Nepal tourism welcomed 88,248 international visitors in September 2026, marking a 12.1 per cent increase from the 78,711 arrivals recorded in September 2025. The latest figures from the Nepal Tourism Board reveal a changing source-market picture, with South Asia and other Asian countries recording stronger visitor numbers while arrivals from Europe, the Americas and Oceania declined. As the autumn travel season begins, the figures bring fresh attention to Nepal’s mountain journeys, cultural cities, wildlife experiences and regional travel connections.
Asian markets lead Nepal’s September tourism growth
The strongest gains came from Asian markets. South Asian arrivals increased 23.9 per cent to 30,085, while visitors from other Asian countries rose 58 per cent to 19,888. India remained Nepal’s largest individual source market, contributing 17,425 visitors during the month. China recorded one of the sharpest increases, with arrivals reaching 11,212, up 114.1 per cent from September 2025. Sri Lanka contributed 7,108 visitors, Bangladesh 3,964 and Japan 2,066. These figures show how regional travel is shaping Nepal’s latest international arrival performance. The rise is relevant to airlines, hotels, tour operators and destination businesses, particularly those serving short-haul travellers and visitors combining several experiences within one trip. Nepal’s proximity to major South Asian markets also makes air and land connectivity an important part of its tourism network.
Western arrivals show a different pattern
Growth was not shared evenly across all regions. European arrivals declined 8.7 per cent to 15,148, while arrivals from the Americas fell 12.3 per cent to 10,107. Oceania recorded a 25.9 per cent decrease, reaching 5,422 visitors. The Middle East, meanwhile, registered an 11.9 per cent increase. The United States supplied 8,299 visitors, while arrivals from the United Kingdom fell 25.2 per cent to 3,725. The figures describe one month’s performance and do not establish a longer-term trend on their own. For tourism operators, the difference between source markets can influence marketing, flight planning, package design and seasonal demand. September’s overall increase therefore sits alongside a varied regional picture rather than a uniform rise in international travel.
Kathmandu opens the journey
For many international visitors, Kathmandu is the first stop. Tribhuvan International Airport connects the capital with Nepal’s domestic travel network, while the city’s heritage districts offer a first introduction to its religious and architectural history. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath are among the city’s major visitor sites. Nearby Patan and Bhaktapur provide further opportunities to explore traditional courtyards, temples, crafts and historic urban spaces. Travellers planning a city stay should allow time for traffic, airport transfers and visits across the valley. Local taxis and app-based transport may be useful for shorter journeys, while guided arrangements can help visitors coordinate several heritage sites in one day.
Pokhara and the Himalayan travel experience
Pokhara remains a major base for visitors seeking mountain views, lakeside stays and trekking access. Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda and the surrounding Annapurna landscape shape the city’s tourism offer. Hotels, cafés, adventure operators and trekking agencies serve travellers with different lengths of stay. Those heading into the Annapurna region should arrange permits where required, check trail conditions and use registered guides or established trekking services. Weather, altitude and road access can affect itineraries, particularly for visitors connecting several destinations. The Everest region offers another major trekking route, with Lukla commonly serving as an access point for journeys towards Namche Bazaar and Everest Base Camp. Flights and trail conditions can change, so travellers should build flexibility into their plans.
Wildlife, spirituality and slower journeys
Nepal’s tourism appeal extends beyond the mountains. Chitwan National Park offers wildlife-focused trips, including guided jungle activities, birdwatching and visits to nearby communities. Visitors should book activities through authorised operators and follow park rules. Lumbini, recognised as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, draws visitors interested in Buddhist heritage and pilgrimage. Its monasteries, sacred garden and archaeological sites can form a separate cultural itinerary or an extension to a wider Nepal journey. For shorter escapes from Kathmandu, Nagarkot is known for Himalayan viewpoints, while Bandipur offers heritage streets and hill-town scenery. Travel times depend on road conditions, making an overnight stay useful for visitors wishing to avoid a rushed day trip.
Planning around Nepal’s autumn season
September sits at the beginning of Nepal’s popular autumn travel period, when trekking and sightseeing demand typically increases. Visitors should confirm current weather, road access, flight schedules and trekking requirements before departure, particularly when travelling to remote mountain districts. International travellers should also check visa eligibility and entry requirements before booking. Nepal offers visa-on-arrival facilities to many nationalities, but eligibility and fees vary. Travel insurance covering trekking and emergency evacuation is important for high-altitude itineraries. The September arrival figures place Nepal’s tourism performance at 88,248 visitors, with regional Asian demand providing much of the reported increase. The next stage for the travel sector will be how that demand translates into stays across Kathmandu, Pokhara, wildlife destinations and the country’s mountain routes.
