Nepal’s Himalayan mountains, bustling flora and fauna, deep serenity, the rush of adventure sports and of course the hospitality of the mountain people presents a memorable tourism experience to tourists from all over the world.

And that’s why people from every corner of the planet travel all the way to Nepal to become one with nature, to leave behind a world of worries, to test the daredevils in themselves and connect with loved ones!

But ever thought from where this tourism-rich country receives some of its frequent visitors? Time to talk about that!

Coming straight from the records of Nepal’s Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation database, here’s a list of top five visiting nations, whose citizens you’ll find as familiar faces offering you smiles and warm gestures as they explore the streets of Nepal:

1) India

Topping the list of frequent/common visitors is Nepal’s very own neighbor, India! Factors such as proximity, easy border passage and families from both nations provide a huge boost to Nepal’s tourism industry from India.

With a common border of 1,758 kms and 7 entry points, Nepal presents the perfect getaway for Indians wanting to experience Nepal’s beauty and hospitality. Besides, the Himalayan nation presents a perfect opportunity for trade and commerce.

Moreover, a zero-visa entry for Indians makes traffic and exchange all the more easier and feasible. Finally, visiting relatives is another reason for the high rate of Indian tourists. With 6 million Nepalis living in India and 4 million Indians living in Nepal, there is bound to be an exchange of people between the nations.

Indians contribute to 17 percent of Nepal’s tourists!

2) China

Chinese tourists make up for a major chunk of tourists around the world. And this trend has been in place ever since the Chinese government authorized tourism in 1991.

Surprisingly, over 130 million Chinese tourists visited countries abroad in 2017. Countries around the world including Nepal started receiving this ever-enthusiastic population with an open heart.

In the same year, Nepal welcomed 104,000 Chinese visitors! Reason? Again, the advantage of close proximity and no-visa policy for one-month.

Paving more way for Chinese tourists, Nepal Prime Minister Oli visited China recently and shared about the country’s Visit Nepal 2020 campaign with the Chinese Tourism Ministry.

This campaign was warmly welcomed by the Chinese government with the intent of increasing tourist exchange between the neighbor countries.

China contributes to 11 percent of the tourists in Nepal!

3) USA

Adventure drives Americans’ adrenaline and that’s exactly what drives them to Nepal! Nepal’s rocky gorges, trekking trails and mountain expeditions present some of the most sought-after challenges for the westerners who love adventure.

Mount Everest is adorned with American flags that brave hearts like Dave Hahn and the youngest mountaineer Jordan Romero left behind as a symbol of achievement. Romero’s prowess proved that age is no limit to those who dare to try! However, Americans fall third in Nepal’s list of top visiting tourists owing to their preference for European destinations, coupled with South Africa’s sandy tropical beaches.

Holidays and trekking trips are the most cited reason for American visits in Nepal.

USA contributes to 8 percent of the tourists in Nepal!

4) Sri Lanka

Nepal and Sri Lanka’s relations have been forged by goodwill, mutual understanding, cooperation and a common yet strong belief in Buddhism. Both these destinations nurture tourists belief and faith with a bounty of Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Sri Lankan tourists visit Nepal to find solace in the birthplace of the divine Buddha, Lumbini. The two countries also struck up an air service deal in 2009 to facilitate a smooth air connection and promote tourism.

Sri Lanka contributes to 4.5 percent of Nepal’s tourists and accounted for 70,610 tourists visiting Nepal in 2018.

5) UK

UK is home to Nepal’s fifth largest contributor of tourists. Besides, a long shared history of 200 years is what keeps these two nations together and promotes an exchange of tourists.

Moreover, English influence has continued to have an impact on Nepal’s modern culture, especially the language.

UK accounted for 63,086 tourists in Nepal in 2018!

Other Important Visiting Countries

While the above countries top the list of Nepal’s visitors, the Himalayan Nation continues to draw tourists from some important countries across the world including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Myanmar, South Korea, Thailand, and The Netherlands.

Over 1 Million tourists visited Nepal throughout 2018, bringing the country closer to its target of 2 Million visitors by 2020.

Foreign Nations Tourist Arrival by Year from 2010-2018

Ola Nepali Sansar Reader! Which country are you visiting Nepal from?

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Nepal Government officials submitted the ‘accession instrument’ to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal on October 16, 2018. Nepal is the 135^th member to ratify the convention.

Following this move, family members of deceased persons in air accidents will now receive an eight-fold increase in compensation, up to USD 158,565 (NPR 18.71 million). Currently, Nepali airlines operating on international routes compensates a deceased person’s family members with USD 20,000.

“The MC99 will come into force in Nepal on December 15,” said Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Speaking about domestic airlines Lamicchane said that the compensation amount for domestic airlines will not be equal to the MC99 provision but would significantly increase.

“We are currently discussing domestic legislation to reflect the principles of the Montreal Convention,” he added.

Nepal domestic airlines are already protesting against the government decision of fixing liability amount equal to international airlines.

“This is a big achievement because the accession will have a number of practical benefits for passengers besides boosting traveler confidence,” Lamicchane said.

The process for Nepal’s Montreal Convention membership application began in July 2018.

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In a high-level officials meeting held on August 28, 2018, the Nepal Finance Ministry, Nepal National Planning Commission, Nepal Investment Board and Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) decided to seek tenders from interested domestic and international firms for one of the biggest airport constructions.

“We have directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to prepare the required LoI document and publish a notice as soon as possible,” said Krishna Prasad Devkota, Secretary, Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation.

According to Devkota, during the meeting members discussed various aspects of the project to avoid any confusion later on.

The airport will be constructed under the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) model which is a form of the PPP model.

Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari said that the government however, is also open to taking up construction of the international airport, alternatively.

“It’s a major breakthrough and clears the confusion over the airport modality. CAAN will be entrusted with the task of preparing the EoI document,” said Adhikari.

Adding further, he says,  “After the LoI draft is approved by the Cabinet, CAAN will invite global firms to participate in the airport development bids.”

The project has been experiencing delay due to various reasons, including the rift regarding payments for detailed feasibility study between Korean-based company Landmark Worldwide & MoCTCA and constant governmental changes which lead to changing project modalities.

The airport will be the biggest in South Asia in terms of area!

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