By Sandeep Chaudhary
Nepal’s Tourism Up 20% in 2025 as Visitor Inflows Rise from India, China and Europe
Nepal’s tourism industry witnessed a 20% surge in 2025, marking another strong year of growth as visitor inflows from India, China, and European countries continued to expand, according to data from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). The total number of international tourist arrivals reached 815,273, compared to approximately 678,000 in 2024, reflecting Nepal’s growing reputation as a safe, affordable, and diverse travel destination in the post-pandemic era.
The tourism rebound was driven primarily by regional travelers from India and China, who together accounted for nearly half of the total arrivals. Increased direct flights between Kathmandu and major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, and Chengdu, along with simplified online visa systems, contributed significantly to this growth. European arrivals also showed a strong rise, particularly from Germany, the United Kingdom, and France, with many visitors drawn to Nepal’s trekking routes, cultural heritage sites, and eco-tourism experiences.
The months of March, April, and October 2025 saw the highest traffic, aligning with the spring trekking and autumn festival seasons. Hotels, airlines, and tour operators across Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan reported higher occupancy and revenue compared to the previous year. Industry experts credit effective “Visit Nepal” promotional campaigns, better digital marketing strategies, and government initiatives aimed at improving air connectivity, safety standards, and infrastructure.
Economically, tourism has played a major role in boosting foreign exchange reserves and local employment, particularly in rural tourism destinations. Analysts note that sustaining this growth will depend on addressing challenges such as seasonal dependency, infrastructure bottlenecks, and environmental sustainability. The government’s ongoing plans to diversify tourism products—through adventure tourism, religious circuits, and eco-lodges—are expected to help Nepal maintain a steady upward trajectory.
