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Bangladesh has emerged as the fourth-largest source market for Nepal’s tourism industry, reflecting the growing travel appetite among Bangladeshis as outbound tourism continues to expand.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Nepal welcomed 71,775 international visitor arrivals (IVAs) in July 2026, up 2.3 per cent from 70,193 arrivals in the same month last year. However, the figure remained 4.2 per cent below the pre-pandemic level of 74,883 visitors recorded in July 2019.
A total of 4,179 Bangladeshi tourists visited Nepal during the month, accounting for 5.82 per cent of total international arrivals. The figure placed Bangladesh fourth among Nepal’s top source markets, ahead of the United Kingdom, which contributed 3,773 visitors or 5.26 per cent of the total.
India retained its position as Nepal’s largest source market with 23,490 visitors, representing 32.73 per cent of total arrivals. China ranked second with 11,099 visitors (15.46 per cent), followed by the United States with 7,754 arrivals (10.80 per cent).
The latest figures underscore the steady rise in overseas travel by Bangladeshis, driven by higher disposable incomes, improved regional air connectivity, easier visa procedures to several destinations and growing interest in leisure, adventure and religious tourism. Nepal has become an increasingly popular destination for Bangladeshi travellers because of its proximity, scenic Himalayan landscapes, trekking opportunities, cultural heritage sites and comparatively affordable travel costs.
Industry observers say Nepal is also attracting a growing number of Bangladeshi families, honeymooners and adventure seekers, while direct flights between Dhaka and Kathmandu have further strengthened tourism links between the two neighbouring countries.
During the first seven months of 2026, Nepal received 693,379 international visitors. Monthly arrivals stood at 92,573 in January, 105,441 in February, 120,516 in March, 107,934 in April, 102,626 in May, 91,363 in June and 71,775 in July.
Besides the leading source markets, Nepal welcomed 2,428 visitors from Australia, 1,394 from South Korea, 1,380 from Malaysia, 1,111 from Japan and 991 from Bhutan during July.
Regionally, South Asia (SAARC) remained the largest contributor to Nepal’s inbound tourism, accounting for 29,755 visitors or 41.5 per cent of total arrivals.
Other Asian countries contributed 17,424 visitors (24.3 per cent), while Europe accounted for 9,279 arrivals, representing 12.9 per cent of the total.
The NTB expects visitor numbers to strengthen further during the peak autumn trekking and festival season, as Nepal continues to promote itself as a premier destination for adventure, nature and cultural tourism.
Tourists from the Americas accounted for 12.3 per cent (8,825 tourists), Oceania contributed 3.6 per cent (2,607 tourists), Middle East contributed 1 per cent (736 tourists) while Africa shared only 0.5 per cent (324 tourists) in the month of July.