Nepal recorded 116,490 foreign tourist arrivals in April—the highest monthly total in five years—as the country’s post-pandemic tourism recovery gathers momentum. The surge reflects growing global demand for Himalayan trekking and pilgrimage travel, according to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

The April figure marks a steady rise from 111,376 visitors in April 2024 and 98,773 in April 2023. Compared to April 2019, tourist arrivals have more than doubled, underlining Nepal’s renewed global appeal and the diversification of its tourism offerings.

NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi called the latest figures “encouraging,” noting they highlight Nepal’s sustained allure as a global travel destination.

India remained the top source of visitors last month, contributing 25,933 arrivals, followed by the United States (10,053), China (9,037), and the United Kingdom (6,838). Between January and April 2025, Nepal welcomed a total of 415,048 foreign tourists. For the full year 2024, the country recorded 1,147,024 foreign tourist arrivals—excluding Indian nationals crossing overland, a category not yet included in official arrival counts.

The tourism rebound coincides with increased investment in Nepal’s hospitality and infrastructure sectors. According to the Nepal Rastra Bank, more than $65 million in foreign direct investment flowed into tourism-related projects in 2024, fueling the development of new hotels, resorts, and transportation links across key destinations.

Tourism contributes approximately 7% to Nepal’s gross domestic product and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, especially in trekking, guiding, accommodation, and transport services. Employment in the sector has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with further growth expected as infrastructure expands.

Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 tallest mountains, remains a major hub for adventure travelers. Simultaneously, the country is experiencing a sharp rise in religious tourism. As the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Nepal attracts thousands of Buddhist pilgrims annually. Hindu pilgrims also travel in large numbers to visit ancient temples throughout the country—many of which are undergoing upgrades to improve accessibility, lodging, and amenities such as cable cars.

Nepal currently operates eight cable car lines, with several more under construction. Officials say sustained international promotional campaigns and media coverage are now yielding results, positioning Nepal as a premier destination for both spiritual and adventure tourism in South Asia.