Nepal received 85,444 international tourists in August 2026 marking a 3.65% decline from the 88,680 arrivals recorded in August 2025.

According to data from the Nepal Tourism Board based on Department of Immigration figures, India remained Nepal’s largest tourism market, contributing 26,373 visitors or 30.87% of total arrivals.

China was the second-largest source market with 10,304 arrivals up 36.78% year-on-year from 7,533 in August 2025.

Sri Lanka also recorded strong growth, with arrivals rising 46.24% to 8,710.

The United States contributed 6,293 tourists, followed by Bangladesh with 4,487 and the United Kingdom with 3,476 arrivals.

By region, South Asia remained the largest source, accounting for 41,422 visitors. Other Asian countries contributed 18,275 arrivals, while Europe accounted for 10,875.

The Americas recorded 7,473 arrivals, representing a 2.47% increase compared with August last year. Arrivals from the Middle East also increased 6.99% to 1,010, while Africa recorded 338 visitors, up 4.97%.

Several smaller tourism markets posted much stronger growth during the month.

Arrivals from Russia increased 51.38% to 769, while visitors from Ukraine surged 83.05% to 216. Cambodia recorded the largest percentage increase among the reported markets, with arrivals rising 277.78% to 68.

Nepal also saw strong growth from regional markets. Arrivals from Bhutan increased 49.25% to 1,288, while Malaysia recorded 1,618 visitors, up 13.07%. Tourist arrivals from Thailand increased 19.89% to 681.

The August numbers therefore present a mixed picture for Nepal’s tourism sector. Overall arrivals declined, but several important and emerging markets recorded significant growth, particularly China and Sri Lanka.

The increase in Chinese visitors is particularly notable given the size and strategic importance of the Chinese tourism market for Nepal. However, the overall decline suggests that growth from these markets was not enough to offset weaker arrivals elsewhere.

For hotels, airlines, trekking operators and other tourism-dependent businesses, the direction of arrivals across the next few months will be important as Nepal enters the stronger tourism season.