Over 177k tourists visit Annapurna area in 10 months

GANDAKI: As many as 177,182 foreign tourists have visited Annapurna circuit, a popular trekking destination in Nepal, in the past 10 months.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) reports that the highest number of tourists, totalling 35,265, visited the area between March and April. ACAP Chief Rabin Kadariya shared that during this period, 79,232 tourists from South Asian countries and 97,950 tourists from other countries visited the area.

The optimal times for trekking in the region are from September to October and from April to May. While most Indian tourists visiting Muktinath and other destinations opt for the surface route, tourists from other countries tend to prefer trekking, according to Kadariya.

"Domestic and foreign tourists flock to the Annapurna area during the main tourism season," said Kadariya, adding, "Tourism in the area is reverting to its pre-Covid-19 status. Recently, there has been a significant influx of tourists from third countries."

ACAP maintains records of only foreign tourists visiting the Annapurna circuit trekking route. Kadariya noted that the number of domestic tourists coming from Mustang and other places via the surface route could not be determined. The Annapurna circuit trekking route has been a favourite among tourists from many countries. He stated that in 2023, a record 191,558 tourists from 173 countries visited Annapurna.

In 2019, a total of 181,000 tourists visited the area. Every year, millions of domestic and foreign tourists visit various tourism destinations such as Annapurna base camp, Mardi Himal, Lwang, Ghandruk village, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La, Upper Mustang, Muktinath area, Ghodepani of Myagdi, and Poon Hill. 

Kadariya shared that Annapurna circuit route is considered one of the best destinations in the world, boasting attractive features including glaciers, tourism-friendly infrastructure, favourable climate, and hospitality service and facilities of the locals.

Short, medium, and long treks to the Annapurna region can be undertaken via routes through Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi. Spanning over 7,600 square kilometres, Annapurna Conservation Area encompasses 89 wards of 16 local levels in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang districts.

The Annapurna region is rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, mountainous life, and diverse culture.

By RSS