The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) recorded 17,913 foreign tourist arrivals during Bhadra, indicating a gradual revival of visitor activity ahead of Nepal’s main autumn trekking season. According to the latest tourism figures, 5,737 visitors were from countries outside the SAARC region, while 12,176 were from SAARC member states. The total represents an increase of 1,638 visitors compared with the same month last year. The latest monthly figures come as tourism activity in the Annapurna region begins to pick up following the quieter monsoon period.
Annapurna Tourism Sees Strong Annual Growth
The latest monthly increase follows a significant rise in visitor numbers to the Annapurna Conservation Area over the past fiscal year. The area received 508,476 foreign tourists in FY 2025/26, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Of the total, 384,145 visitors were from South Asian countries, while 124,331 came from other countries. India remained the largest source market, accounting for 375,797 visitors during the fiscal year.
China followed with 12,539 visitors, while the United States recorded 9,884 arrivals. Visitors from the United Kingdom, France, Malaysia, Germany, Bangladesh, Australia and Israel also made up significant portions of the international market. ACAP officials have attributed the strong annual growth to the continuing popularity of the region’s trekking destinations and the diversity of experiences available across the conservation area.
Autumn Trekking Season Brings Fresh Momentum
Tourism activity along the Annapurna Circuit has also started increasing after the monsoon slowdown. Recent figures from the ACAP Tourist Check and Information Centre in Dharapani show that 614 tourists entered the Annapurna Circuit through the checkpoint during Bhadra, including 99 visitors from SAARC countries and 515 from outside the SAARC region.
The number of trekkers entering through Dharapani has risen sharply in recent weeks, with around 150 visitors recorded during one week and approximately 300 the following week. Local tourism businesses have also begun preparing for increased activity as the main trekking season approaches. The main trekking season on the Annapurna Circuit generally runs from mid-September to mid-December, making the latest rise in arrivals particularly significant for hotels, guides, transport operators and other tourism businesses along the route.
Annapurna Remains a Major Trekking Destination
Spread across approximately 7,600 square kilometres, the Annapurna Conservation Area covers parts of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang districts. The region combines high Himalayan landscapes with diverse ecosystems, traditional settlements and distinctive local cultures.
The Annapurna Circuit remains one of Nepal’s best-known trekking routes, linking communities and landscapes from the lower hills through Manang and across the Thorong La Pass before continuing toward Mustang. Besides the circuit, the conservation area offers a range of short, medium and long trekking routes, giving visitors opportunities to explore mountain scenery, local communities, cultural heritage and natural attractions. The latest Bhadra figures, together with the strong annual visitor numbers, point to continued international interest in the Annapurna region as Nepal enters its peak trekking period.
