Incessant rainfall and deteriorating weather conditions have prompted foreign tourists trekking along Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit to shorten their journeys midway and return toward Lamjung, as concerns over trekking safety increase. Tourists from different countries who had planned to cross the 5,416-metre Thorong La Pass and continue toward Mustang, Pokhara and other destinations have started turning back due to the risks associated with the unfavorable weather.
According to Bhupendra Gurung, in-charge of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Dharapani, 246 foreign tourists returned from Manang toward Lamjung over the past week. Of the tourists who abandoned their journey midway, 151 were men and 95 were women, Gurung told.
Tourist Flow Drops Sharply
The adverse weather has also caused a significant decline in the number of foreign tourists entering Manang through Dharapani. Before the weather deteriorated, around 100 to 150 foreign tourists would pass through Dharapani and head toward Manang each day during the trekking season. However, tourist movement has dropped sharply in recent days. According to ACAP, only one or two foreign tourists are currently heading toward Manang, while the majority are choosing to postpone or abandon their onward journey and return to safer areas.
The continuous rainfall has raised concerns among trekkers planning to cross higher sections of the trail, particularly the Thorong La Pass. Unfavorable conditions in high-altitude areas can make trekking more difficult and increase risks for visitors attempting to continue their journey.
Thorong La Pass a Major Challenge
Thorong La Pass is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trekking route, standing at 5,416 metres above sea level. Trekkers cross the pass while traveling between the Manang and Mustang sides of the circuit. With the weather becoming increasingly unfavorable, tourists who had planned to cross the pass have opted to turn back rather than proceed toward the higher sections of the route. The latest movement of tourists highlights how weather conditions can directly affect trekking activity in the Annapurna region, particularly during periods of persistent rainfall.
Annapurna Circuit Connects Five Districts
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s renowned trekking routes. The trail begins from Besishahar Municipality-7 of Lamjung and passes through the districts of Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski. The route is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from lower hill settlements and forests to high-altitude mountain terrain. Trekkers also experience the region’s rich cultural diversity, traditional settlements and Himalayan environment along the journey.
The combination of natural and cultural attractions has long made the Annapurna Circuit a popular destination among international trekkers. However, the current weather conditions have disrupted the normal flow of visitors along the route, with many foreign tourists choosing to return midway rather than risk continuing toward higher elevations.
Weather Remains Key Concern for Trekking Movement
The decline in tourist movement comes at a time when trekking activity in the Annapurna region is closely dependent on weather and trail conditions. For tourists already on the trail, changing weather can affect visibility, trail conditions and the safety of crossings at higher elevations. As a result, many visitors have opted for caution by shortening their itineraries and returning to lower areas. The return of 246 foreign tourists within a single week reflects the immediate impact of the unfavorable weather on trekking activity in Manang and the wider Annapurna Circuit.
