POKHARA, April 3: Nepal saw a surge in tourists from Asia in March, but the number of visitors from the United States and Europe fell sharply — a drop the tourism board blames on Middle East tensions.
A total of 120,516 foreign tourists entered Nepal in March, according to data from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
South Asian arrivals alone reached 42,668 in March, accounting for 35 percent of total visitors. In March 2025, the figure stood at 35,287, and in March 2024, it was 40,727.
Visitors from other Asian countries totaled 33,436 in March, nearly 28 percent of all arrivals. Such numbers were 31,351 in March 2025 and 28,648 in March 2024.
Middle East tensions force trekking tourists to shorten stays
Mani Raj Lamichhane, director of the NTB’s Gandaki Province office, said the Middle East tensions prevented an increase in European and American visitors. “The number of visitors from South Asian and other Asian countries has increased,” he said, adding that the tensions did not significantly affect travelers from those regions.
India was the largest source market in March, with 25,728 visitors, followed by China (11,220), Sri Lanka (10,759), Myanmar (6,020), Bangladesh (4,676), and Thailand (3,897). Arrivals also rose from Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.
By contrast, only 7,974 visitors arrived from the United States in March — lower than the 9,710 recorded in February. The United Kingdom sent 4,814 visitors, down from 5,618 in February.
“This is the peak season for tourism, typically when trekkers arrive. But this time, arrivals of European and American visitors who enjoy trekking have been affected,” Lamichhane said. “The tourism sector has felt some relief due to visitors from Asian countries.”
He noted that the Middle East tensions have delayed many arrivals. “Some visitors have even been forced to return midway. The enthusiasm normally seen during mid-season has not materialized this time.”
Lamichhane called for a shift in promotional efforts toward South Asian markets to compensate for the shortfall. “It is necessary to promote tourism in Asian countries and neighboring markets. The tourism board and businesses may now need to revise their promotional strategies.”
In February alone, South Asian arrivals totaled 35,348 (33.5 percent), followed by other Asian countries with 29,857 (28.3 percent), European countries with 17,493 (16.6 percent), and the United States with 11,815 (11 percent).
Tourism entrepreneurs echoed concerns. Bharat Raj Parajuli, central member of the Hotel Association Nepal, said, “We are in the middle of the tourism season, but visitors have not arrived as expected. This has created concern in the sector. The previous season was affected by the Gen Z movement, while this time it has been impacted by tensions in the Middle East.”
