In August 2024, Nepal experienced a notable increase in foreign tourist arrivals, with a significant contribution from the USA. According to the Nepal Tourist Board, 5,614 tourists from the USA visited Nepal, contributing to an overall 8.3% rise in tourist numbers compared to August 2023.
In total, 72,719 tourists visited Nepal in August 2024, up from 67,153 in August 2023. The breakdown of tourists includes 25,832 from India, 6,614 from China, 4,851 from Sri Lanka, and 3,077 from Bangladesh. However, these numbers have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, as 94,749 tourists visited Nepal in August 2019.
For additional context, the board reported that 41,304 foreign tourists visited Nepal in August 2022 and 6,693 in August 2021.
Solo trekking in Nepal has been banned since April 1, 2023, due to safety concerns. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has stopped issuing TIMS cards to foreign trekkers traveling alone. All foreign trekkers must now hire a government-licensed guide. Although this may deter some trekkers due to the added expense, hiring a guide can significantly improve safety and overall trekking experience.
Prem Prasad Dahal, Director and Information Officer of the Immigration Department, recently spoke with NepYork about the process for foreign tourists visiting Nepal for trekking. Dahal emphasized that there are specific requirements in place for those seeking to embark on trekking adventures in the country.
“There’s a fee associated with trekking in Nepal,” Dahal stated. “Even now, tourists can fill out the necessary forms from outside the country, obtain permission to visit restricted areas, and then complete the final paperwork upon arrival. We’ve maintained this system and continue to refine it. All visitors must obtain a visa through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) process, acquire a trekking permit, and travel through a registered trekking agency.”
Dahal further clarified the process for obtaining trekking permits, explaining, “If tourists plan to arrive in Kathmandu first and spend a few days there before beginning their trek, they need to complete the necessary forms through a trekking agency. Once they have obtained the required permission, they can proceed to the desired trekking area.”
Additional reporting from Kathmandu by Dipendra Dhungana.
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Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist based in Kathmandu. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks in Nepal.
