Tourist inflow rebounds as Nepal reclaims its place on the global travel map

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s tourism sector has staged a strong and steady recovery over the past years, regaining momentum after the unprecedented collapse triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nepal Tourism Board data on foreign tourist arrivals from 2015 to 2025 show a clear narrative: a pre-pandemic growth phase, a sharp disruption, and a resilient rebound driven by Nepal’s enduring appeal as a low-cost, high-experience destination rich in natural and cultural assets.

Between 2015 and 2019, Nepal experienced consistent growth in international tourist arrivals. Numbers rose from 538,970 in 2015 to nearly 1.2 million in 2019, reflecting improvements in air connectivity, post-earthquake recovery, and aggressive global promotion of trekking, adventure tourism, and cultural travel.

This upward trajectory was abruptly reversed in 2020 and 2021, when arrivals plunged to 230,085 and then further to 150,962 as international travel ground to a halt.

The recovery time began in 2022, with tourist arrivals rebounding to 614,148, followed by a sharp rise to more than one million visitors in 2023. In 2024, arrivals crossed 1.14 million, and for 2025, the figure is estimated at more than 1.2 million, signaling a return to — and potentially surpassing — pre-pandemic levels.

This rebound underscores not only pent-up global travel demand but also Nepal’s structural attractiveness as a destination that offers unique experiences at comparatively low cost.

One of Nepal’s strongest competitive advantages is affordability. Compared to other popular Asian destinations, Nepal remains significantly cheaper in terms of accommodation, food, transport, and guided experiences.

Budget travelers, backpackers, and long-stay visitors find Nepal particularly appealing, but the country is also increasingly catering to mid-range and high-end tourists through boutique hotels, luxury trekking lodges, and premium adventure packages. The lower cost of living allows tourists to stay longer, explore more regions, and engage in diverse activities without straining budgets.

Nepal’s tourism appeal is deeply rooted in its unmatched natural landscapes. Home to eight of the world’s fourteen highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Nepal remains a global magnet for trekkers, climbers, and adventure enthusiasts. Iconic trekking routes such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley continue to attract visitors from Europe, North America, and increasingly from regional markets such as India and China. Beyond the Himalayas, Nepal offers lush mid-hills, river valleys, and subtropical plains, making it a rare destination where dramatic geographic diversity exists within short travel distances.

Wildlife and nature-based tourism also play a growing role in Nepal’s inbound travel landscape. National parks such as Chitwan and Bardiya offer jungle safaris, rhino and tiger sightings, and birdwatching experiences that rival more expensive destinations in Africa and Southeast Asia. For many tourists, the combination of mountain adventure and wildlife exploration within a single trip is a unique selling point.

Cultural and spiritual tourism is the another famous and attaracting strength of Nepal’s tourism portfolio. Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts visitors interested in ancient temples, palaces, and living traditions rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, remains a key destination for religious pilgrims and spiritual travelers, while cities such as Bhaktapur and Patan offer immersive cultural experiences that extend tourist stays beyond short city visits.

In recent years, Nepal has also benefited from changing global travel preferences. Post-pandemic travelers increasingly seek open spaces, nature-based experiences, and destinations perceived as less crowded and more authentic. Nepal fits this profile well. Remote trekking routes, community-based tourism, and rural homestays have gained popularity, distributing tourism benefits beyond traditional hotspots.

However, challenges remain. Infrastructure gaps, seasonal congestion at major airports, and inconsistent service quality continue to constrain growth. Industry stakeholders argue that sustained investment in aviation capacity, road connectivity, and destination management is critical if Nepal is to move beyond volume-driven tourism and toward higher value per visitor.

Even so, the overall trajectory is positive. The 2025 estimates suggest that Nepal is not merely recovering lost ground but repositioning itself in a competitive global tourism market.

With its blend of affordability, breathtaking landscapes, diverse destinations, and deep cultural heritage, Nepal’s inbound tourism landscape appears well-placed for stable growth in the years ahead, provided policy consistency and infrastructure development keep pace with rising global interest.