Tourist activity on the Annapurna Circuit has started picking up following a prolonged slowdown during the monsoon season, bringing renewed optimism among tourism entrepreneurs along the trekking route. Visitor movement has increased noticeably over the past two weeks as rainfall begins to ease and conditions gradually become more suitable for trekking. The recovery comes ahead of the autumn tourism season, which traditionally brings a significant rise in international trekkers to the region. Tourism businesses that experienced limited activity during the rainy months are now preparing for increased arrivals in the coming weeks.
Tourist Movement Begins To Pick Up After Monsoon Slowdown
Tourist arrivals through the Dharapani entry point had fallen sharply during the monsoon, with some days recording only one or two visitors and other days seeing around 10 to 15 trekkers. During the main trekking season, however, the same entry point normally receives around 500 to 600 tourists daily, highlighting the significant seasonal difference in visitor movement. According to Bhupendra Gurung, in charge of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Tourist Check and Information Center at Dharapani, arrivals have started increasing over the past two weeks. He said the recent rise has been particularly noticeable among tourists visiting the region for trekking and mountaineering activities, including those heading toward the Manaslu area.
The improving visitor flow in Annapurna has also brought encouragement to tourism businesses operating along the route. Hotels, restaurants and other tourism related enterprises had experienced a considerable slowdown after the beginning of the rainy season, when unfavorable weather and difficult trail conditions reduced trekking activity.
With the weather gradually becoming more favorable, local entrepreneurs are now expecting the number of visitors to increase further as the autumn season approaches. The recent recovery is being viewed as an early indication that the trekking route is beginning to return to its usual seasonal rhythm.
Dharapani Records More Than 20,000 Visitors In 2026
According to figures from the Dharapani checkpost, 614 tourists entered through the checkpoint during September up to the latest reporting period, including 99 visitors from SAARC countries and 515 from non-SAARC countries. The figures indicate that non-SAARC visitors continue to make up the larger share of international arrivals in Annapurna through the entry point. Gurung said the recent increase has been encouraging and expressed expectations that tourist numbers will rise further once the main trekking season fully begins.
The checkpost has recorded 20,917 tourists between January 1 and September 6, 2026, providing a broader picture of tourist movement through one of the principal gateways to the Annapurna region. The Annapurna Circuit begins from Besisahar in Lamjung and continues through Manang before crossing the Thorong La Pass and reaching Mustang. The route also connects with areas of Myagdi and Kaski and is widely known for combining high Himalayan landscapes with mountain settlements, local traditions, natural attractions and religious sites.
Autumn Season Raises Expectations For A Stronger Tourist Rush
Tourism entrepreneurs along the circuit are now looking toward October and November, traditionally the busiest period for trekking in the region. The main tourist season on the Annapurna Circuit extends from October to November, when relatively favorable weather and clearer mountain views create better conditions for trekking. The arrival of the Dashain and Tihar festival period in Annapurna region is also expected to contribute to increased movement along the route, with local businesses anticipating a substantial improvement after the quieter monsoon months.
Baburam Tamang, a tourism entrepreneur from Chyamche in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality 4, said businesses are optimistic about the coming season because tourist numbers generally increase significantly during October and November. He said tourism enterprises can become particularly busy during the peak period, with daily business turnover reaching up to Rs 50,000. Other entrepreneurs, including Pancha Bahadur Gurung and Khushi Bahadur Tamang, have also expressed confidence that visitor numbers will increase as the weather improves, with local businesses estimating that daily tourist movement could eventually reach around 300 to 400 visitors.
Better Trail Conditions Seen As Key To Sustaining Growth
While the return of tourists has generated optimism, tourism entrepreneurs have stressed the importance of improving the condition of the trekking route to support further growth. They said better and more accessible trails would make the journey easier for visitors while also improving the overall trekking experience. Maintaining the route before the peak season is therefore considered important for ensuring that the expected increase in tourist arrivals translates into sustained benefits for communities and businesses along the circuit.
With the monsoon gradually retreating and the autumn trekking season approaching, the Annapurna Circuit is once again showing signs of renewed activity. The expected increase in trekkers could provide much needed momentum to hotels, restaurants, guides, transport operators and other tourism dependent businesses that experienced a quiet period during the rainy season. Rising arrivals, improving weather and the approaching peak season have created a positive outlook for the region, while continued attention to trail conditions will remain important in maintaining the circuit’s appeal among domestic and international trekkers.
