Top 10 Most Tourist Arriving Countries in Nepal

Last updated on 2024-04-25

Nepal, a country with rich ancient history and culture is a land of discovery and unique experiences. Nepal, known as the country of Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, and the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is renowned for being one of the most famous travel destinations in the world. With thousands of tourists visiting the country every year, tourism in Nepal has reached new heights for its snow-capped mountains, abundant flora and fauna, exciting trekking routes, and rich cultural and religious diversity. We have ranked the top ten countries that have traveled to Nepal from 2010 to 2019 A.D.

*All the data displayed are based on the report published by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation.

10. France

Image Source: Wikipedia

The diplomatic relations between Nepal and France were established on April 20, 1949. The relation between the two countries has remained outstanding ever since. This long-lasting relation which has stood for over seven decades has continued to establish trust, goodwill, and mutual respect between the two nations. Both of the countries established their embassies on the other’s capital in 1967. Nepal has achieved a great deal from this bilateral relation listing from Tourism, Trade, International Investment, and many more. This beautiful and vibrant relationship between the two nations has brought mutual benefits and co-operation on both sides. Over the last decade, 246,358 tourists have visited Nepal from France which has boosted the country’s tourism and remittance.

Total arrival : 246358

9. Australia

Image Source: Britannica

Nepal and Australia established diplomatic relations on February 15, 1960. In 2010, both nations commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations. In 1984, Australia established a permanent Embassy in Kathmandu at the level of chargé d'affaires, which was later elevated to Ambassadorial status in 1986. In March 2007, Nepal established its residence Embassy in Canberra, which was formally inaugurated in September 2007. Nepal also maintains Honorary Consulates General/Consulates in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide. For Australians, Nepal is a popular tourism destination. Over the previous decade, about 254,177 visitors have visited Nepal, with the greatest number arriving in 2019.

Total arrival : 254177

8. Japan

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Nepal and Japan both have a beautiful relationship that can be dated as early as the eighteenth century. This relationship was further strengthened with the diplomatic relation established on September 1, 1956, which opened a new door for Nepal to develop Tourism, Trade, Economy, and the history between the two nations. Nepal and Japan both established their embassies in the other country’s capital in 1965 and 1967 respectively. A huge number of Nepali citizens travel to Japan every year for Education and Employment opportunities. There are frequent visits from High-level officers from both countries to ensure the strength of the bilateral relationship between them. All these have resulted in goodwill and trust between the two countries where both of them work to develop one another. In the past decade, a total of 255,901 tourists have arrived in Nepal from Japan. These visits from the country frequently have also encouraged a citizen-level friendship between the countries.

Total arrival : 255901

7. Germany

Image Source: Wikipedia

Nepal and the Federal Republic of Germany established diplomatic relations on April 4, 1958. Nepal-German ties have grown since then on the foundations of friendship, mutual understanding, and collaboration. Both nations have constructed residential Embassies in the major cities of the other. On July 5, 1965, Nepal established its Embassy. Germany has been one of the major sources of tourists for Nepal. Over the previous decade, 2,60,221 German tourists, primarily trekkers ascending various highest altitude peaks, have visited Nepal, with 2018 witnessing the largest number of German tourists.

Total arrival : 260221

6. Thailand

Image Source: Britannica

On November 30, 1959, Nepal and Thailand established diplomatic ties. In May 1969, the status of diplomatic representation was elevated from Ministerial to Ambassadorial. Resident diplomatic posts at the Charge d'Affaires level were established in each other's capitals in 1969 and were later promoted to Ambassadorial level in 1980. The similarity of culture and shared ideals has tied Nepal and Thailand together. The two nations' bilateral ties are defined by great friendliness, goodwill, and understanding. Buddhism has remained one of the most important cultural ties between Nepal and Thailand. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is one of Nepal’s most popular tourist sites among the Thai people. Over the last decade, 2,66,687 Thai tourists have been to Nepal, namely Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The number of Thai tourists in 2018 was the highest in a decade.

Total arrival : 266687

5. Sri Lanka

Image Source: Britannica

On July 1, 1957, Nepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established diplomatic ties. The two nations' relations are characterized by friendliness, mutual understanding, and collaboration. Nepal established an Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in 1975, and the Embassy of Nepal in Colombo was established in 1995. Since 1993, Sri Lanka has had a residential Embassy in Kathmandu. In 2017, Nepal and Sri Lanka marked the 60th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Over the previous decade, 5,16,681 Sri Lankan visitors have visited Nepal, with 2018 being the busiest year.

Total arrival : 516681

4. U.S.A.

Image Source: Britannica

On April 25, 1947, Nepal and the United States of America (US) established diplomatic ties. Nepal's diplomatic ties with the United States are only the second after those with the United Kingdom. On February 3, 1958, Nepal established its Embassy in Washington, D.C. The American Embassy in Kathmandu opened on August 6, 1959. The United States is one of Nepal's most important sources of visitors. The number of tourists has been growing year after year, except for 2015, which was due to the earthquakes. In the previous decade, Nepal has had over 5,97,271 visitors from the United States, with the year 2019 representing the greatest number of visitors to the country.

Total arrival : 597271

3. U.K.

Image Source: Wikipedia

In 1816, Nepal established diplomatic ties with the United Kingdom. The Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom and Nepal was signed in 1923, further formalizing the two nations' relations. Friendship, mutual understanding, cordiality, collaboration, and respect for each other's national interests and ambitions have defined the relationship between the two nations since their diplomatic ties were established. The United Kingdom was also the first country in the world to establish diplomatic ties with Nepal. Hundreds of thousands of Nepalese troops fought and lost their lives on numerous battlefields across the world as one of Great Britain's allies throughout the two world wars, establishing a legacy of deep and true friendship in the history of the two countries. The Gurkha troops are the most obvious link connecting Nepal and the United Kingdom. It should be noted that the Gurkhas' service in the British army began on April 24, 1815, and has continued to this day, spanning more than two centuries. The relationship's firm basis is founded on the Gurkha troops' legacy of devotion, sacrifice, and courage. Over the previous decade, almost 6,14,335 tourists have visited Nepal, with 2018 seeing the greatest number of visits from the United Kingdom.

Total arrival : 614335

2. China

Image Source: Wikipedia

Nepal's connections with the People's Republic of China are centuries old and deeply established. The two countries' historic and multifaceted bilateral relations have evolved since the days of Nepali monk and scholar Buddhabhadra (early 5th Century), Princess Bhrikuti (first half of the 7th Century), and Araniko (Anige, second half of the 13th Century), as well as early visits by Chinese monks and scholars such as Monk Fa Xian (Jin Dynasty), Monk Xuan Zang (Tang Dynasty), among others. On August 1, 1955, the two nations formalized their relations by establishing diplomatic relations. Friendship, understanding, mutual support, collaboration, and respect for each other's sensitivities have characterized relations between the two countries. Over the previous decade, almost 10,13,636 Chinese tourists have visited Nepal, primarily for leisure and business, with 2019 seeing the highest number of Chinese tourists.

Total arrival : 1013636

1. India

Image Source: Wikipedia

India and Nepal have a unique friendship and cooperation relationship defined by open borders and deep-rooted people–to–people ties of family and culture. There is a long history of free movement of people across borders. Nepal and India share borders with five Indian states - Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand - spanning over 1850 kilometers in the east, south, and west. The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 serves as the foundation of India-Nepal special-ties. In India, over 8 million Nepalese people live and work. In the previous decade, 15,55,212 Indian tourists have visited Nepal for a variety of reasons, including travel, business, and religious visits, with 2019 being the year with the highest number of Indian visitors.