NRB Report: Tourist Arrivals to Nepal Surge to 8.15 Lakh — January and March Lead the Year

Nepal’s tourism sector recorded a strong performance in 2025, with total tourist arrivals reaching 815,273, according to the latest report from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The data highlights a steady 20% year-on-year growth, signaling Nepal’s sustained recovery and expansion in the global tourism market following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NRB report notes that January and March 2025 emerged as the two strongest months for visitor inflows, together accounting for nearly 30% of the total annual arrivals. The months coincided with the winter-spring trekking and pilgrimage season, which saw a large number of travelers from India, China, and Europe. The momentum continued throughout spring as Nepal hosted several high-altitude expeditions and cultural events that attracted global attention.

Tourism experts attribute this growth to a combination of improved air connectivity, digital visa processing, and targeted marketing campaigns under the “Visit Nepal” initiative. Airlines from India, China, and the Middle East increased direct routes to Kathmandu, while European arrivals were boosted by adventure travel promotions and eco-tourism programs in the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions. Domestic hospitality businesses, including hotels, airlines, and trekking agencies, also reported a strong rise in bookings and revenues compared to the previous year.

From an economic standpoint, NRB data underscores tourism’s critical contribution to foreign exchange earnings, employment generation, and service-sector recovery. The rebound has helped stabilize Nepal’s external accounts by diversifying income sources beyond remittances. However, the report also calls for sustainable tourism planning, warning against over-dependence on seasonal arrivals and stressing the need to develop infrastructure that supports year-round tourism, regional dispersal of visitors, and environmental preservation.

If the current pace continues, experts believe Nepal could surpass the one-million-tourist mark again in 2026, establishing itself firmly as a Himalayan tourism hub that blends adventure, culture, and spirituality.