Annapurna Trekking Surges: Over 177,000 Foreign Tourists Flock to Himalayan Routes in 10 Months

In the famous Annapurna region for trekking, a total of 177,182 foreign tourists have visited in the past ten months. In the month of Chaitra alone, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) informed that the region was visited by a record-breaking 35,265 tourists.

During this period, the main trekking routes of the Annapurna region were visited by 79,232 tourists from South Asian countries and 97,950 tourists from other countries, informed Dr. Ravin Kadel, Chief of the organizing committee. He said that the months of Ashad to Kartik and Chaitra to Baisakh are considered the best time for trekking. Although most Indian tourists visit destinations like Muktinath, other tourists from various countries are also interested in trekking, he added.

"An internal and external tourist movement is seen for trekking in the main tourist route of the Annapurna region," said Chief Dr. Kadel, "The tourism of this region will rebound after COVID-19, as tourists from the third country are increasing." ACAP keeps records only of foreign tourists who trek on the Annapurna Circuit route. He expressed uncertainty about accurately counting the number of domestic tourists who come from surface routes from places like Mustang and surrounding areas.

The Annapurna Circuit route has been attracting tourists from many countries. According to him, in 2023, 191,558 tourists from 173 countries trekked in the Annapurna region. This is an increase from previous years. In 2019, 181,000 tourists visited this region.

The gateway to Annapurna Base Camp, along with Mardi Himal, Lwang, Ghandrung Village, Tilicho Lake, Thorangla Pass, Lower Mustang, Muktinath Area, Ghodepani of Myagdi, and Pun Hill are major tourist destinations.

Dr. Kadel describes the Annapurna Circuit route as one of the world's top destinations due to its attractive features such as snow-capped peaks, tourist-friendly infrastructure, favorable climate, warm hospitality of locals, and service facilities. "One can embark on short, medium, and long treks in the Annapurna region through routes like Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi," ACAP stated.

Spread over seven thousand square kilometers, the Annapurna Conservation Area includes 89 wards from 16 local governments in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang. Due to its natural beauty, biodiversity, Himalayan lifestyle, and diverse culture, the Annapurna region attracts both domestic and foreign tourists."