View source for Tourism in Nepal

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[[File:Namche Bazaar Nepal.jpg|thumb|[[Namche Bazaar]], gateway to [[Mount Everest]], under snow]]
Tourism is the largest industry in [[Nepal]] and its largest source of [[Foreign exchange market|foreign exchange]] and revenue. '''Tourism in Nepal''' contributes about 6.7% of the country's [[gross domestic product]] (GDP). Tourism is a significant economic contributor for many nations. In 2023, Nepal welcomed 1,014,876 tourists, placing it 147th globally in terms of tourist numbers. Tourism is Nepal's largest industry and a primary source of foreign income and revenue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nepjol.info/index.php/ijorn/article/download/73153/55940/212701#:~:text=Tourism%20is%20a%20significant%20economic,of%20foreign%20income%20and%20revenue | title = Analyzing and Forecasting International Tourist Arrivals in Nepal}}</ref> Home to eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and adventure seekers. The [[Hindu]] and [[Buddhist]] heritages of Nepal and its cool weather are also strong attractions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/countries-2015/nepal2015.ashx|title=Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2015 Nepal|last=Turner|first=Rochelle|publisher=World Travel & Tourism Council|access-date=August 2, 2016|archive-date=July 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723181118/http://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/countries-2015/nepal2015.ashx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Overview==
[[File:BRP Lumbini Mayadevi temple.jpg|thumb|[[Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini|Mayadevi Temple]] marking the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]'s birthplace in [[Lumbini]]]]
[[File:Shankharacharya,Gate,Birgunj.jpg|thumb|Shankharacharya Gate in [[Birgunj]], is main entry Point of [[Nepal]] from north [[Bihar]], [[India]] (also known as the 'Gateway of Nepal).]]
[[Mount Everest]], the highest mountain peak in the world ([[Mount Everest|8,848.86m]] above the sea level), is located in Nepal. [[Mountaineering]] and other types of [[adventure tourism]] and [[ecotourism]] are important attractions for visitors. The [[World Heritage Site]] [[Lumbini]], birthplace of [[Buddha]], is located in the south of the West region of Nepal (which despite the name is located in the center of the country) and there are other important religious pilgrimage sites throughout the country. The tourist industry is seen as a way to alleviate poverty and achieve greater social equity in the country. Tourism brings $471 million a year to Nepal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://discovery.economist.com/brpr?article=2776094&cid1=d/dsp/Outbrain/dyn/2776094/20170125-00:00am/paid/display-LA/BR-WB/BRPII/n/subs/CE/BR-LIT&cid3=UM|title=Why Mount Everest is so dangerous|publisher=Discover Economist|date=28 February 2017|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-date=15 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315002002/http://discovery.economist.com/brpr?article=2776094&cid1=d%2Fdsp%2FOutbrain%2Fdyn%2F2776094%2F20170125-00%3A00am%2Fpaid%2Fdisplay-LA%2FBR-WB%2FBRPII%2Fn%2Fsubs%2FCE%2FBR-LIT&cid3=UM|url-status=dead}}</ref>

According to statistics of 2025, there was a growth rate of 2.1%. According to statistics from [[Nepal Tourism Board|Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)]], a total of 1,197,191 foreign tourists entered the country in 2019 as compared to 1,173,072 in 2018. The government of Nepal declared 2011 to be Nepal Tourism Year, and hoped to attract one million foreign tourists to the country during that year.<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/travel/2010-09/28/c_13533585.htm Nepal aims to attract 1 million foreign tourists next year] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002155319/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/travel/2010-09/28/c_13533585.htm |date=2010-10-02 }} Xinhua News Agency, accessed 21 November 2010</ref> The government of Nepal has also declared Lumbini Tourism Year 2012 to promote Lumbini. The government of Nepal has also recently declared [[Nepal Tourism Board#Visit Nepal|Visit Nepal 2020]] with the aim of bringing in two million tourists by 2020.

Most of tourists visit for short stays. In 2022, 64.7% of the tourists came to Nepal for holiday vacations,10.03% came for adventure, such as trekking and mountaineering, 12.87% came for religious visits, and 12.39% for other reasons. Tourists who come from the USA, UK, France, Spain, India, and Germany have a main target of activity: mountain climbing. [[Mount Everest|Mt. Everest]], [[Ama Dablam|Mt. Ama Dablam]], and [[Manaslu|Mt. Manaslu]] are the most popular mountains.<ref name="nts">{{Cite web |title=NEPAL TOURISM STATISTICS- 2022 |url=https://www.tourism.gov.np//files/statistics/27.pdf |access-date=2024-02-26 |website=www.tourism.gov.np}}</ref>

The tourism industry of Nepal was affected after the destructive earthquake in 2015, by the [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake|series of earthquakes in 2015]]. In 2020, the tourism sector in Nepal collapsed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Sharma|first1=Bhadra|last2=Gettleman|first2=Jeffrey|date=2020-11-02|title=Mount Everest Empties as Covid-19 Strikes Tourism in Nepal|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/02/world/asia/coronavirus-nepal-tourism-remittances.html|access-date=2020-11-02|issn=0362-4331|quote=The trails snaking through the Himalayas are deserted, including those leading up to Everest Base Camp. Fewer than 150 climbers have arrived this fall season, immigration officials said, down from thousands last year.}}</ref>

In 2022, tourism income increased by 190% from 2021. The gross foreign exchange earnings were Nrs 46,756,824 thousand (Around 326,282 thousand US$).<ref name="nts"/>

==Religious sites==
{{unreferenced section|date=April 2024}}
[[File:Janki Mandir.JPG|thumb|[[Janaki Mandir|Janaki Mandir in Janakpur]], the temple where the Hindu goddess [[Sita]] married Lord [[Rama]] in Nepal.]]

The most followed religion in Nepal is [[Hinduism]], and the [[Pashupatinath Temple]], the world's largest temple of Lord [[Shiva]], located in Kathmandu, attracts many pilgrims and tourists. This is arguably the most famous Hindu temple in the Indian Subcontinent. Adjacent to the temple, lies a crematorium where bodies are burned to ashes. Pashupatinath is also listed in UNESCO heritage sites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO Heritage Sites of Nepal tour - World Heritage sites |url=https://www.trekkingteamgroup.com/nepal-trips/art-culture-tours/unesco-heritage-sites-of-nepal/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=www.trekkingteamgroup.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Other Hindu pilgrimage sites include the temple complex in [[Swargadwari]] in the [[Pyuthan district]]; [[Janaki Mandir]] in [[Janakpurdham]] in [[Mithila, Nepal|Mithila region]]; Lake [[Gosainkunda]] near [[Dhunche]]; the temples at [[Devghat]]; [[Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple]] in [[Dolakha District|Dolakha]]; [[Manakamana]] temple in the [[Gorkha District]]; [[Pathibhara]] near [[Phungling]]; [[Galeshwordham]] Myagdi and Mahamrityunjaya Shivasan Nepal in [[Palpa District]] where the biggest metallic idol of [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]] is located.

[[Buddhism]] is the second largest followed religion in context of Nepal. The [[World Heritage Site]] at [[Lumbini]], which is considered to be the birthplace of [[Gautama Buddha]], is an important pilgrimage site. Another prominent Buddhist site is [[Swayambhunath]], the Monkey Temple, in Kathmandu.
[[File:Ambikeshwari Temple अम्बिकेश्वरी मन्दिर, Ghorahi.jpg|thumb|[[Dang District, Nepal|Ambikeshwori Temple, Dang]] is a [[Shakti Peethas|Shaktipeetha]] which is supposed to have emerged due to the falling of right ear of [[Sati (goddess)|Satidevi]] according to the [[Swasthani]] Purana. |226x226px]]

[[Dang Valley|Dang]] valley is a sacred place for Hindus as well as other religions. Kalika and Malika Devi in Chillikot hill, Ambekeshawori temple, Krishna temple, Dharapani temple are among the sacred places in [[Dang District, Nepal|Dang district]]. Chillikot hill is also a good place for sightseeing and also an ancient palace of a king.

[[Muktinath]] is a sacred place for Hindus as well as Buddhists. The site is located in Muktinath Valley, [[Mustang district]].

[[Badimalika Temple|Badimalika temple]] in [[Bajura District]], [[Gadhimai Temple]] in [[Bara district]], [[Halesi-Maratika Caves]] in [[Khotang District|Khotang]]. [[Bageshwori Temple|Bhageshwori Mandir]] in [[Nepalgunj]].[[File:Bageshwori Temple Nepalgunj.JPG|thumb|Side view of the Bhageshwori Mandir]] [[Bhagwati Temple]] in [[Rajbiraj]] are also some popular temples in Nepal.

==[[List of World Heritage Sites in Nepal|World Heritage Sites]]==
{{location map+ |Nepal|float=right|width=350|caption=Location of World Heritage Sites in Nepal|places=
{{location map~|Nepal|lat=27.933333|long=86.733333|label=[[Sagarmatha National Park]]|position=top|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{location map~|Nepal|lat=27.5|long=84.33333|label=[[Chitwan National Park]]|position=bottom|mark=Green pog.svg}}
{{location map~|Nepal|lat=27.704 |long=85.309|label=[[Kathmandu Valley]]|position=right}}
{{location map~|Nepal|lat=27.484 |long=83.276|label=[[Lumbini]]|position=top}}
}}
[[File:Flag of Nepal.svg|thumb|160px|
<div class="center">[[File:Welterbe.svg|55px]] [[File:UNESCO logo.svg|70px]]</div>]]
[[Nepal]] ratified the convention on 20 June 1978, making its historical sites eligible for inclusion on the list.<ref name=main>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/np/ |title=Nepal – Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=6 April 2023}}</ref>
Four sites in Nepal were on the list in 2023, with a further fifteen on the tentative list, of sites that may be considered for future submission.<ref>[https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/np Tentative List from UNESCO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101355/https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/np |date=20 June 2018 }} Retrieved 1 March 2020</ref> The first sites in Nepal to be added to the list were the [[Sagarmatha National Park]] and the [[Kathmandu Valley]], added in 1979. Due to the partial or substantial loss of the traditional elements of six out of seven monument zones and resulting general loss of authenticity and integrity of the whole property, Kathmandu Valley was also added to the [[List of World Heritage in Danger]] between 2003 and 2007. [[Chitwan National Park]] was listed in 1984, and [[Lumbini]], the birthplace of Buddha according to Buddhist tradition, was added in 1997. The National Parks are natural sites, and the other two are cultural.

{{collapse top| World Heritage Sites in Nepal|bg=lightblue}}
UNESCO lists sites under [[World Heritage Site#Selection criteria|ten criteria]]; each entry must meet at least one of the criteria. Criteria i through vi are cultural, and vii through x are natural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/criteria/ |title=UNESCO World Heritage Centre – The Criteria for Selection |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |accessdate=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612152223/https://whc.unesco.org/en/criteria/ |archive-date=12 June 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Legend|#D0E7FF|* Trans-border site|outline=silver}}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! style="width:100px;" scope="col" | Site
! class="unsortable" style="width:150px;" scope="col" | Image
! style="width:80px;" scope="col" | Location
! style="width:50px;" scope="col" | Year listed
! style="width:60px;" scope="col" | {{Abbr|UNESCO data|UNESCO reference number and criteria}}
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| Description
|-
! scope="row" | [[Sagarmatha National Park]]
| [[File:Amazing Sunset of Pheriche.jpg|150x150px|alt=A village in a large mountain valley. In the distance very high snow-covered mountains are visible.]]
| [[Solukhumbu District]]
| 1979
| 120; vii (natural)
| [[Sagarmatha National Park]] encompasses the mountains of the [[Great Himalayas|Great Himalayan Range]] which includes the [[List of highest mountains on Earth|Earth's highest mountain]] above [[sea level]], [[Mount Everest]] (known in Nepal as Sagarmatha), and the [[Sacred Himalayan Landscape]], the transboundary landscape in the eastern [[Himalayas]].<ref name=UNESCOSagar>{{cite web|title=Sagarmatha National Park|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/120|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218104548/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/120|archive-date=18 February 2009|website=[[UNESCO]]|publisher=World Heritage Centre|accessdate=28 May 2010}}</ref> The park covers an area of {{Convert|124,400|ha}} of land and 20 villages with 6000 [[Sherpa people|Sherpas]] who have lived in the area for the last four centuries.<ref name=UNESCOSagar /> 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Kathmandu Valley]]
| [[File:Swayambhunath temple - an ancient religious architecture of Nepal.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Kathmandu Valley]]
| 1979
| 121; iii, iv, vi (cultural)
| The World Heritage Site comprises seven properties: [[Bhaktapur Durbar Square]], [[Boudhanath]], [[Changu Narayan Temple]], [[Kathmandu Durbar Square]], [[Pashupatinath Temple]], [[Patan Durbar Square]], and [[Swayambhunath]] (pictured).<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Kathmandu Valley|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704051247/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121|archive-date=4 July 2010|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|accessdate=28 May 2010}}</ref> Three royal [[Durbar Square]]s were used by the [[Malla dynasty (Nepal)|Mallas]], after the [[unification of Nepal]] they were used by the [[Shah dynasty|Shahs]], and the [[Rana dynasty|Ranas]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Moran|first=Kerry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fb9nH3VVSowC|title=Nepal|date=1997|publisher=Local Colour|isbn=978-962-217-492-4|pages=97|language=en|access-date=19 December 2021|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219203421/https://books.google.com/books?id=fb9nH3VVSowC&newbks=0|url-status=live}}</ref> Two [[stupa]]s: Swayambhunath is the oldest and Boudhanath is the largest in Nepal.<ref name=":1" /> Changu Narayan Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal dating back to the fifth century AD, and Pashupatinath Temple is the largest temple complex in Nepal.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nepal's 5th Century Pashupatinath Temple Opens After Nearly 5 Months|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/nepals-iconic-pashupatinath-temple-opens-after-nearly-5-months-2536803|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-19|website=NDTV|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219161021/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/nepals-iconic-pashupatinath-temple-opens-after-nearly-5-months-2536803}}</ref> [[Kathmandu Valley]] was listed as [[World Heritage in Danger|endangered]] from 2003 to 2007 due to the partial or substantial loss of the traditional elements of six out of seven monument zones and resulting in a general loss of authenticity and integrity of the whole property.<ref name=":1" />
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chitwan National Park]]
| [[File:USAID Measuring Impact Conservation Enterprise Retrospective (Nepal; National Trust for Nature Conservation) (40301455971).jpg|150x150px|alt=A lake with tree trunks in the water.]]
| [[Chitwan District]], [[Nawalpur District]], [[Parasi District]], [[Parsa District]],
and [[Makwanpur District]]
| 1984
| 284; vii, ix, x (natural)
| [[Chitwan National Park]], part of the subtropical [[Inner Terai Valleys of Nepal|Inner Terai lowlands]] of south-central Nepal, is home to one of the last populations of [[Indian rhinoceros]] and the [[Bengal tiger]].<ref name=":2">{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/284 |title=Chitwan National Park |publisher=[[UNESCO]] | accessdate=28 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619172957/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/284/ |archive-date=19 June 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Historically used by the feudal [[big game hunter]]s and their entourage, where they stayed for a couple of months shooting hundreds of [[Bengal tiger|tigers]], [[Greater one-horned rhinoceros|rhinoceroses]], [[Indian elephant|elephants]], [[Indian leopard|leopards]], and [[sloth bear]]s.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EBBIAAAAYAAJ|title=Royal Chitwan National Park After Twenty Years: An Assessment of Values, Threats, and Opportunities|date=1996|publisher=King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation|pages=17|language=en|access-date=19 December 2021|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219203454/https://books.google.com/books?id=EBBIAAAAYAAJ&newbks=0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Riley|first1=Laura|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=icMuBQhW4vgC|title=Nature's Strongholds: The World's Great Wildlife Reserves|last2=Riley|first2=William|last3=Riley|first3=Bill|date=2005|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-12219-9|pages=241|language=en|access-date=19 December 2021|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219203454/https://books.google.com/books?id=icMuBQhW4vgC&newbks=0|url-status=live}}</ref> The park is now one of the last remaining ecosystems of the [[Terai|Tarai region]] and it is home to over 68 [[mammal]] [[species]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|author=Chitwan National Park Office|date=2015|title=Biodiversity – Chitwan National Park|url=http://www.chitwannationalpark.gov.np/index.php/biodiversity|publisher=Government of Nepal Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation|access-date=19 December 2021|archive-date=12 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812163255/https://chitwannationalpark.gov.np/index.php/biodiversity|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha]]
| [[File:BRP Lumbini Mayadevi temple.jpg|150x150px|alt=A large tree next to a water filled pool.]]
| [[Rupandehi District]]
| 1997
| 666; iii, vi (cultural)
| [[Lumbini]], where the founder of the [[World religions|world religion]] of [[Buddhism]], [[Gautama Buddha]], was born in 623 BC.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/666 |title=Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha |publisher=[[UNESCO]] | accessdate=28 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731003917/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/666/ |archive-date=31 July 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lumbini is regarded as one of the holiest places in Buddhism and it features pilgrimage sites dating back to the 3rd century BC.<ref name=":3" /> The complex includes the [[Lumbini pillar inscription]], [[Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini|Maya Devi Temple]], and Shakya Tank where [[Maya (mother of the Buddha)|Maya]] bathed before giving birth to Buddha.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Lohani|first1=Mohan Prasad|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LJKPAAAAMAAJ|title=Nepal and the United Nations, 1956-1996|last2=Thapa|first2=Damber Bir|date=1996|publisher=United Nations Association of Nepal|pages=259|language=en|access-date=19 December 2021|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219203451/https://books.google.com/books?id=LJKPAAAAMAAJ&newbks=0|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}
{{collapse bottom}}

{{collapse top| Tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Nepal|bg=lightblue}}
In addition to the sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, member states can maintain a list of tentative sites that they may consider for nomination. Nominations for the World Heritage List are only accepted if the site was previously listed on the tentative list.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists |title=UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Tentative Lists |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |accessdate=25 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720204834/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/ |archive-date=20 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2019}}, Nepal recorded 15 sites on its tentative list.<ref name=main/>

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" 
|-
|+ {{sronly|Tentative sites }}
! style="width:100px;" scope="col" | Site
! class="unsortable" style="width:150px;" scope="col" | Image
! style="width:80px;" scope="col" | Location 
! style="width:50px;" scope="col" | Year listed
! style="width:60px;" scope="col" | UNESCO criteria
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| Description
|-
! scope="row" | [[Panauti|The early medieval architectural complex of Panauti]]
| [[File:Panauti 3.JPG|150x150px]]
| [[Kavrepalanchok District]]
| align="center" | 1996
| Cultural
| [[Panauti]], located at the confluence of two sacred rivers [[Roshi River]] and [[Punyamati River]], is home to numerous heritage structures.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=The early medieval architectural complex of Panauti|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/839/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101346/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/839/|archive-date=20 June 2018|access-date=20 June 2018}}</ref> Both Hindus and Buddhists consider Panauti to be a sacred town, and it contains numerous architectural complexes including the [[Indresvar Mahadev Temple]] and the [[Brahmayani Temple]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Kayastha|first=Vidhu Prakash|title=Every day is a Heritage Day in Panauti|url=http://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/103957/|access-date=2021-12-19|website=My Republica|language=en|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219203504/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/103957/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Yomari]], a popular [[delicacy]] in Nepal, originated from Panauti.<ref name=":5" />
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tilaurakot]], the archaeological remains of ancient Shakya Kingdom
| [[File:Suddhodana Palace-east gate.JPG|150x150px]]
| [[Kapilvastu District]]
| align="center" | 1996
| Cultural
| [[Tilaurakot]] is believed to be the cardinal point of the ancient [[Shakya]] city of [[Kapilavastu (ancient city)|Kapilavastu]], where Gautama Buddha spent 29 years of his life.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/840/ |title=Tilaurakot, the archaeological remains of ancient Shakya Kingdom |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101939/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/840/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Tilaurakot: The ancient city of Kapilavastu|url=https://visitworldheritage.com/en/buddha/tilaurakot-the-ancient-city-of-kapilavastu/4b52c2df-b052-4cdd-a123-f3d80c26a3f4|access-date=2021-12-19|website=World Heritage Journeys}}</ref> He [[Great Renunciation|left his palace at Kapilavastu]] to live a life as an [[Shramana|ascetic]] to reach [[Enlightenment in Buddhism|enlightenment]].<ref name=":6"/> Tilaurakot is also a holy site for Hindus and there are numerous temples on the site.<ref name=":6"/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Mustang Caves|Cave architecture of Muktinath Valley of Mustang]]
| [[File:Chyosyor cave at Lomangthang, Upper Mustang.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Mustang District]]
| align="center" | 1996
| Cultural
| [[Mustang Caves|Sky Caves of Mustang]] were originally used as burial chambers, the caves eventually became meditation chambers, military lookouts, or storage units as part of the [[Kingdom of Lo]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/841/ |title=Cave architecture of Muktinath Valley of Mustang |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101437/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/841/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NatGeo-Finkel1">{{cite web|last=Finkel|first=Michael|title=Sky Caves of Nepal|url=http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/10/mustang-caves/finkel-text|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612173909/http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/10/mustang-caves/finkel-text|archive-date=12 June 2013|access-date=27 August 2013|newspaper=National Geographic}}</ref> There are roughly around 10,000 man-made caves dug into the sides of valleys, some of which are estimated to be thousands of years old.<ref name="NatGeo-Finkel1" /> 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Gorkha Palace|The medieval palace complex of Gorkha]]
| [[File:Image of Goddess & Gorkha Palace.JPG|150x150px]]
| [[Gorkha District]]
| align="center" | 1996
| Cultural
|[[Gorkha Palace|Gorkha Palace complex]] is a 16th-century [[palace]] built by the King of [[Gorkha Kingdom|Gorkha]], [[Ram Shah]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=Four years since the earthquake, Gorkha Durbar still in ruins|url=https://kathmandupost.com/national/2019/04/21/four-years-since-the-earthquake-gorkha-durbar-still-in-ruins|access-date=2021-12-19|website=kathmandupost.com|language=English|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730045210/https://kathmandupost.com/national/2019/04/21/four-years-since-the-earthquake-gorkha-durbar-still-in-ruins|url-status=live}}</ref> Built in traditional [[Architecture of Nepal|Nepalese architecture]], It served as a fort, a palace, and a temple.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/842/ |title=The medieval palace complex of Gorkha |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101630/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/842/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Prithvi Narayan Shah]] was crowned as the King of Gorkha in the palace, who would later be crowned the first [[King of Nepal|King of a unified Nepal]].<ref name=":7" /> Gorkha Palace was severely damaged by the [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake]].<ref name=":7" />
|-
! scope="row" | [[Ramagrama stupa|Ramagrama, the relic stupa of Lord Buddha]]
| [[File:Ramgram Stupa 2.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Parasi District]]
| align="center" | 1996
| Cultural
| The site includes the only undisturbed original [[stupa]] containing [[Relics associated with Buddha|relics of Buddha]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/843/ |title=Ramagrama, the relic stupa of Lord Buddha |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101806/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/843/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> According to the legends, [[Maurya Empire|Mauryan emperor]], [[Ashoka]], visited the Ramagrama in 249 BC, however, when he tried to open the stupa, a snake god appeared and told him not to open it, subsequently, he left it alone.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|title=Ramagrama Stupa|url=https://visitworldheritage.com/en/buddha/ramagrama-stupa/c0b00737-7dd2-4817-9449-0ff69f78125a|access-date=2021-12-19|website=World Heritage Journeys}}</ref> Currently, there are no plans to open the stupa, and the site only features a grassy mound.<ref name=":8"/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Khokana]], the vernacular village and its mustard-oil seed industrial heritage
| [[File:Khokana, Lalitpur.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Lalitpur District, Nepal|Lalitpur District]]
| align="center" | 1996
| Cultural
| [[Khokana]] is described being a "[[living museum]]" as includes a system of drainage and chowks, traditional houses, [[chaitya]]s, a mother deity temple, and its mustard fields and processing sites.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/844/ |title=Khokana, the vernacular village and its mustard-oil seed industrial heritage |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620103313/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/844/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=Kayastha|first=Vidhu Prakash|title=Khokana: Living museum of Nepal|url=http://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/104977/|access-date=2021-12-19|website=My Republica|language=en|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219203505/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/104977/|url-status=live}}</ref> Home to the indigenous [[Newar people]], governed as part of the [[Lalitpur, Nepal|Lalitpur metropolitan city]], and Khokana has some surviving works from the [[Kirata Kingdom|Kirata]]-era.<ref name=":9" /> Today, it is known for producing [[mustard oil]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Marasini|first=Madhavi|date=2020-11-19|title=Survival of Khokana and its mustard fields|url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/survival-of-khokana-and-its-mustard-fields|access-date=2021-12-19|website=The Himalayan Times|language=en|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219200222/https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/survival-of-khokana-and-its-mustard-fields|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhattarai|first=Kamal Dev|title=Khokana epitomizes how Nepal gets its development wrong|url=https://theannapurnaexpress.com/news/khokana-epitomizes-how-nepal-gets-its-development-wrong-2636|access-date=2021-12-19|website=The Annapurna Express|language=en|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219200255/https://theannapurnaexpress.com/news/khokana-epitomizes-how-nepal-gets-its-development-wrong-2636|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lo Manthang|Medieval Earthen Walled City of Lo Manthang]]
| [[File:Lo Manthang.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Mustang District]]
| align="center" | 2008
| Cultural
| [[Lo Manthang]] was established as the capital of the Kingdom of Lo in the 14th century.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Osborne|first=Zoe|date=2019-04-06|title=The 'forbidden kingdom' was hidden for centuries. Now, you can step inside|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-06/inside-the-forbidden-kingdom-of-lo/10920760|access-date=2021-12-19|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|archive-date=12 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412151538/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-06/inside-the-forbidden-kingdom-of-lo/10920760|url-status=live}}</ref> Situated 3800 meters above sea level, it was once the hub of the ancient [[Tibet–Nepal salt trade route]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5256/ |title=Medieval {{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|Earthern}} Walled City of Lo Manthang |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620103317/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5256/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-14|title=New roads are changing trekking in Nepal's most remote regions|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/new-roads-impact-tourism-and-trekking-business|access-date=2021-12-19|website=Travel|language=en|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123213118/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/new-roads-impact-tourism-and-trekking-business|url-status=dead}}</ref> Even though Nepal was opened to the outside world in the 1950s, [[Upper Mustang]] was restricted to foreigners until 1992 and currently, there is a limit on how many tourists are allowed to visit.<ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite web|title='How did it come here?': Nepal seeks to bring home lost treasures|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/30/nepal-lost-treasures-artefacts-stolen-gods-idols-history-religion|access-date=2021-12-19|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219202111/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/30/nepal-lost-treasures-artefacts-stolen-gods-idols-history-religion|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to its isolation, the city has preserved its [[Lifestyle (sociology)|way of life]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2015-01-07|title=A fortress in the sky, the last forbidden kingdom of Tibetan culture|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/in-sight/wp/2015/01/05/a-fortress-in-the-sky-the-last-forbidden-kingdom-of-tibetan-culture/|access-date=2021-12-19|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108150741/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/in-sight/wp/2015/01/05/a-fortress-in-the-sky-the-last-forbidden-kingdom-of-tibetan-culture/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Sankhu|Vajrayogini and early settlement of Sankhu]]
| [[File:Saankhu.JPG|150x150px]]
| [[Kathmandu District]]
| align="center" | 2008
| Cultural
| The site includes the Lichchhavi period (2nd to 9th century AD) settlement of [[Sankhu]] and the Vajrayogini temple complex constructed in the mid 17th century.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5257/ |title=Vajrayogini and early settlement of sankhu |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101859/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5257/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Kirtipur|Medieval Settlement of Kirtipur]]
| [[File:Kirtipur, 1950 - 1955.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Kathmandu District]]
| align="center" | 2008
| Cultural
| The site includes the Newar monuments of Chilancho Vihar, Jagat Pal Vihar, Buddha Dharma Sangha Shikhara, Baghbhairab Temple, Vath (Layaku), Umamaheshvar Temple, Indrayani Pith, Chitu Bahail, Lokeshwar Shikhara, Buddha Temple, Chve Bahal and Kwe Bahal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5258/ |title=Medieval Settlement of Kirtipur |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620103321/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5258/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Rishikesh Complex of Ruru Kshetra]]
| [[File:Rishikesh Mandir, Palpa, Nepal 10.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Palpa District]]
| align="center" | 2008
| Cultural
| The site includes an ancient route and cremation site between Muktinath and Damodar Kunda, the settlement of Ridi, and the entire complex.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5259/ |title=Rishikesh Complex of Ruru Kshetra |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101903/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5259/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Nuwakot Palace|Nuwakot Palace Complex]]
| [[File:Nuwakot Palace.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Nuwakot District]]
| align="center" | 2008
| Cultural
| The site includes Nuwakot Palace and various temples and shrines, such as Bhairab Temple.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5260/ |title=Nuwakot Palace Complex |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101937/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5260/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Janaki Mandir|Ram Janaki Temple]]
| [[File:Janki Mandir.JPG|150x150px]]
| [[Dhanusa District]]
| align="center" | 2008
| Cultural
| The site is composed of classical and neo-classical designs with elements of fortification.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5261/ |title=Ram Janaki Temple |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620124722/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5261/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tansen, Nepal|The Medieval Town of Tansen]]
| [[File:Shreenagar with Tansen.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Palpa District]]
| align="center" | 2008
| Cultural
| The site includes Bhairab Temple, the Purankot Durbar, the Srinagar Durbar (Fort), the Bansha Gopal, the Mukundeshwar Mahadev, the Amar Narayan Temple, the Ran-Ujjeshwari Bhagawati Temple and the Tansen Durbar.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5262/ |title=The Medieval Town of Tansen |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101554/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5262/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Sinja Valley]]
| [[File:Narakot Sinja Valley.JPG|150x150px]]
| [[Jumla District]]
| align="center" | 2008
| Cultural
| The site includes the capital of the Khasas kingdom from the 12th to 14th centuries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5263/ |title=Sinja valley |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101841/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5263/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Bhurti Temple Complex]] of Dailekh
| [[File:Panchdewal, Dailekh.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[Dailekh District]]
| align="center" | 2008
| Cultural
| The site includes 22 monuments constructed through the Western Malla architectural style.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5264/ |title=Bhurti Temple Complex of Dailekh |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101846/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5264/ |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

{{collapse bottom}}

==Wilderness tourism==
[[File:Tourists trekking in Annapurna region.jpg|thumb|right|Tourists trekking in [[Annapurna]] region in western Nepal]]
According to [[Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation|Nepal's Ministry of Tourism]], major tourist activities include wilderness and adventure activities such as mountain biking, [[bungee jump]]ing, rock climbing and mountain climbing, [[trekking]], [[hiking]], bird watching, flights, paragliding and hot air ballooning over the mountains of Himalaya, exploring the waterways by raft, kayak or canoe and jungle safaris especially in the [[Terai]] region.<ref>[http://www.tourism.gov.np/menu.php?p=16&page=Major%20Tourism%20Activities Major Tourism Activities] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713051904/http://www.tourism.gov.np/menu.php?p=16&page=Major%20Tourism%20Activities|date=2015-07-13}}, Nepal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, retrieved 21 October 2014</ref> International elephant polo is played at  [[Chitwan National Park]].

== Orphanage tourism ==
In 2018, research into global volunteering behaviour identified Nepal as one of the world’s ten most popular destinations for orphanage [[International volunteering|voluntourism]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facts and figures about orphanage tourism {{!}} Rethink Orphanages |url=https://rethinkorphanages.org/problem-orphanages/facts-and-figures-about-orphanage-tourism |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=rethinkorphanages.org |language=en}}</ref>

Leading [[Sustainable tourism|responsible tourism]] and [[Child protection|child welfare]] organisations agree that it is irresponsible for short term and/or untrained international volunteers to work in [[Orphanage|orphanages.]]<ref name="Perkins">{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Rob |date=24 April 2024 |title=Volunteering holidays with children |url=https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/volunteer-travel/travel-guide/children |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=Responsible Travel}}</ref> Few volunteers are qualified to interact with traumatised, vulnerable children<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orphanages.No |url=https://orphanages.no/Growing.html |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=orphanages.no}}</ref> and many orphanages lack the facilities, trained staff, and child protection policies to create safe, nurturing environments for children in care.<ref name="Perkins"/>

There are over 800 orphanages in Nepal, with 80% of those in tourist areas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Humphris |first=Polly |date=24 April 2024 |title=Responsible tourism in Nepal |url=https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/nepal/travel-guide/responsible-tourism-in-nepal |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=Responsible Travel}}</ref> Out of the 75 districts in the country, most registered orphanages and children’s homes are found in the five most-visited by tourists ([[Kathmandu]], [[Lalitpur, Nepal|Lalitpur]], [[Bhaktapur]], [[Kaski District|Kaski]], and [[Chitwan District|Chitwan]]).<ref name=Punaks2014>{{Cite book |last=Punaks |first=Martin |title=The Paradox of Orphanage Volunteering |publisher=Next Generation Nepal |year=2014 |isbn=978-9937-2-8862-0}}</ref>{{rp|13}}

Orphanages attract well-meaning tourists who want to volunteer their time and [[Donation|donate]] money, unaware that they are supporting an industry exploiting impoverished families.<ref name="admin">{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2019-08-26 |title=The link between voluntourism, orphanage tourism and child sexual exploitation |url=https://ecpat.org/voluntourism-orphanage-tourism-sexual-abuse/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=ECPAT |language=en-US}}</ref>

In Nepal, there are an estimated 16,886 children living in orphanages, 80% of whom<ref name="Punaks2014"/> have at least one parent who could care for them. With promises of an [[education]] and a better life, children are recruited into orphanages from rural areas which are still suffering from the economic effects of ten years of [[Nepalese Civil War|civil war]], to meet demands for donations<ref name="Punaks2014"/> – a phenomenon known as orphanage [[Smuggling|trafficking]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2017-09-27 |title=Tourism crimes! Volunteering and visiting Orphanages when traveling |url=https://ecpat.org/tourism-crimes-volunteering-and-visiting-orphanages-when-traveling/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=ECPAT |language=en-US}}</ref>

The [https://thinkchildsafe.org/ ChildSafe Movement] reports instances of orphanages keeping children in impoverished conditions to attract more donors.<ref name=Punaks2014 /> [[ECPAT International|ECPAT]] has also identified a link between orphanage tourism, and an increase in [[Commercial sexual exploitation of children|child sexual exploitation]] by foreigners and volunteers.<ref name="admin"/>

==Statistics==

<div class="floatright">
<timeline>
ImageSize=width:270 height:300
PlotArea=left:60 bottom:75 top:10 right:16
AlignBars=justify
Period=from:0 till:135
TimeAxis=orientation:horizontal

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ScaleMajor=unit:year increment:20 start:0 gridcolor:line2
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BarData=
 bar:January text:January
 bar:February text:February
 bar:March text:March
 bar:April text:April
 bar:May text:May
 bar:June text:June
 bar:July text:July
 bar:August text:August
 bar:September text:September
 bar:October text:October
 bar:November text:November
 bar:December text:December

PlotData=
 color:tan1 width:10

 bar:January from:start till:79 text:
 bar:February from:start till:97 text:
 bar:March from:start till:128 text:
 bar:April from:start till:111 text:
 bar:May from:start till:90 text:
 bar:June from:start till:76 text:
 bar:July from:start till:64 text:
 bar:August from:start till:72 text:
 bar:September from:start till:96 text:
 bar:October from:start till:124 text:
 bar:November from:start till:114 text:
 bar:December from:start till:92 text:

TextData=
 pos:(50,37) textcolor:gray fontsize:M text:Tourist arrivals in 2024 (k)
TextData=
 pos:(50,20) textcolor:gray fontsize:M text:Source: Nepal Tourism Board  
</timeline></div>

{| style="border:solid 1px #aaa" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"
|+'''Yearly tourist arrivals in thousands'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2024 |title=Nepal: International tourist trips |url=https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/international-tourist-trips?tab=chart&country=~NPL |website=Our World In Data}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Global and regional tourism performance |url=https://www.unwto.org/tourism-data/global-and-regional-tourism-performance |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=www.unwto.org}}</ref>
|-
| <timeline>
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  color:skyblue width:11
  bar:95 from:start till:363
  bar:96 from:start till:394
  bar:97 from:start till:422
  bar:98 from:start till:464
  bar:99 from:start till:492
  bar:00 from:start till:464
  bar:01 from:start till:361
  bar:02 from:start till:275
  bar:03 from:start till:338
  bar:04 from:start till:385
  bar:05 from:start till:375
  bar:06 from:start till:384
  bar:07 from:start till:527
  bar:08 from:start till:500
  bar:09 from:start till:510
  bar:10 from:start till:603
  bar:11 from:start till:736
  bar:12 from:start till:803
 bar:13 from:start till:798
 bar:14 from:start till:790
 bar:15 from:start till:539
 bar:16 from:start till:753
 bar:17 from:start till:940
 bar:18 from:start till:1170
 bar:19 from:start till:1200
 bar:20 from:start till:230
 bar:21 from:start till:151
 bar:22 from:start till:614
 bar:23 from:start till:1010
 bar:24 from:start till:1150
 color:powderblue width:11
</timeline>
|}

In 2007, the number of international tourists visiting [[Nepal]] was 526,705, which was an increase of 37.2% compared to the previous year. In 2008, the number of tourists decreased by 5% to 500,277. In 2018, the number of international tourists arrival was 1.17 million. In 2019, the number increased to 1.19 million. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on tourism in Nepal, with tourist arrivals dropping to just 230,085 with a decrease of over 80.7% and further decrease by 30% in 2021 with a total number of 150,962. Pokhara is one of the main tourist destinations in Nepal.

In 2008, 55.9% of the foreign visitors came from Asia (18.2% from India), while Western Europeans accounted for 27.5%, 7.6% were from North America, 3.2% from Australia and the Pacific Region, 2.6% from Eastern Europe, 1.5% from Central and South America, 0.3% from Africa and 1.4% from other countries.

Foreign tourists visiting Nepal in 2008 stayed in the country for an average of 11.78 days which has now increased to 15.1 days and 15.5 days in 2020 and 2021 respectively<ref>{{cite web |last1=Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation |title=Nepal Tourism Statistics 2021 |url=https://www.tourism.gov.np/files/NOTICE%20MANAGER_FILES/25.pdf |access-date=28 March 2023}}</ref><ref>[http://www.mof.gov.np/publication/budget/2010/pdf/chapter8.pdf Survey report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304181049/http://www.mof.gov.np/publication/budget/2010/pdf/chapter8.pdf |date=2011-03-04 }}, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Finance, accessed 21 November 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.tourism.gov.np/uploaded/pdf/Nepal-Tourism-Statistics-2010-provisional-report.pdf Nepal Tourism Statistics 2010 Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907084558/http://www.tourism.gov.np/uploaded/pdf/Nepal-Tourism-Statistics-2010-provisional-report.pdf |date=2012-09-07 }}, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism, and Civil Aviation, accessed April 3rd, 2012.</ref>

===Arrivals===
This statistic shows the number of international tourist arrivals by year:<ref>{{cite web |type= Visitor Arrivals |url= http://www.tourism.gov.np/downloadfile/Nepal%20Tourism%20statistic_Final-2016_1498990228.pdf |title= Nepal Tourism Statistics 2018|author= Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation |date= May 2016 |access-date= 2017-11-23 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171118034630/http://www.tourism.gov.np/downloadfile/Nepal%20Tourism%20statistic_Final-2016_1498990228.pdf |archive-date= 2017-11-18 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name="Nepal Tourism Statistics 2019">Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation: [https://tourism.gov.np/files/statistics/20.pdf "Nepal Tourism Statistics 2019"], Kathmandu, May 2016</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |last1=Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation |title=Nepal Tourism Statistics 2021 |url=https://www.tourism.gov.np/files/NOTICE%20MANAGER_FILES/25.pdf |access-date=27 March 2023}}</ref>

{{Graph:Chart
 | width = 450
 | height = 150
 | type = area
 | xAxisTitle=Year
 | yAxisTitle=Foreign tourists
 |xGrid =
 | x = 1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021
 | y = 293567,326531,363395,393613,421857,463684,491504,463646,361237,275468,338132,385297,375398,383926,526705,500277,509956,602867,736215,803092,797616,790118,538970,753002,940218,1173072,1197191,230085,150962
 | colors=#80aa0000
}}

{{static row numbers}} 
{| class="wikitable sortable static-row-numbers static-row-header-text" 
|-
! Year !!Tourist Arrivals !! % Change

|-bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2024 ||1,147,024 || {{increase}} 13.02%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2023 ||1,014,885 || {{increase}} 65.1%
|-  bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2022 ||614,869 ||{{increase}} 307.3%
|-  bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2021 ||150,962 || {{decrease}} 34.3%
|-  bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2020 ||230,085 || {{decrease}} 80.7%
|-  bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2019 ||1,197,191 || {{increase}} 2.1%
|-  bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2018 ||1,173,072 || {{increase}} 24.8%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2017 ||940,218 || {{increase}} 24.8%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2016 ||753,002 || {{increase}} 40%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center" |-
| 2015 || 538,970 || {{decrease}} 31%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center" |-
| 2014 || 790,118 || {{decrease}} 0.9%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center" |-
| 2013 || 797,616 || {{decrease}} 0.7%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2012 || 803,092 || {{increase}} 9.1%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2011 || 736,215 || {{increase}} 22.1%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2010 || 602,867 || {{increase}} 18.2%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2009 || 509,956 || {{increase}} 1.9%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center" 
| 2008 || 500,277|| {{decrease}} 5.0%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2007 || 526,705 || {{increase}} 37.3%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2006 || 383,926 || {{increase}} 2.3%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2005 || 375,398 || {{decrease}} 2.6%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2004 || 385,297 || {{increase}} 13.9%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2003 || 338,132 || {{increase}} 22.7%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2002 || 275,468 || {{decrease}} 23.7%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2001 || 361,237 || {{decrease}} 22.1%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 2000 || 463,646 || {{decrease}} 5.7%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 1999 || 491,504 || {{increase}} 6.0%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 1998 || 463,684 || {{increase}} 9.9%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 1997 || 421,857 || {{increase}} 7.2%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 1996 || 393,613 || {{increase}} 8.3%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 1995 || 363,395 || {{increase}} 11.3%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 1994 || 326,531 || {{increase}} 11.2%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
| 1993 || 293,567 || {{decrease}} 12.2%
|- bgcolor="white" align="center"
|}

Nepal received 614,869 and 1,014,885 tourists in 2022 and 2023, respectively, according to the Department of Immigration.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nepal welcomes one million tourists, a post-Covid record|url=https://kathmandupost.com/money/2023/12/28/nepal-welcomes-one-million-tourists-a-post-covid-record}}</ref> Nepal's ranking of tourism in year 2022 was 81st,<ref>{{cite web |title= Development and importance of tourism for Nepal|url=https://www.worlddata.info/asia/nepal/tourism.php}}</ref> and 147th by 2023 placing it globally in terms of tourist numbers. Currently, Nepal is ranked 105th in the latest Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 published by World Economic Forum.

===Arrivals by country===
Most tourists arriving to Nepal on short-term basis were from the following countries of nationality:<ref>{{cite web|title=Countrywise Tourist Arrival Statistics (2013-2016)|url=http://trade.welcomenepal.com/downloads-cat/nepal-tourism-statistics/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028022825/http://trade.welcomenepal.com/downloads-cat/nepal-tourism-statistics/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=28 October 2016|website=Nepal Tourism Board|access-date=23 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Arrival Departure Final Summary 2017|url=https://trade.welcomenepal.com/wp-content/themes/welcomenepal/lds_download.php?download=/2018/01/Arrival-Departure-Final-Summary-2017-1.xlsx|format=XLSX|website=Nepal Tourism Board|access-date=27 January 2018}}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Nepal Tourism Statistics 2018|url=https://tourism.gov.np/files/statistics/19.pdf|website=tourism.gov.np|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="Nepal Tourism Statistics 2019"/>
{{Graph:Chart
 | width=300
 | height=280
 | xAxisTitle=Year
 | yAxisTitle=Number of visitors
| xType=string
 | legend=Legend
 | type=stackedarea
 | x=2018,2017,2016,2015,2014,2013
| y1=254150,194323,160832,118249,75124,135343
| y2=169543,153633,104664,104005,66984,123805
| y3=93218,91895,79146,53645,42687,49830
| y4=61144,63466,51058,46295,29730,36759
| y5=55869,69490,45361,57521,44367,37546
| y6=41653,52429,39154,26722,32338,33422
| y7=29680,37218,34301,25171,18112,23205
| y8=38972,38429,33371,25507,16619,24516
| y9=36274,41402,30852,25769,21631,0
| y10=36641,36879,29918,23812,16405,18028
| y11=25849,26355,29060,23440,14831,21851
| y12=30534,29817,27326,22979,17613,25892
| y13=30646,31810,26140,20863,16405,24097
| y14=21329,22833,18284,13669,9855,18915
| y15=19057,20214,15953,12255,6741,13110
| y16=17102,17317,15105,12491,8398,11610
| y17=15032,15353,13393,11453,7515,12320
| y1Title =  India
| y2Title =  China
| y3Title =  United States
| y4Title =  United Kingdom
| y5Title =  Sri Lanka
| y6Title =  Thailand
| y7Title =  South Korea
| y8Title =  Australia
| y9Title =  Myanmar
| y10Title =  Germany
| y11Title =  Bangladesh
| y12Title =  Japan
| y13Title =  France
| y14Title =  Malaysia
| y15Title =  Spain
| y16Title =  Canada
| y17Title =  Netherlands
 | interpolate=monotone
}}

{{static row numbers}} 
{| class="wikitable sortable static-row-numbers static-row-header-text" 
|-
|- style="color:black;"
!  style="width:150px; style="background-color:#00966E;"| Country
!  style="width:50px; style="background-color:#00966E;"| 2018
!  style="width:50px; style="background-color:#00966E;"| 2017
!  style="width:50px; style="background-color:#00966E;"| 2016
!  style="width:50px; style="background-color:#00966E;"| 2015
!  style="width:50px; style="background-color:#00966E;"| 2014
!  style="width:50px; style="background-color:#00966E;"| 2013
!  style="width:50px; style="background-color:#00966E;"| 2012
|-
| {{flagcountry|India}} || 254,150 || 194,323 || 160,832 || 118,249 || 75,124 || 135,343 || 180,974
|-
| {{flagcountry|China}} || 169,543 || 153,633 || 104,664 || 104,005 || 66,984 || 123,805 || 113,173 
|-
| {{flagcountry|United States}} || 93,218 || 91,895 || 79,146 || 53,645 || 42,687 || 49,830 || 47,355
|-
| {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} || 61,144 || 63,466 || 51,058 || 46,295 || 29,730 || 36,759 || 35,688
|-
| {{flagcountry|Sri Lanka}} || 55,869 || 69,490 || 45,361 || 57,521 || 44,367 || 37,546 || 32,736
|-
| {{flagcountry|Thailand}} || 41,653 || 52,429 || 39,154 || 26,722 || 32,338 || 33,422 || 40,969
|-
| {{flagcountry|South Korea}} || 29,680 || 37,218 || 34,301 || 25,171 || 18,112 || 23,205 || 19,714
|-
| {{flagcountry|Australia}} || 38,972 || 38,429 || 33,371 || 25,507 || 16,619 || 24,516  || 20,469
|-
| {{flagcountry|Myanmar}} || 36,274 || 41,402 || 30,852 || 25,769 || 21,631 || {{n/a}}  || {{n/a}}
|-
| {{flagcountry|Germany}} || 36,641 || 36,879 || 29,918 || 23,812 || 16,405 || 18,028  || 22,263
|-
| {{flagcountry|Bangladesh}} || 25,849 || 26,355 || 29,060 || 23,440 || 14,831 || 21,851  || 22,410
|-
| {{flagcountry|Japan}} || 30,534 || 29,817 || 27,326 || 22,979 || 17,613 || 25,892  || 26,694
|-
| {{flagcountry|France}} || 30,646 || 31,810 || 26,140 || 20,863 || 16,405 || 24,097 || 21,842
|-
| {{flagcountry|Malaysia}} || 21,329 || 22,833 || 18,284 || 13,669 || 9,855 || 18,915 || 18,842
|-
| {{flagcountry|Spain}} || 19,057 || 20,214 || 15,953 || 12,255 || 6,741 || 13,110 || 10,412
|-
| {{flagcountry|Canada}} || 17,102 || 17,317 || 15,105 || 12,491 || 8,398 || 11,610 || 12,132
|-
| {{flagcountry|Netherlands}} || 15,032 || 15,353 || 13,393 || 11,453 || 7,515 || 12,320 || 10,516
|-class="sortbottom"
! Total Foreigner || 1,197,191 || 1,173,072 || 753,918 || 753,002 || 538,970 || 790,118 || 797,616
|}

==See also==
* [[Visa policy of Nepal]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Wikivoyage inline|Nepal}}
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/19991010234400/http://www.welcomenepal.com/ Official tourism website]}}
* [http://www.tourism.gov.np/ Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation]

{{Tourism in Asia}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tourism In Nepal}}
[[Category:Tourism in Nepal| ]]
[[Category:Economy of Nepal]]