SATV, Kathmandu, July 3 : Nepal welcomed over 620,000 international visitors during the first half of 2026, driven by steady post-pandemic recovery and strong regional travel.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 621,624 international tourists visited Nepal between January and June 2026, reflecting sustained growth driven by strong demand from neighbouring India, the United States, China and other key source markets.

In June alone, Nepal welcomed 91,363 international visitors, marking a 19.5 per cent increase compared to the same month last year, when 76,425 international tourists visited the country.

The June 2026 figure also represents a 22 per cent increase over the pre-pandemic level of 74,883 arrivals recorded in June 2019, highlighting the continued recovery and expansion of Nepal's tourism industry.

Of the total arrivals recorded so far this year, 92,573 tourists visited Nepal in January, followed by 105,441 in February and 120,516 in March. Tourist arrivals then reached 107,934 in April, before declining to 102,626 in May and 91,363 in June.

India remained the largest source market during the month, contributing 41,809 visitors, accounting for 45.76 per cent of total arrivals. The United States was the second-largest source market with 11,836 visitors (12.95 per cent), followed by China with 9,995 tourists (10.94 per cent).

Bangladesh and Australia ranked fourth and fifth, with 4,322 (4.73 per cent) and 2,896 (3.17 per cent) visitors, respectively. Likewise, a total of 1,500 tourists from United Kingdom, 1,598 tourists from Malaysia, 1,362 tourists from Bhutan, 1,011 tourists from Canada and 925 tourists from Japan visited Nepal.

According to Mani Raj Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, tourist arrivals from India have been growing steadily over the years. "The fact that Indian tourists accounted for more than 45 per cent of total arrivals in June once again confirms India as Nepal's largest source market," he said.

In May, around 40,782 Indian tourists visited Nepal, accounting for 39.74 per cent of total arrivals. Lamichhane said sustained promotional campaigns carried out by the Nepal Tourism Board and the private sector in India over the past few years had significantly contributed to the increase in Indian tourist arrivals.

He also said India's call for its citizens to reduce spending in US dollars following tensions related to the conflict involving the United States and Iran may have encouraged some Indian travellers, who previously visited destinations such as Dubai, Thailand and Europe, to choose Nepal instead.

Besides Indian tourists arriving by air, large numbers of Indian visitors have travelled to Pokhara and other parts of the country over the past two months, he said. Lamichhane stressed the need to continue promotional campaigns in India, Bangladesh and China to attract more tourists in the coming days.

Region-wise, South Asia (SAARC) dominated inbound tourism with 52.82 per cent (48,254 tourists) of total arrivals. Visitors from other parts of Asia contributed 17.68 per cent (16,152 tourists), while Americas made up 14.4 per cent (13,119 tourists) of the total arrivals.

Tourists from Europe accounted for 7.61 per cent (6,954 tourists), Oceania contributed 3.4 per cent (3,039 tourists), Middle East contributed 0.7 per cent (674 tourists) and Africa shared only 0.3 per cent (292 tourists) in the month of June.

The steady increase across major markets reflects Nepal’s strengthening position as a leading tourism destination in South Asia, supported by improved connectivity, growing international interest, and post-pandemic recovery momentum.