SATV Kathmandu Nov 04: Nepal's tourism industry continues its strong rebound, with 128,443 international visitors arriving in October 2025, marking a 3.3 percent increase compared to the same month last year and a 96 percent recovery compared to pre-pandemic figures from October 2019, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
Between January and October 2025, Nepal welcomed 943,716 visitors, slightly higher than the same period in 2024, representing a 98 percent recovery from pre-COVID levels. NTB officials described the figures as an encouraging sign of sustained momentum ahead of the peak winter travel season.
India remained the top tourist source market, contributing 17,298 visitors (13.5%), followed by the United States (13,286; 10.3%), the United Kingdom (8,718; 6.8%), China (6,755; 5.3%), and Germany (6,366; 5.0%).
Europe continued to be the largest regional contributor, accounting for 31.6 percent (40,600 arrivals), followed by South Asia (22.6%), Asia excluding SAARC nations (18%), and the Americas (12.8%). Smaller but consistent inflows were recorded from Oceania (5.3%), the Middle East (2.8%), and Africa (0.3%).
In addition to visitor numbers, tourism's economic contribution showed steady improvement. According to NTB, foreign currency earnings for the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) stood at Rs 6.21 billion, while foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments in tourism during Ashoj (mid-September to mid-October) reached Rs 1.46 billion across 103 projects.
The mountaineering segment also remained strong, with 175 expedition teams and 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 on course to surpass pre-pandemic performance," said a tourism entrepreneur in Kathmandu. "Strong regional diversity and renewed long-haul interest from Europe and North America are contributing to Nepal's sustained growth trajectory."
Tourism stakeholders say the tourism rebound is a vital boost to Nepal's external earnings, supporting rural economies and employment across key trekking and adventure regions.
