KATHMANDU: Nepal received 102,626 international visitor arrivals in May 2026, crossing the 100,000 monthly threshold and registering 19 percent growth over May 2025, when 86,216 visitors arrived. 

The figures also stand 31 percent above pre-pandemic May 2019 levels of 78,329, pointing to a sustained recovery and expansion of Nepal's inbound tourism market.

India dominated source markets with 40,782 arrivals, nearly two in every five visitors for the month. China ranked second with 11,514, the United States third with 9,001, Bangladesh fourth with 5,298, and the United Kingdom fifth with 3,375.

South Asian SAARC markets collectively accounted for 47.2 percent of all arrivals, underlining the continued weight of regional tourism in Nepal's visitor mix. Other Asian markets contributed 19.9 percent, Europe 13.1 percent, and the Americas 10.3 percent. Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa accounted for 3.1 percent, 1.5 percent, and 0.3 percent respectively.

"These encouraging figures reflect growing global confidence and momentum to position Nepal as a Lifetime Experience Destination," the NTB said.

May coincides with the tail end of the spring climbing season, typically one of Nepal's two peak tourism windows, and the figures suggest strong momentum heading into the post-monsoon season.