The second major tourist season has seen a rise in visitors to the Annapurna Conservation Area. In April alone, 44,763 foreign visitors came to the area, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Compared to the same month last year, when 33,911 tourists visited the area in April 2024, this represents a 10,852 increase. Tourist arrivals have been increasing steadily in recent years, according to ACAP data.
“The region, which was severely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now returned to its previous rhythm,” said Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of ACAP. He said that a large number of tourists visit between March and May for trekking and religious pilgrimages. 36,834 tourists traveled to the Annapurna region in March alone.
By contrast, there were only 12,068 visitors in February and 9,359 in January. Arrivals of tourists have risen since the start of 2025 in comparison to prior years. In the first four months of 2025, there were 103,024 tourists, compared to 78,968 in the same period in 2024.
In comparison, during the first four months of 2023, just 68,756 tourists came to the region. As a trekking destination, the Annapurna region is well-known throughout the world. There is noticeable activity from both domestic and foreign tourists during other seasons, even though the number of trekkers declines during the monsoon and winter seasons.
The number of visitors arriving by road for trekking and sightseeing has also increased, according to ACAP. Tourists from other nations typically prefer trekking, but the majority of Indian visitors to places like Muktinath take the road. Only information about international trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is kept on file by ACAP.
Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Sikles, Lwang, and Ghandruk in Kaski; Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, and Upper Mustang in Manang; Muktinath in Mustang; and Ghorepani and Poon Hill in Myagdi are some of the circuit’s main stops. Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists from both domestic and foreign countries visit these locations.
Covering 87 wards in 15 local units in the districts of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang, the Annapurna Conservation Area is 7,600 square kilometers in size. The area continues to be a popular tourist destination because of its biodiversity, natural beauty, and Himalayan way of life, culture, and heritage.
The Annapurna Circuit is regarded as one of the top trekking destinations in the world because of its breathtaking mountain scenery, welcoming locals, tourist-friendly infrastructure, and ideal weather. There are several routes from Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi that can be used for short, medium, and long-distance treks.
