Kathmandu, September 2
The impact of the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers has been reflected in tourist arrivals to Nepal.
Nepal welcomed 85,444 international tourists in August 2026, a decrease of 3,336 compared with the same month last year. Nepal recorded 88,680 tourist arrivals in August 2025, meaning arrivals fell by 3.6 per cent year-on-year this August.
In the final week of August, flooding that entered Nepal through the Rasuwagadhi border point on August 26 caused extensive human and physical losses in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts, as well as other areas along the river system.
Domestic and foreign tourists travelling to Kailash Mansarovar and Gosainkunda were also affected by the floods. The disaster has had a direct impact on tourist arrivals. Following the floods, countries including the United States issued travel advisories warning their citizens about travel to Nepal.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, India was the largest source market in August, with 26,373 visitors, accounting for 30.87 per cent of total arrivals. China was the second-largest source, with 10,304 visitors, a 36.78 per cent increase from 7,533 in August last year.
Similarly, Nepal received 8,710 visitors from Sri Lanka, a 46.24 per cent increase year-on-year. The country also welcomed 6,293 visitors from the United States, 4,487 from Bangladesh and 3,476 from the United Kingdom.
By region, South Asia accounted for the highest number of arrivals, with 41,422 visitors in August. Other Asian countries contributed 18,275 visitors, while Europe accounted for 10,875 visitors. Arrivals from Oceania stood at 2,529, an increase of 3.86 per cent.
A total of 7,473 tourists arrived from the Americas, up 2.47 per cent from the previous year. The Middle East contributed 1,010 visitors, marking a 6.99 per cent increase, while 338 visitors came from Africa, up 4.97 per cent year-on-year.
Several key markets recorded significant growth in August 2026. Nepal received 769 visitors from Russia, a 51.38 per cent increase from the previous year, while arrivals from Ukraine rose by 83.05 per cent to 216.
Similarly, arrivals from Cambodia increased by 277.78 per cent to 68 visitors. Nepal welcomed 1,288 visitors from Bhutan, up 49.25 per cent, while arrivals from Malaysia reached 1,618 and those from Thailand stood at 681, representing increases of 13.07 per cent and 19.89 per cent, respectively.
