Nepal’s tourism sector in 2025 came within touching distance of its all-time high, yet the story of the year goes far beyond whether a record was broken or not.
The country welcomed 1.15 million international tourists, narrowly missing the peak of 2019. On the surface, the numbers suggest a slowdown. But a closer look shows a tourism landscape that is gradually reshaping itself.
India remained Nepal’s largest source market, contributing 292,438 visitors, underlining the continued importance of regional travel. The United States ranked second with 112,316 arrivals, reflecting Nepal’s growing appeal among long-haul travelers. China followed in third place with 95,480 tourists, though its recovery continues to lag behind pre-pandemic levels.
The next tier of source markets paints an interesting picture. The United Kingdom and Bangladesh rounded out the top five, while Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Germany, and Japan completed the top ten. Together, these figures suggest that Nepal is quietly broadening its tourism base beyond its traditional dependence on neighboring countries.
This shift becomes clearer when trends are compared. While arrivals from India and China softened in 2025, steady growth from Europe, Oceania, and Southeast Asia helped keep overall numbers stable. For tourism officials, this diversification may prove more valuable than a single record-breaking year.
Looking ahead, the Nepal Tourism Board is preparing a stronger push in 2026. CEO Deepak Raj Joshi says recent digital campaigns and media outreach have delivered encouraging results. Building on that momentum, the board has declared 2026 as “ASEAN Tourism Year,” with a goal to increase arrivals from Southeast Asia by at least 50 percent.
Currently, around 100,000 tourists visit Nepal annually from ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Targeted promotion, improved connectivity, and regional partnerships are expected to play a key role in driving growth.
Nepal may have missed a historic number in 2025, but the evolving pattern of its visitors suggests the country is positioning itself for a more balanced and resilient tourism future.
