Kathmandu: The United States emerged as Nepal’s largest source market for international tourists in October 2026, overtaking neighbouring India as the country welcomed 132,814 international visitors during the month.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 17,437 American tourists visited Nepal in October, up 31.2 percent from 13,286 recorded in the same month last year.
India, traditionally Nepal’s largest source market, ranked second with 12,097 arrivals, a significant decline from 17,298 in October 2025. China came third with 11,695 visitors, compared to 6,755 during the same period last year.
The United Kingdom and Australia ranked fourth and fifth, with 9,385 and 9,352 visitors, respectively. Other major source markets included Germany (6,114), Sri Lanka (5,560), Bangladesh (4,893), France (4,164) and Myanmar (3,025).
Overall, international tourist arrivals increased by 3.4 percent compared to October 2025, when Nepal welcomed 128,443 visitors. The latest figures represent an increase of 4,371 arrivals year-on-year.
In terms of regional distribution, Europe accounted for the largest share of arrivals, with 39,877 visitors, representing 30 percent of the total. Other Asian countries contributed 27,040 visitors (20.4 percent), followed by South Asian countries under the SAARC region with 24,053 (18.1 percent).
The Americas accounted for 21,270 arrivals (16 percent), while Oceania contributed 10,143 (7.6 percent). The Middle East and Africa recorded 2,335 (1.8 percent) and 421 (0.3 percent) arrivals, respectively. Other markets accounted for 7,675 visitors (5.8 percent).
The regional figures show a notable increase in arrivals from Europe, which rose by 163.2 percent compared to October last year. Arrivals from Oceania increased by 48.9 percent, the Americas by 29.6 percent and other Asian countries by 16.9 percent.
However, arrivals from South Asia declined by 17.2 percent, while the Middle East, Africa and other markets recorded declines of 34.2 percent, 5 percent and 9.1 percent, respectively.
The figures are based on preliminary monthly data provided by the Department of Immigration and analysed and compiled by the Nepal Tourism Board.
