Nepal tourist arrivals in 2026 have started with exceptional momentum. The first five months delivered 528,090 international visitors — a figure running significantly ahead of the same period in 2025 and confirming that Nepal’s post-COVID recovery is now turning into genuine growth. January brought 92,573 arrivals, February 105,441, March 120,516, April 107,934, and May 102,626. Furthermore, every month from January to May 2026 posted year-on-year growth over 2025 except March and April — where spring 2025 had set record highs that 2026 came close to matching. Consequently, Nepal enters the autumn 2026 trekking season with strong global demand and booking momentum well ahead of previous years.
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 |
| Jan–May Total | 528,090 | 500,264 | +5.6% | Ahead of 2019 pace |
| June | TBC | 76,425 | — | — |
| July | TBC | 70,193 | — | — |
| August | TBC | 88,680 | — | — |
| September | TBC | 78,711 | — | — |
| 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–May. Remaining months added monthly as NTB publishes.
What the January–May 2026 data shows
The Jan–May 2026 total of 528,090 represents a 5.6% increase over the same period in 2025. Furthermore, January 2026 posted the strongest year-on-year growth at +15.7% — well above the pre-COVID 2019 January figure by 13.9%. May 2026 at 102,626 was the strongest May on record, surpassing the previous 2025 figure by 19%. Consequently, while March and April slightly trailed 2025 — both of which had set all-time records for those months — the 2026 spring season as a whole outperformed 2025 and represents the strongest spring arrival period in Nepal’s tourism history.
Nepal Tourist Arrivals 2026 vs 2025 — Month by Month
Indeed, 2025 set several monthly records that made direct comparison difficult for 2026. Understanding why 2026 March and April 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. Furthermore, the Jan–April 2025 cumulative of 415,048 set a new spring record. Consequently, 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% — driven by strong growth from the US (+4.5%), China (+9.8%), Australia (+5.4%), and European markets recovering post-2025 political disruptions. May 2026 at 102,626 was the strongest May ever recorded in Nepal, exceeding May 2025 by 19%. Furthermore, February 2026 at 105,441 represented an 8.8% improvement over the same month in 2025. Consequently, the early and late months of spring 2026 are clearly stronger than 2025 — only the peak spring window of March–April narrowed slightly due to the exceptionally high 2025 baseline.
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–May) | 528,090 | >100% for spring period | Exceeding pre-COVID pace in multiple months |
The Nepal tourist arrivals 2026 recovery story is remarkable. Nepal went from 150,000 total visitors in 2021 to over 1.15 million in both 2024 and 2025. Furthermore, January 2026 is already running 13.9% above January 2019 — meaning Nepal has not just recovered but exceeded its pre-COVID baseline in that month. Consequently, 2026 is on track to potentially surpass the all-time 2019 record of 1,197,191 if the strong spring momentum carries into autumn season.
Nepal Tourist Arrivals 2026 — Top Source Markets
| Country | January 2026 | % of Total | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 26,624 | 28.8% | Steady — largest market |
| China | 9,101 | 9.8% | +11.2% — strong recovery |
| United States | 8,406 | 9.1% | +4.5% |
| Bangladesh | 5,814 | 6.3% | Stable |
| Australia | 4,957 | 5.4% | +15.2% |
| Europe (combined) | 11,400+ | 12.3% | +3.7% — UK, Germany, France leading |
The Western market picture for 2026 is particularly relevant for trekking operators. US visitors at 8,406 in January represent a strong high-value segment — American trekkers typically book longer itineraries and higher-budget packages. Furthermore, Australian arrivals grew 15.2% in January, European arrivals grew 3.7% with the UK, Germany, and France all posting positive growth. Consequently, the demographic driving 2026 Nepal arrivals aligns closely with the international trekking audience that EBC, ABC, and Langtang routes serve.
What the 2026 Arrival Numbers Mean for Trekkers
Furthermore, the arrival data has direct practical implications for anyone planning a Nepal trek in 2026. Specifically, strong demand means two things: the trail experience is better and the booking timeline is shorter.
Spring 2026 was exceptionally strong — autumn demand follows
Specifically, strong spring arrivals in March–May consistently predict strong autumn demand in October–November. Nepal’s trekking seasons follow a predictable pattern — trekkers who research in spring typically book for autumn. Furthermore, with 528,090 visitors already in the system by end of May and 2026 tracking above 2025 pace, autumn 2026 departure slots for EBC and ABC are filling faster than previous years. Consequently, trekkers planning October or November 2026 departures should confirm bookings by July at the latest — not September when the best itinerary options are already gone.
The post-COVID confidence effect
The sustained recovery data — 97% of 2019 levels in 2025, and now exceeding 2019 in multiple 2026 months — removes the hesitation that held some travellers back in 2022–2024. Indeed, Nepal is fully operational. Teahouses are open, trails are maintained, Lukla flights are running on their normal seasonal schedule, and the Khumbu and Annapurna circuits are at full capacity. Furthermore, the 2025 September protests that briefly disrupted travel confidence are entirely in the past — NTB data shows a full rebound in December 2025 through May 2026. Consequently, 2026 is an excellent year to trek Nepal for the first time or return after the pandemic years.
Autumn 2026 Outlook
October 2025 was Nepal’s busiest single month on record at 128,443 arrivals. If 2026 tracks above 2025 as it has done in spring, October 2026 could set a new all-time monthly record. Furthermore, the combination of strong global demand, recovering Chinese market, and robust Western arrivals suggests October and November 2026 will be the busiest autumn season Nepal has experienced since 2019. Consequently, departure slots at reputable licensed operators for October EBC and ABC treks are limited — Mountain Hike Nepal is accepting bookings now for autumn 2026 with availability narrowing through July.
Best treks to book for autumn 2026
Specifically, October and November deliver the finest conditions of the year on every major Nepal trekking route — post-monsoon clarity, stable weather, reliable Lukla flights, and the Himalayan views that fill every trekking photograph. The routes seeing the highest international demand in autumn 2026 are Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Langtang Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal welcomed 528,090 international visitors in the first five months of 2026 — January through May. Furthermore, this figure represents a 5.6% increase over the same period in 2025 and exceeds the pre-COVID 2019 pace in multiple months. Consequently, 2026 is on track to be Nepal’s strongest tourism year since the 2019 record of 1,197,191 annual arrivals if the autumn season performs as expected.
Yes — Nepal is fully open and safe for international tourists and trekkers in 2026. The September 2025 political protests that briefly disrupted travel confidence are entirely in the past. Furthermore, NTB data shows a full rebound from December 2025 onward, with January 2026 posting 15.7% growth over January 2025. Consequently, all major trekking routes — Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang, and Manaslu — are operating on their normal seasonal schedule with no safety concerns.
October consistently records the highest monthly arrivals in Nepal. October 2025 was Nepal’s busiest single month on record at 128,443 visitors. Furthermore, March and April are the peak spring months — March 2025 reached 121,687 and April 2025 set an all-time April record at 116,490. Consequently, if you want to trek Nepal during peak season, October gives you the most stable weather, clearest mountain views, and the highest trail energy — though departure slots fill 3–4 months in advance.
Plan Your Nepal Trek — 2026
The 2026 arrival data tells you exactly when to go and where. Specifically, autumn is the answer. Autumn — October and November — is specifically Nepal’s peak trekking window and with demand running ahead of 2025, departure slots fill faster than any previous year. Here are the most popular and highly searched trekking routes in Nepal for 2026, from beginner-friendly to high-altitude summit:
Everest Region Treks and Climbs
- Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days from USD 1,039 — Nepal’s most searched trek. Walk through the Khumbu valley, sleep in Namche Bazaar, and stand at 5,545m Kala Patthar with Everest filling the sky at sunrise. Lukla flights and all permits included.
- Everest Three Passes Trek — 18 Days from USD 1,399 — The complete Khumbu circuit crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Includes Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes. Best for experienced trekkers who want the full Everest region.
- Lobuche Peak Climbing — from USD 1,999 — A technical 6,119m Himalayan summit above EBC with fixed ropes, crampons, and a licensed climbing guide. The most accessible route to standing above 6,000m in Nepal.
Annapurna Region Treks
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek — from USD 999 — The Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m, surrounded by the full Annapurna massif. Rhododendron forests in spring, crystal views in autumn. Nepal’s most popular trek after EBC.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek — The classic high-altitude circuit crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. Dramatic landscape changes from subtropical to alpine desert. One of the world’s great long-distance trek routes.
- Mardi Himal Trek — The Annapurna region’s best-kept secret. High camp at 4,500m with close-range views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna South. Quieter trails and a genuine wilderness feel fewer than 50km from Pokhara.
Langtang Region Treks and Climbs
- Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days from USD 799 — The closest major Himalayan trek to Kathmandu — 7 hours by road and you are at the trailhead. Kyanjin Gompa, the Langtang glacier, and Himalayan views with none of the EBC crowds.
- Yala Peak Climbing — 10 Days from USD 999 — A 5,732m non-technical Himalayan summit in the Langtang region. No NMA permit required — the most affordable high-altitude summit in Nepal. Perfect for first-time Himalayan climbers.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Circuit
- Manaslu Circuit Trek — Nepal’s finest restricted-area circuit. Larkya La Pass at 5,160m, remote Tibetan-influenced villages, and the full circumnavigation of the world’s eighth highest peak — with fewer than 5% of the crowds of EBC.
Nepal Is Back. The Numbers Prove It.
The Nepal tourist arrivals 2026 data tells a clear story: steady growth from January through May, multiple months exceeding the 2019 pre-COVID baseline, and autumn shaping up as the strongest trekking season since the pandemic. Five months, 528,090 visitors, and a trajectory pointing toward Nepal’s first full post-COVID record year.
Book the Everest Base Camp Trek for Autumn 2026 →
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 team that walks these routes. Autumn 2026 departure slots are filling now. We respond 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: June 2026