KATHMANDU, November 3
Nepal’s tourism sector has nearly reached its pre-pandemic strength, welcoming 128,443 international visitors in October 2025, according to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The figure represents a 3.3 percent rise compared to the same month last year and an impressive 96 percent recovery from October 2019 levels — signaling that Nepal’s tourism revival is not just sustained but strengthening.
From January to October 2025, the country recorded 943,716 tourist arrivals, slightly higher than the same period in 2024 and equivalent to 98 percent of pre-COVID numbers. NTB officials said this consistent growth reflects solid momentum heading into the winter travel season, traditionally one of Nepal’s busiest times for trekking and adventure tourism.
India maintained its position as Nepal’s largest tourist source market, sending 17,298 visitors (13.5%), followed by the United States (13,286; 10.3%), United Kingdom (8,718; 6.8%), China (6,755; 5.3%), and Germany (6,366; 5.0%).
Regionally, Europe led the chart with 31.6 percent of total arrivals (40,600 tourists), trailed by South Asia (22.6%), Asia excluding SAARC (18%), and the Americas (12.8%). Smaller yet steady inflows were recorded from Oceania (5.3%), the Middle East (2.8%), and Africa (0.3%).
Tourism’s economic indicators also showed healthy gains. NTB reported foreign currency earnings of Rs 6.21 billion during the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September), while foreign direct investment commitments in tourism during Ashoj (mid-September to mid-October) totaled Rs 1.46 billion across 103 new projects.
The mountaineering sector remained a major contributor, with 175 expedition teams comprising 1,450 climbers from 83 countries scaling Nepal’s peaks this autumn, generating royalties worth Rs 255.16 million.
“Tourism recovery has not only matched but is now poised to surpass pre-pandemic performance,” said a Kathmandu-based tourism entrepreneur. “The diversity of regional markets and growing long-haul interest from Europe and North America are key drivers of this upward trend.”
Industry stakeholders emphasize that Nepal’s tourism rebound provides a critical boost to rural livelihoods, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings, particularly in trekking, mountaineering, and adventure destinations across the Himalayas.