Nepal tourist arrivals in 2026 have started with exceptional momentum. The first eight months delivered 777,672 international visitors — a 5.58% increase over the same period in 2025 (736,562), confirming that Nepal’s post-COVID recovery is now turning into sustained growth. January brought 92,573 arrivals, February 105,441, March 120,516, April 107,934, May 102,626, June 91,363, July 71,775, and August 85,444. June 2026 posted the strongest single month of the year at +19.5% year-on-year growth and 22% above the pre-COVID June 2019 benchmark. August saw a modest 3.6% year-on-year dip, tied to a flood event in the Rasuwa district late in the month (more on this below) — but the year-to-date picture remains firmly ahead of 2025’s pace. Nepal enters the autumn 2026 trekking season with strong global demand and booking momentum well ahead of previous years, with one region-specific access issue worth knowing about before you book.
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% | — |
| Jan–Aug Total | 777,672 | 736,562 | +5.58% | Ahead of 2019 pace overall |
| 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–August. Remaining months added monthly as NTB publishes.
What the January–August 2026 data shows
The Jan–Aug 2026 total of 777,672 represents a 5.58% increase over the same period in 2025. June 2026 posted the strongest year-on-year growth of any month so far at +19.5% — pushing arrivals 22% above the pre-COVID June 2019 benchmark of 74,883. August eased to 85,444, a 3.6% dip from August 2025’s 88,680 — the only month this year to fall behind the prior year. That dip lines up with a flood event that struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district on August 26 (covered in full below), which affected the final week of the month and the Langtang/Gosaikunda access corridor specifically. Outside of that one regional disruption, the cumulative picture through August confirms 2026 remains Nepal’s strongest tourism year since the pandemic, with autumn — historically the highest-volume season — still ahead.
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%, 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%. 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.
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–Aug) | 777,672 | Ahead of 2019 pace overall | 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. 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. 2026 is on track to potentially surpass the all-time 2019 record of 1,197,191 if the strong 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. Australian arrivals grew 15.2% in January, and European arrivals grew 3.7%, with the UK, Germany, and France all posting positive growth. 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
The arrival data has direct practical implications for anyone planning a Nepal trek in 2026. Strong demand means two things: the trail experience is better, and the booking timeline is shorter. One regional exception is worth understanding before you book.
Spring 2026 was exceptionally strong — autumn demand follows
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. With over three-quarters of a million visitors already in the system by August and 2026 tracking above 2025 pace, autumn 2026 departure slots for EBC and ABC are filling faster than previous years. Trekkers planning October or November 2026 departures should confirm bookings well ahead of September, when the best itinerary options tend to disappear first.
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.
Here’s the honest, specific picture: Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu are completely unaffected. Flights, trails, teahouses, and permits in those regions are operating normally, with no disruption. The issue is isolated to the Langtang/Gosaikunda corridor, where the flood damaged the Trishuli–Betambeti road access route rather than the trekking trails themselves. The trails have not been reported as directly damaged, but reaching the trailhead currently requires an alternative approach, and the US Embassy has advised against travel to Rasuwa district while the situation remains unstable.
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.
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 travelers back in 2022–2024. Outside of the Langtang/Gosaikunda access issue above, Nepal’s major trekking regions are 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. The 2025 September protests that briefly disrupted travel confidence are entirely in the past — NTB data shows a full rebound from December 2025 through mid-2026. 2026 is a genuinely good year to trek Nepal for the first time, or to return after the pandemic years kept you away.
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 through most of the year, October 2026 could set a new all-time monthly record — for the regions unaffected by the August flood. The combination of strong global demand, a recovering Chinese market, and robust Western arrivals suggests October and November 2026 will be the busiest autumn season Nepal has experienced since 2019, for Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu. Departure slots at reputable licensed operators for October EBC and ABC treks are already limited — Mountain Hike Nepal is accepting bookings now for autumn 2026, with availability narrowing by the week.
For Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Tamang Heritage specifically: the region’s autumn outlook depends on how quickly road access through Syabrubesi is restored. If you’re set on this region for autumn 2026, build in flexibility on dates and confirm access status closer to departure rather than booking rigidly months out.
Best treks to book for autumn 2026
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 Manaslu Circuit — all fully unaffected by the August flood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal welcomed 777,672 international visitors in the first eight months of 2026 — January through August. That’s a 5.58% increase over the same period in 2025, and includes June 2026, the strongest single month of the year at +19.5% growth. 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, for most of the country. Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu are operating normally with no disruption to trails, flights, or teahouses. The exception is Langtang and Gosaikunda: an August 26, 2026 flood damaged the road access corridor through Syabrubesi in Rasuwa district. The trekking trails themselves were not directly damaged, but road access is currently affected, and the US Embassy has advised against travel to Rasuwa district for now. If you’re planning Langtang, Gosaikunda, or Tamang Heritage, confirm current access status with your operator before booking. All other major trekking regions are unaffected.
October consistently records Nepal’s highest arrivals — 128,443 in 2025, its busiest month on record. March and April are the peak spring months, with April 2025 setting an all-time record at 116,490. June through August are quietest due to monsoon rains. For peak trekking season, October offers the most stable weather and clearest views, though slots fill 3–4 months ahead.
June and July’s dips from spring’s peak are normal monsoon seasonality — Nepal’s monsoon runs roughly June through August, closing the peak spring trekking window. Both months still beat 2025 (June by 19.5%, July by 2.3%), proving demand stayed strong. August was different: arrivals fell 3.6% behind August 2025, tied to a flood that struck Rasuwa district on August 26 and disrupted access to the Langtang and Gosaikunda region specifically. Arrivals are expected to climb again from September as autumn season begins, for the unaffected regions.
Plan Your Nepal Trek — 2026
The arrival numbers make one thing clear: if you’re thinking about October or November, you’re not the only one thinking it. Autumn is when everyone wants to be here — clear skies, stable trails, mountains that actually show themselves instead of hiding in cloud. And with 2026 already running ahead of last year’s strong numbers, the good departure dates aren’t going to sit open for long.
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, sleep a night in Namche, and stand at 5,545m 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 some of the widest Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu views on the entire trail.
- 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 — the most realistic way to say you’ve stood above 6,000m in Nepal.
Annapurna Region
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek — from USD 999 — The Sanctuary at 4,130m, with the entire Annapurna massif standing over you. Rhododendrons in spring, razor-clear views in autumn. Second only to EBC in how often people ask us about it.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek — from USD 1,198 — One of the great long walks anywhere, not just in Nepal. You cross Thorong La at 5,416m and watch the landscape shift from subtropical valley to high alpine desert in the space of days.
- Mardi Himal Trek — from USD 599 — Fewer people know this one, and honestly, that’s the appeal. High Camp puts Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna South right in front of you, and you’re barely 50km from Pokhara the whole time.
Langtang Region
Note: road access to this region via Syabrubesi is currently affected by the August 2026 Rasuwa flood — see the Autumn 2026 Outlook section above before booking.
- Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days, from USD 799 — The closest real Himalayan trek to Kathmandu — seven hours by road and you’re at the trailhead. Kyanjin Gompa, the Langtang glacier, mountain views without the EBC-sized crowds.
- Yala Peak Climbing — 10 Days, from USD 999 — A genuine 5,732m summit that’s among the most affordable high-altitude climbs in the country. A solid first big peak if you haven’t stood on one yet.
Off the Beaten Track
- Manaslu Circuit Trek — from USD 1,699 — Nepal’s best restricted-area circuit. 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.
Whichever one you’re leaning toward, autumn 2026 slots are moving fast — the numbers above make that clear. If you want in on one of these dates, the next step is a five-minute conversation, not a long form.
Nepal Is Back. The Numbers Prove It.
The Nepal tourist arrivals 2026 data tells a clear story: steady growth from January through August, a standout June performance 22% above pre-COVID levels, one region-specific setback in late August, and autumn shaping up as the strongest trekking season since the pandemic for most of the country. Eight months, 777,672 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’re speaking directly with me — the person who plans every trip and arranges your guide. 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: September 2026