Nepal has recorded a significant drop in tourist arrivals from Western regions, including Europe, the Americas, West Asia, and Africa, during March 2026, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The decline has been attributed to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted global travel patterns and affected key transit routes used by international visitors traveling to Nepal.

The crisis, which began on February 28 following military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran, has led to widespread travel disruptions and increased costs worldwide. As a result, many tourists who typically travel through West Asian hubs to reach Nepal have either postponed or cancelled their plans, impacting arrivals during what is usually a peak tourism season.

March traditionally marks the beginning of Nepal’s busiest tourism period, extending through April and May, as climbers and trekkers arrive for Himalayan expeditions. However, NTB data shows that arrivals from West Asia dropped by 37.1 per cent to 1,718, while those from the Americas declined by 25.4 per cent to 10,374. Tourist numbers from Africa fell by 22.2 per cent to 5,958, and arrivals from Europe decreased by 18.9 per cent to 20,876 year-on-year. Overall, foreign tourist arrivals saw a marginal decline of one per cent, totaling 120,516 in March.

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Despite the downturn in Western markets, Nepal witnessed strong growth in arrivals from South Asia and other Asian regions. Tourist numbers from South Asia increased by 20.9 per cent to 42,668, with India remaining the largest source market at 25,728 visitors. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also contributed significantly, reflecting sustained demand for regional travel, particularly for cultural, spiritual, and short-duration visits.

Other Asian markets also showed encouraging trends, with 11,220 visitors from China, 6,020 from Myanmar, and 3,897 from Thailand. Additional arrivals from countries such as Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea contributed to a total of 33,436 tourists from the broader Asian region, accounting for nearly 28 per cent of overall arrivals.

NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi said that while the decline in Western tourists is a concern, the rise in visitors from neighboring countries offers a positive outlook. He noted that the board is focusing on promotional efforts in regional markets while continuing to engage high-spending segments in Europe and the United States. Joshi added that, given the uncertainty in West Asia, Nepal is working on strategies to diversify its tourism base and ensure sustainable growth in the sector.

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