The largest number of tourists came from India, with 25,728, followed by 10,759 from Sri Lanka and 4,676 from Bangladesh.
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In March 2026, 120,516 foreign tourists arrived in Nepal. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, there has been a significant increase in the number of tourists coming to Nepal, especially from South Asia and other Asian countries.
In March alone, 42,668 tourists came to Nepal from SAARC countries, which is about 35 percent of the total arrivals. Of these, the highest number of tourists came from India, 25,728 tourists came, followed by 10,759 from Sri Lanka and 4,676 from Bangladesh.
Similarly, there has been an encouraging arrival from other Asian countries. 11,220 tourists came from China, 6,020 from Myanmar and 3,897 from Thailand. A good number of tourists have also arrived from Japan, Malaysia and South Korea. Overall, 33,436 tourists came from other Asian regions, which is about 28 percent of the total arrivals.
The number of tourists coming from Europe and the US has remained stable. The expected increase in arrivals from those regions has not been achieved due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has affected international flights and travel plans. However, their contribution is considered significant as tourists from these regions are high spenders. According to the data, 121,687 tourists visited Nepal in March 2025, compared to 127,351 in the same period before COVID-19. Similarly, 155,441 tourists arrived in February 2026.
March and April are considered the main season for tourism, especially for trekking, mountaineering and cultural tours. However, this year, the expected growth has not been achieved due to increasing tensions in West Asia and the ‘travel advisory’.
According to Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, despite the global challenges, the arrival rate is not disappointing. He considered the increasing tourist arrivals from neighboring countries as a positive sign and said that priority has been given to targeted promotion in those markets. He also informed that the presence is being strengthened internationally in high-spending markets such as Europe and the US.
Joshi said that although the current situation is not a cause for concern, it is not time to be completely confident. He said that the uncertain situation in West Asia could affect the global tourism market in the future, adding that Nepal is focusing on alternative market expansion and sustainable strategies.
