Nepal recorded its highest-ever monthly count of Indian tourist arrivals in June 2026, with 41,809 Indian visitors arriving by air — nearly 46 per cent of the 91,363 total foreign tourists the Himalayan nation received during the month, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The milestone surpassed the previous record of 40,782 Indian arrivals set just a month earlier in May 2026.

Record Numbers in Context

India has long been Nepal's largest source market for tourism, but its share of total foreign arrivals has accelerated sharply in recent years as Indian outbound travel expands. More than 30 million Indians travel abroad annually, and the value of India's outbound travel market is projected to nearly triple over the next decade. Tourism entrepreneurs and policymakers in Nepal have argued that even a marginal increase in Nepal's share of this growing pool could deliver substantial economic returns.

South Asia as a whole accounted for 48,254 visitors in June — 52.8 per cent of total arrivals — underscoring the region's growing importance to Nepal's tourism economy.

How the US-Iran War Is Reshaping Travel Choices

Industry observers point to the US-Iran war as an unexpected catalyst for Nepal's tourism surge. Rising fuel prices linked to the conflict have pushed up airfares on long-haul international routes, making destinations farther from India comparatively more expensive. Kiran Neuane, sales and marketing officer at a travel agency catering to Indian tourists, said Indian travellers have been gravitating toward Nepal as a relatively affordable alternative.

'Since the US-Iran war, airfares on long-haul routes have become more expensive due to rising fuel prices, and Indian travellers have been choosing Nepal as a relatively cheaper destination,' Neuane said. He added that school and college holidays in India, combined with intense summer heat, had further encouraged travel to Nepal's cooler terrain.

Top Source Markets in June 2026

After India, the United States emerged as Nepal's second-largest source market with 11,836 visitors, followed by China with 9,995 visitors from the mainland. Bangladesh ranked fourth with 4,322 arrivals, and Australia fifth with 2,896. A further 16,152 tourists arrived from other Asian countries, representing 17.68 per cent of the month's total.

What the NTB Says

Santosh Bikram Thapa, senior officer at the NTB, attributed the steady improvement in arrivals to expanded international air connectivity, targeted tourism promotion campaigns, and Nepal's positioning as a safe and attractive destination. 'We are preparing to intensify promotional activities in key source markets, including India, China, the United States, Europe and other major regions, in anticipation of the upcoming tourism season,' Thapa said.

With Indian outbound travel on a decade-long upward curve and Nepal doubling down on promotional investment, the country's tourism sector appears well-placed to sustain the momentum heading into the second half of 2026.