Industry & Tourism

Nepal lost a quarter of its Indian visitors in August. Here is who came instead

Nepal had 85,444 visitors in August 2026, down 3.6%. Indian arrivals fell 25.7% while China and Sri Lanka rose sharply. The year is still up 5.6%.

By Anjali Shrestha · Sep 19, 2026

Nepal received 85,444 international visitors in August 2026, 3.6% fewer than a year earlier, and the whole of that fall came from one country. Arrivals from India dropped from 35,505 to 26,373, a loss of 9,132 people, according to Nepal Tourism Board figures…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Where the drop came from

India alone lost more visitors than Nepal lost overall. The country was down 3,236 visitors on August 2025; India was down 9,132. The difference was made up by growth among the other large markets. China is now more than a third bigger than a year ago, Sri…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Why India, and why August

The flood of 26 August is part of the answer, but it cannot be all of it. The Bhote Koshi flood destroyed the Rasuwagadhi crossing into Tibet, the overland route that carries Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, and Nepali reporting on the figures links the drop to…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Who came instead

The growth came from Asia, with the long-haul markets steady. China's 10,304 visitors continue a run we reported in July, when Chinese arrivals passed their pre-pandemic level for the first time. Sri Lanka, a smaller market, grew fastest of all. Visitors from…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

What this means if you are planning a trip

What this means for you August is Nepal's wettest month and nobody's peak, so a 3.6% dip says little about the season you are booking for. The numbers that matter come from October and November, and the trails that carry them, Everest and Annapurna, were not…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Is Nepal still getting more visitors in 2026 than in 2025?

Yes. From January to August 2026 Nepal received 777,672 international visitors, against 736,562 in the same months of 2025, an increase of 5.58%. August was the exception, not the trend.

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Which country sends Nepal the most visitors?

India, by a distance. Even after a 25.7% fall, India sent 26,373 of August's 85,444 visitors, more than China and Sri Lanka combined. Sources: Nepal Tourism Board figures as reported by Radio Nepal (1 September 2026), OnlineKhabar (2 September) and HimalPress…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News