The world-renowned Annapurna region, known for its trekking routes, welcomed 222,180 foreign tourists in the fiscal year 2080/81. Of these, 117,845 were from Asian countries, and 104,256 were from other parts of the world, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
The highest number of visitors, 35,265, arrived in the month of Chaitra, while the lowest, only 5,401, came in the month of Shrawan. Dr. Rabin Kadel, the head of the ACAP, reported that this marked an increase of nearly 50,000 tourists compared to the previous fiscal year 2079/080. During that year, 89,777 tourists from South Asian countries and 82,733 from other countries visited the Annapurna region, totaling 172,510 tourists.
“The tourism sector in this region, which had stagnated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has returned to its former glory,” said Dr. Kadel. “During the peak tourist seasons, there is a surge of trekkers.” He noted that the months of Ashoj-Kartik (October-November) and Chaitra-Baishakh (March-April) are considered the best times for trekking in Nepal.
Most Indian tourists visiting destinations like Muktinath prefer road travel, whereas tourists from other countries favor trekking, he added. The ACAP keeps records of foreign tourists traveling on the Annapurna Circuit trekking route but does not have precise data on domestic tourists who travel to destinations like Mustang by road.
“The Annapurna Circuit trekking route has consistently been a favorite among tourists worldwide,” Dr. Kadel mentioned. In 2023, tourists from 173 countries visited the Annapurna region, totaling 191,558 visitors. Popular destinations within the Annapurna Circuit include the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal in Kaski, Lwang, Ghandruk Village, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath area, Ghorepani in Myagdi, and Poon Hill. These destinations attract hundreds of thousands of domestic and international tourists each year.
The Annapurna Conservation Area spans 7,600 square kilometers and includes 89 wards across 16 local levels in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang districts. The region is favored by tourists for its natural beauty, biodiversity, Himalayan lifestyle, and rich culture.
With its scenic destinations, tourist-friendly infrastructure, favorable climate, and the hospitality and services of local residents, the Annapurna Circuit is considered one of the best trekking destinations globally. ACAP states that the Annapurna region offers short, medium, and long-distance trekking routes accessible from Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and other routes.
