The Annapurna Conservation Area attracted 33,310 foreign tourists in the month of Kartik, as per data released by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Among these visitors, 11,678 were from South Asian countries, while 21,632 hailed from other regions.
According to ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya, a total of 83,031 foreign tourists visited the area since Shrawan. This marks an increase from 67,442 visitors during the same period last year. In the last fiscal year, 222,180 tourists visited the region. ACAP projects over 250,000 tourists will visit in the current fiscal year.
Tourist numbers have shown significant growth since Ashwin, with 30,732 foreign visitors recorded in that month alone. These included 11,985 from South Asia and 18,747 from other countries. ACAP noted an increase in the number of foreign tourists exploring destinations along the Annapurna Circuit trekking route compared to last year.
While ACAP primarily tracks data for foreign tourists, the region also receives a substantial influx of domestic visitors annually through road and air routes. Currently, during the peak tourist season, destinations such as Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath, and Ghorepani in Myagdi are bustling with both domestic and international visitors.
Spanning 7,600 square kilometers, the Annapurna Conservation Area is a premier trekking destination known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural experiences. Guide Diwas Gurung highlighted the region’s appeal, which lies in its stunning landscapes, unique Himalayan lifestyle, and cultural richness.
With short, medium, and long trekking routes accessible from Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi, the Annapurna Circuit offers a variety of options for travelers. Its tourism-friendly infrastructure, warm hospitality of the locals, and well-developed services make it an exceptional destination for trekking enthusiasts. As the second peak tourism season progresses, officials anticipate a notable increase in visitor numbers, further boosting the area’s appeal as a global trekking hotspot.
Source: RSS
