors before the onset of COVID-19.
Compared to the previous month, tourism showed improvement, with February 2026 recording 105,441 arrivals, indicating a positive upward trend heading into the peak season.
March and April are traditionally considered peak tourism months in Nepal due to favorable weather conditions and the trekking season. During this period, tourist arrivals typically increase as visitors come for mountaineering, trekking, adventure tourism, and cultural exploration.
However, this year’s peak season has been partially affected by escalating tensions in West Asia. The resulting impact on international flights and travel advisories issued by several countries has limited the expected growth in arrivals.
Commenting on the current trends, Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, stated that the overall figures are not discouraging despite global challenges.
He noted, “Although arrivals from Europe and the United States have slightly declined, the increase in tourist inflow from neighboring countries like India is a positive sign. We are prioritizing promotional activities targeting nearby markets while also strengthening our presence in high-spending markets through international tourism marts.”
Joshi further emphasized the need for a cautious yet proactive approach. “While the current data does not indicate a crisis, it is not a situation to be complacent about either. The evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia could impact the global tourism market in the coming days. Therefore, we are focusing on balanced and sustainable strategies, including the expansion of alternative markets.”
