The United States became Nepal’s largest source of foreign visitors in October, overtaking India for the first time, according to data from the Nepal Tourism Board. US arrivals reached 17,437 during the month, compared with 12,097 visitors from India and 11,695 from China.
The change came as Indian arrivals fell sharply year on year. Nepal recorded 17,298 visitors from India in October 2025, meaning this year’s total was down by around 30%. The overall market nevertheless expanded, with more than 1.32 lakh foreign tourists visiting Nepal in October, a 3.4% increase compared with the same month last year.
Indian arrivals affected by disruption
Floods and landslides in August were cited as a major factor behind the reduction in Indian visitors. The damage affected roads and travel routes between India and Nepal, creating difficulties for people travelling through the region. Indian pilgrims travelling to Kailash Mansarovar were among those affected.
The figures indicate a marked divergence between Nepal’s principal neighbouring market and several long-haul and regional segments. Arrivals from the US increased by 31.24% compared with October 2025, while visitors from China rose to 11,695, up from 6,755 a year earlier, an increase of around 73%.
| Market | October 2026 arrivals | Comparison reported |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 17,437 | Up 31.24% year on year |
| India | 12,097 | Down around 30% from October 2025 |
| China | 11,695 | Up around 73% from 6,755 |
Trekking demand supports US market
Nepalese tour operators attributed the growth in American visitors to interest in trekking and mountaineering, particularly among younger travellers. Ganga Bahadur Thapa, head of Nepal Hiking Team, said the August floods had not led any of the company’s American clients to cancel their trips. Some postponed their travel, while others continued as planned.
“The floods affected the route to Langtang.”
Thapa told The Kathmandu Post that alternative destinations, including the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp trekking routes, were offered to travellers. Visitors of Nepali origin living in the US were also identified as contributing to the increase in arrivals from that market.
European arrivals also increase
Nepal recorded 39,877 visitors from Europe in October, compared with 15,148 during the same period last year. More than 9,000 visitors arrived from the UK and Australia combined, adding to the wider rise in international demand recorded during the month.
- The US was Nepal’s leading source market in October 2026, with 17,437 arrivals.
- Indian arrivals fell from 17,298 in October 2025 to 12,097 this year.
- Total foreign visitor numbers rose by 3.4% year on year to more than 1.32 lakh.
The figures give Nepal’s tourism industry a mixed picture: overall arrivals increased, but the performance of its largest neighbouring market was affected by disruption to surface travel routes. At the same time, stronger demand from the US, China and Europe altered the balance of the country’s inbound visitor markets during October.
