India joins China, UK, Germany and US in leading this initiative as Nepal witnesses 3.3% growth in international tourism with over 100,000 visitors in October 2025

Posted on November 3, 2025

India, along with China, the UK, Germany and the US, has played an important role in driving tourism growth in Nepal, with the country witnessing a 3.3% increase in international arrivals in October 2025. With over 1.28 lakh visitors arriving last month, Nepal’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate resilience and recovery in the wake of challenges posed by global turmoil. India remains the main source of international tourists, contributing the largest number of arrivals, while visitors from China, the UK, Germany and the US have contributed to the sector’s performance. Nepal’s diverse offerings, including popular trekking routes, cultural heritage sites and spiritual tourism, have captured the interest of travelers from these key markets, ensuring a positive outlook for the future of Nepal’s tourism industry.

Despite facing global challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fluctuations, Nepal’s tourism industry is bouncing back. The diverse experiences on offer, from trekking in the majestic Himalayas to immersing yourself in the ancient cultural wonders of Kathmandu, continue to attract visitors from all over the world.

India is the top tourism market in Nepal

India remains the dominant source of international tourists for Nepal, with 17,298 visitors arriving from the neighboring country in October 2025. This represents a 6% increase from October 2024, highlighting Nepal’s enduring appeal among Indian travellers. Nepal’s proximity to India, coupled with shared religious, cultural and historical ties, ensures that the country remains a favorite destination for Indian tourists seeking spiritual journeys, adventure and cultural experiences.

In addition to Indian visitors, the United States is Nepal’s second-largest market, with 13,286 American tourists arriving by air in October. The United Kingdom, China and Germany are among the top five countries contributing to international tourism in Nepal, with the number of visitors reaching 8,718, 6,755 and 6,366 visitors respectively. These figures show that Nepal continues to attract travelers from a wide range of international markets, strengthening its position as a global tourism destination.

Strong growth of tourism in Nepal in 2025

Looking at the broader year-to-date performance, Nepal has seen a modest but steady increase in international arrivals. From January to October 2025, the country recorded a total of 943,716 international visitors, a slight increase of 0.3% compared to the same period in 2024. This indicates that despite global challenges, Nepal’s tourism sector is slowly recovering, with more travelers choosing the country for their holidays, adventures and spiritual retreats.

Although the growth rate may seem modest, it is still a positive sign, especially in the context of the slow recovery of global tourism. The increase in arrivals indicates that Nepal’s attractions continue to resonate with international travellers, who are eager to explore the unique experiences the country has to offer.

Indian tourists: a fundamental pillar of tourism growth in Nepal

Indian tourists have long been the backbone of Nepal’s tourism industry, and they continue to account for the bulk of international visitors. In the first 10 months of 2025, a total of 2,43,350 Indian visitors arrived in Nepal by air, constituting a large proportion of international arrivals in the country. However, the number of Indian visitors saw a slight decline of 11% compared to the same period in 2024, when 273,317 Indian tourists arrived. This decline has raised concerns within the tourism industry, but despite the decline, Indian travelers still dominate the number of tourist arrivals in Nepal.

The reasons behind this decline are varied, including factors such as increased competition from other international destinations, changes in travel preferences, and economic conditions. To counter this, Nepal’s tourism authorities are working to strengthen relations with Indian travellers, offer specialized offers, enhance connectivity, and promote Nepal as a premier destination for spiritual and adventure tourism.

Expanding Nepal’s appeal beyond India

While India remains the largest source of visitors, Nepal’s tourism sector is increasingly attracting tourists from other countries. The United States, United Kingdom, China and Germany are among the largest contributors to international tourism, reflecting the growing interest in adventure tourism, cultural experiences and eco-tourism offerings in Nepal.

Nepal is famous for its trekking trails, including Mount Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley. These trips continue to attract adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. In addition, Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as ancient temples in the Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, attract visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural history.

Promoting ecotourism and sustainable travel also plays a major role in expanding Nepal’s appeal. The country’s natural beauty, from its snow-capped peaks to its lush forests and wildlife reserves, makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and environmentally conscious travellers.

Challenges and opportunities for the tourism sector in Nepal

Despite the growth in tourist arrivals, Nepal’s tourism industry still faces many challenges. Infrastructure, especially in remote areas and trekking areas, remains a limiting factor. While efforts have been made to improve transportation and accommodation, more investment in infrastructure is necessary to meet the growing demand and provide tourists with a seamless experience.

Furthermore, the country must work to diversify its tourism offering. While adventure tourism is a major draw, Nepal can attract more visitors by promoting lesser-known destinations, rural tourism, and cultural experiences beyond trekking. This will help reduce dependence on a single tourism sector and ensure sustainable growth of the sector in the long term.

Looking to the future: Optimism about the future of tourism in Nepal

Looking to the future, there is optimism surrounding Nepal’s tourism industry. The steady increase in the number of international arrivals, especially from countries like the US and the UK, shows that Nepal is gradually re-establishing itself as a major destination in Asia. The country’s tourism authorities are working on several initiatives, including improving connectivity, upgrading infrastructure and sustainability programs to attract more visitors and enhance the overall experience for tourists.

In conclusion, Nepal’s tourism sector is on a positive trajectory, with encouraging growth in international arrivals. The country’s unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, spirituality and rich cultural heritage makes it an attractive destination for travelers from all over the world. With continued investment in infrastructure and sustainable practices, Nepal is well positioned to remain a top tourism destination in the coming years.