By Manish, Mountain Hike Nepal · Kathmandu · Updated 2 October 2026
Nepal received 865,920 international tourists from January to September 2026, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). That is 6.21% more than the same nine months of 2025 (815,273). September 2026 brought 88,248 arrivals, up 12.1% year on year. Part of that rise is a rebound, since the protests of September 2025 had cut that month’s numbers.
Two problems matter if you are trekking this autumn. Road access to Langtang has been cut since the Rasuwa flood of 26 August. On the Annapurna Circuit, flooding on 26–27 September cut the road between Chame and Upper Manang. The Everest region, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill and Mardi Himal are running normally.
This page tracks Nepal tourist arrivals 2026 with monthly updates from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Bookmark it for current figures.
What’s Inside This Guide
- 2026 Monthly Arrivals — Data Table
- 2026 vs 2025 Month-by-Month Comparison
- Post-COVID Recovery Arc — 2019 to 2026
- Top Source Markets 2026
- What the Numbers Mean for Trekkers
- Autumn 2026 Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Plan Your Nepal Trek
Nepal Tourist Arrivals 2026 — Monthly Data
| Month | 2026 Arrivals | 2025 Arrivals | YoY Change | vs 2019 (pre-COVID) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92,573 | 79,991 | +15.7% | +13.9% above 2019 |
| February | 105,441 | 96,880 | +8.8% | Above pre-COVID level |
| March | 120,516 | 121,687 | -1% | Near record level |
| April | 107,934 | 116,490 | -7.4% | Strong — April 2025 was all-time record |
| May | 102,626 | 86,216 | +19% | Strongest May on record |
| June | 91,363 | 76,425 | +19.5% | +22.0% above 2019 (74,883) |
| July | 71,775 | 70,193 | +2.3% | Below 2019 (78,329) — monsoon low season |
| August | 85,444 | 88,680 | -3.6% | — |
| September | 88,248 | 78,711 | +12.1% | Below the September 2024 record (96,305) |
| Jan–Sep Total | 865,920 | 815,273 | +6.21% | — |
| October | TBC | 128,443 | — | — |
| November | TBC | 116,553 | — | — |
| December | TBC | 98,190 | — | — |
Source: Nepal Tourism Board official Tourism Insights. Nepal tourist arrivals 2026 data covers January–September. Remaining months added monthly as NTB publishes.
What the January–September 2026 data shows
The January–September total of 865,920 is 6.21% ahead of the same period in 2025. September added 88,248 arrivals, a 12.1% rise. Part of that jump is a rebound: September 2025 was hit by the protests, and September 2024 still holds the record for the month at 96,305. August is still the only month this year to fall behind 2025, after the Rasuwa flood of 26 August. With October to December still to come, 2026 is on course to be Nepal’s busiest year since the pandemic.
Nepal Tourist Arrivals 2026 vs 2025 — Month by Month
2025 set several monthly records that made direct comparison difficult for 2026. Understanding why March and April 2026 came in slightly below 2025 requires the context of what 2025 actually achieved.
Spring 2025 context — the bar 2026 was chasing
April 2025 set the all-time record for any April in Nepal’s history at 116,490 — a 106.5% recovery versus April 2019, meaning Nepal exceeded the pre-COVID benchmark for that month. March 2025 at 121,687 was equally strong, and the Jan–April 2025 cumulative of 415,048 set a new spring record. March and April 2026 coming in at 120,516 and 107,934 — within 1% and 7.4% of those record figures — represents a strong performance, not a decline.
Where 2026 outpaces 2025
January 2026 at 92,573 beat January 2025 by 15.7%. May 2026 at 102,626 was the strongest May ever recorded in Nepal, exceeding May 2025 by 19%. February 2026 at 105,441 marked an 8.8% improvement over the same month in 2025. The early and late months of spring 2026 are clearly stronger than 2025 — only the peak spring window of March–April narrowed slightly, and that’s simply because the 2025 baseline was exceptionally high to begin with.
June through August 2026 — the monsoon months
June delivered Nepal’s best year-on-year growth of 2026 so far, with 91,363 arrivals marking a 19.5% jump over June 2025 and a 22% gain over pre-pandemic June 2019. This was driven substantially by the United States (11,836 visitors, 12.95% of the month) and China (9,995 visitors, 10.94%), alongside India’s continued dominance at 41,809 visitors.
July’s total of 71,775 marked a 21.4% drop from June — expected, since monsoon rains fall across most of Nepal and the peak spring trekking season has fully closed by early summer. Even so, July 2026 beat July 2025 by 2.3%, with a standout 61% year-on-year surge in Chinese arrivals (11,099 visitors) and continued strength from the US (7,754) and UK (3,773).
August broke that winning streak, coming in 3.6% behind August 2025 at 85,444 versus 88,680. India remained the largest source market at 26,373 visitors (30.87% of the month), followed by China at 10,304. The dip coincides with a severe flood that struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district on August 26 — the details, and what they mean if you’re planning a Langtang or Gosaikunda trek, are covered in the next section.
September 2026 — a rebound led by Asian markets
September brought 88,248 visitors. India led with 17,425, and China followed with 11,212, more than double the 5,237 of September 2025. The United States sent 8,299, Sri Lanka 7,108 and Australia 4,842.
Western markets were softer. Compared with September 2025, arrivals from Europe fell 8.7% and from the Americas 12.3%. Most of the growth came from Asia, with South Asian arrivals up 23.9%.
Post-COVID Recovery Arc — 2019 to 2026
| Year | Total Arrivals | vs 2019 Baseline | Key Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,197,191 | Baseline (100%) | Pre-COVID record — highest in Nepal history |
| 2020 | ~230,085 | ~19% | COVID-19 — international travel collapse |
| 2021 | ~150,962 | ~13% | Border closures — near-total shutdown |
| 2022 | ~614,205 | ~51% | Recovery begins — borders reopen |
| 2023 | 1,014,882 | 85% | Strong recovery — first million since COVID |
| 2024 | 1,147,548 | 96% | Near full recovery |
| 2025 | 1,158,459 | 97% | 97% recovery despite September protests |
| 2026 (Jan–Sep) | 865,920 | — (part year) | 6.21% ahead of 2025 so far |
Nepal went from about 151,000 visitors in 2021 to more than 1.14 million in 2024 and 1.15 million in 2025. NTB’s own figures put January 2026 13.9% above January 2019, and June 22% above June 2019.
To beat the 2019 record of 1,197,191, the last three months of 2026 need about 331,000 arrivals. The same months of 2025 brought 343,186, so the record is within reach. The late-September flooding adds some doubt.
Nepal Tourist Arrivals 2026 — Top Source Markets
| Country | September 2026 | % of Total | vs September 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 17,425 | 19.75% | Largest market |
| China | 11,212 | 12.71% | +114.1% |
| United States | 8,299 | 9.40% | — |
| Sri Lanka | 7,108 | 8.05% | — |
| Australia | 4,842 | 5.49% | — |
| Europe (combined) | 15,148 | 17.17% | -8.7% |
| Americas (combined) | 10,107 | 11.5% | -12.3% |
For trekking, the September picture is mixed. China’s recovery is the biggest story, and the United States stayed the third-largest market. But Europe and the Americas both fell compared with last September, so this year’s growth is coming mostly from Asia. Earlier in the year, NTB’s January report put US arrivals 27% and Australian arrivals 52.5% above January 2019.
What the 2026 Arrival Numbers Mean for Trekkers
The arrival data has direct practical implications for anyone planning a Nepal trek in 2026. Strong demand means busy trails on the main routes. Two regional problems are worth understanding before you book.
Busy trails on the main autumn routes
With nine-month arrivals 6% ahead of 2025, expect busy trails on the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp routes in October and November. If your dates are fixed, confirm your trek and domestic flights early. Keep a buffer day or two for Lukla weather delays.
The Rasuwa flood — what it means if you’re planning Langtang or Gosaikunda
On August 26, 2026, a glacial lake outburst flood entered Nepal from the Tibet side through the Bhote Koshi river system, sending a major surge downstream through the Trishuli river corridor. The flood caused serious damage in Rasuwa district, particularly around Syabrubesi — the main gateway town for the Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda Lake Trek, and Tamang Heritage Trail.
The flood damaged the Trishuli–Betrawati road corridor rather than the trekking trails themselves. As of late September, the Langtang and Rasuwa corridor was still not open by road. The US State Department advises against travel to the Rasuwagadhi–Timure–Syafrubesi area of Rasuwa district, in its advisory updated on 4 September 2026.
If you’re planning a Langtang, Gosaikunda, or Tamang Heritage trek for autumn 2026, don’t cancel outright, but don’t assume normal access either — check current road and trail status directly with your operator before confirming dates. Conditions are actively changing as repair work continues.
Late September flooding in Manang — the Annapurna Circuit
On 26–27 September, debris from the Ghatte river swelled the Marsyangdi and cut the road between Chame and Upper Manang. The road from Chame to Bhratang was damaged at several points, and local officials have not given a reopening date. Hundreds of trekkers were stranded around Manang, and heavy snow turned some back from Thorong La. Walking up to Manang is now reported possible with jeep links around the damaged sections, but the full loop over Thorong La is not yet open.
The southern Annapurna treks are a different story. Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill and Mardi Himal are walking normally, and the Everest region is unaffected. For the latest route-by-route status, see our Nepal travel update on the floods.
The post-COVID confidence effect
The recovery since 2022 has been steady: 97% of 2019 levels in 2025, and above 2019 in several months this year. The September 2025 protests hit that month’s arrivals, but numbers picked up again from October 2025. Outside Langtang and the Annapurna Circuit, the main trekking regions are having a normal autumn. Teahouses are open and Lukla flights are on their usual seasonal schedule.
Autumn 2026 Outlook
October is usually Nepal’s busiest month. October 2025 brought 128,443 arrivals, about 96% of the October 2019 level. With 2026 running ahead of 2025, October 2026 should be busy on the Everest and southern Annapurna routes. Whether it beats October 2019 is less certain, with Langtang and upper Manang both cut off.
For Langtang, Gosaikunda, Tamang Heritage and the Annapurna Circuit, the outlook depends on how quickly the roads reopen. If you are set on one of these routes, keep your dates flexible and confirm access closer to departure rather than booking rigidly months out.
Treks running normally this autumn
October and November usually bring the clearest skies and most stable weather of the year. This autumn, the routes running normally are Everest Base Camp and the other Everest treks, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill and Mardi Himal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal welcomed 865,920 international visitors from January to September 2026, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. That is 6.21% more than the same period of 2025. September alone brought 88,248, up 12.1%. To beat the 2019 record of 1,197,191, October to December would need about 331,000 arrivals, close to the 343,186 recorded in those months of 2025.
Yes, for most of the country. The Everest region, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill and Mardi Himal are running normally this autumn. Two areas are disrupted. Road access to Langtang and Gosaikunda has been cut since the Rasuwa flood of 26 August, and the US State Department advises against travel to the Rasuwagadhi–Timure–Syafrubesi area. On the Annapurna Circuit, flooding on 26–27 September cut the road between Chame and Upper Manang. If you are planning either route, check current access with your operator before booking.
October is usually the busiest month. In 2025 it brought 128,443 arrivals, about 96% of the October 2019 level, according to NTB. March and April are the spring peak, with April 2025 at 116,490. June to August are the quietest months because of the monsoon.
The drop from the spring peak is normal monsoon seasonality, since the monsoon runs roughly June to August. June and July still beat 2025, by 19.5% and 2.3%. August fell 3.6% behind August 2025, after the Rasuwa flood of 26 August cut access to Langtang and Gosaikunda. Arrivals picked up again in September, with 88,248 visitors, 12.1% more than September 2025.
Plan Your Nepal Trek — 2026
If you are thinking about October or November, so are a lot of other trekkers. Autumn brings the clearest skies and most stable trails of the year, and the main routes will be busy.
So here’s the honest rundown — what each route actually offers, who it’s really for, and what it costs. Pick the one that matches your legs and your time, not just the one with the best photos.
Everest Region
- Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days, from USD 1,039 — This is the one everyone searches for first, and there’s a reason. You walk the Khumbu, spend two nights in Namche, and stand at 5,644m on Kala Patthar while Everest catches the first light. Lukla flights and every permit are already built into the price — you just show up and walk.
- Everest Three Passes Trek — 16 Days, from USD 1,399 — For trekkers who’ve done a big one before and want the whole region, not just the highlight reel. Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La, plus EBC and Gokyo Lakes along the way. This is the full Everest experience.
- Nangkartshang Peak Trek — from USD 1,109 — A short, high-reward add-on for anyone already acclimatizing in the Khumbu. No technical climbing, just a steep push above Dingboche to a ridge with wide views of Lhotse and Makalu.
- Lobuche Peak Climbing — from USD 1,999 — If EBC isn’t enough anymore, this is your next step. A real 6,119m summit with fixed ropes, crampons, and a licensed climbing guide — one of the more realistic ways to stand above 6,000m in Nepal.
Annapurna Region
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek — from USD 597 — The Sanctuary at 4,130m, with the Annapurna massif standing over you. Rhododendrons in spring, clear views in autumn, and running normally this season.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek — from USD 828 — A long, varied walk over Thorong La at 5,416m. The landscape shifts from subtropical valley to high alpine desert in a few days. Note: flooding on 26–27 September cut the road between Chame and Upper Manang, so check current access before booking.
- Mardi Himal Trek — from USD 398 — Fewer people know this one, and that is the appeal. High Camp puts Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South right in front of you, and the trek starts and ends near Pokhara.
Langtang Region
Note: road access through Syabrubesi has been closed since the Rasuwa flood of 26 August, and the US State Department advises against travel to the Rasuwagadhi–Timure–Syafrubesi area. Read the Autumn 2026 Outlook above before booking.
- Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days, from USD 799 — The closest real Himalayan trek to Kathmandu, normally a day’s drive to the trailhead. Kyanjin Gompa, the Langtang glacier, mountain views without the EBC-sized crowds.
- Yala Peak Climbing — 10 Days, from USD 999 — A 5,520m summit above Kyanjin Gompa, and a solid first peak if you haven’t stood on one yet.
Off the Beaten Track
- Manaslu Circuit Trek — from USD 1,699 — A restricted-area circuit with Larkya La at 5,160m, villages that still feel Tibetan, and a full loop around the world’s eighth-highest peak — with a fraction of the people you’d see on EBC.
- Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek — from USD 1,999 — The extended version, adding Tsum Valley onto the classic circuit. Tsum was a restricted “hidden valley” until 2008 and still feels that way — ancient gompas, sealed-off Buddhist communities, and almost no one else on the trail before you rejoin the main Manaslu route.
If one of these fits your dates, the next step is a five-minute conversation, not a long form.
Nepal Tourist Arrivals 2026: The Short Version
The Nepal tourist arrivals 2026 data shows steady growth through September, with June 22% above its pre-COVID level. There were two regional setbacks late in the season: the Rasuwa flood in August and the Manang flooding in September. Nine months, 865,920 visitors, and 6.21% ahead of 2025.
See the Everest Base Camp Trek →
Mountain Hike Nepal is a licensed local trekking operator based in Kathmandu — established 2018, Government Registration No. 189775/74/075. When you contact us, you speak directly with the people who plan every trip and arrange your guide. We typically reply within 12 hours.
Data source: Nepal Tourism Board official monthly Tourism Insights reports. Mountain Hike Nepal — Licensed Trekking Operator | Govt. Regd. No: 189775/74/075 | Last updated: October 2026 (September figures)