Kathmandu, July 2: Nepal has set a new record for Indian tourists arriving by air in June 2026. Amid disruptions in global travel due to the U.S.-Iran conflict, Indian visitors have significantly bolstered Nepal’s tourism sector.
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) reported that a total of 91,363 foreign tourists visited Nepal in June 2026, with 41,809 of them being Indian. This figure represents nearly 46 percent of all foreign arrivals and marks the highest number of Indian tourists in a single month to date.
Previously, in May 2026, 40,782 Indian tourists had flown into Nepal, which was the record at that time. The June numbers have surpassed this, indicating a growing trend.
Nepal has long been a favored destination for Indian tourists, and in recent years, their share of total foreign visitors has steadily increased. India is among the fastest-growing outbound tourism markets globally, with over 30 million Indians traveling abroad each year. The market is expected to triple in size over the next decade.
Tourism experts in Nepal believe that even a slight increase in market share could significantly benefit the country’s economy.
Kiran Neupane, a sales and marketing officer at a travel agency serving Indian tourists, noted that long-haul flight costs have risen due to increasing fuel prices following the U.S.-Iran conflict. Consequently, Indian travelers are prioritizing Nepal as a more affordable destination.
He also mentioned that school and college holidays in India, coupled with the intense summer heat, have contributed to the surge in Indian visitors to Nepal.
According to statistics, 48,254 foreign tourists from South Asian countries visited Nepal in June, accounting for 52.8 percent of all foreign arrivals. Additionally, 16,152 tourists came from other Asian countries, making up 17.68 percent of the total.
From mainland China, 9,995 tourists visited Nepal, making it the third-largest source of tourists after India and the U.S. In June, 11,836 tourists arrived from the U.S., 4,322 from Bangladesh, and 2,896 from Australia.
Santosh Vikram Thapa, a senior official at the Nepal Tourism Board, attributed the recent increase in tourist numbers to the expansion of international air connectivity, tourism promotion campaigns, marketing activities in key markets, and Nepal’s image as a safe and attractive tourist destination.
He added that promotional activities would be intensified in India, China, the U.S., Europe, and other major markets in anticipation of the upcoming tourism season.
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