KATHMANDU: Nepal’s tourism industry has achieved a major milestone in its recovery journey, with international tourist arrivals in June 2025 reaching 76,425, exceeding pre-pandemic June 2019 figures by 102.1%, according to the latest data from the Nepal Tourism Board.

Although the monthly figure shows a marginal 0.4% dip from June 2024 (76,736), the January–June 2025 cumulative arrivals remain strong at 577,689, reflecting a 100.7% recovery compared to the same six-month period in 2019. This number is just slightly below the 583,016 arrivals during the first half of 2024, representing a 99.1% recovery.

Top source markets
India continues to lead as Nepal’s largest source market, contributing 32,662 visitors in June alone—42.7% of total arrivals. The United States followed with 9,696 visitors (12.7%), and China ranked third with 6,736 arrivals (8.8%).

From January to June 2025, Indian visitors totaled 147,839 (25.6%), while the USA and China contributed 58,326 (10.1%) and 52,514 (9.1%) respectively.

Regional visitor trends
SAARC nations (mainly South Asia) accounted for 52.4% of June arrivals (40,023 visitors).

The Americas contributed 14% (10,735), while other Asian countries made up 16.6% (12,674).

In the first six months, South Asia brought in 203,242 visitors (35.2%), other Asian countries 132,750 (23%), and Europe 102,524 (17.7%).

Foreign exchange earnings on the rise
Tourism-related foreign exchange earnings are also growing steadily. In Baisakh 2081/82 (Mid-April to Mid-May 2025), Nepal earned NPR 9.16 billion (USD 67.2 million), up 2.21% from the same month last fiscal year.

From Shrawan to Baisakh (Mid-July 2024 to Mid-May 2025), total earnings reached NPR 75.71 billion (USD 555.77 million), an 8.57% increase year-on-year, as per Nepal Rastra Bank’s data.

Outlook
The steady rise in both international arrivals and tourism revenue reflects a resilient and growing tourism sector, aided by increasing interest from core markets and the government's ongoing promotional and infrastructure efforts.

With the tourism sector showing signs of full post-pandemic recovery, stakeholders are optimistic about sustained momentum through the rest of 2025.