The world-renowned Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has recorded a significant rise in foreign tourist arrivals, with 139,579 foreign trekkers entering the region from mid-July to mid-March. According to Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of ACAP, this marks an increase of 30,169 visitors compared to the same period last year.
The highest influx was recorded in November, with 33,310 tourists exploring the region, while the lowest number was seen in January, with only 9,034 visitors. Dr. Rabin Kadariya mentioned that tourist numbers have been increasing since mid-February, and the upcoming spring trekking season in March and April is expected to attract even more visitors. Notably, March of the previous year alone saw a record 35,265 visitors, making it the most visited month of the year.
Due to unfavorable weather conditions during the monsoon and winter months, trekking activity generally slows down. However, autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April) are considered the best times for trekking, drawing a large number of international trekkers.
Over the past three years, statistics show a steady increase in tourist arrivals. In the fiscal year 2079/80 (2022/23), the area welcomed 172,108 tourists, which rose to 222,180 in 2080/81 (2023/24). With four months still remaining in the current fiscal year, the ACAP office expects the number to surpass last year’s total.
“Compared to last year, the number of tourists has increased in every month of the current fiscal year,” Dr. Kadariya said. “Tourism in this area is regaining its former momentum, and the number of international visitors arriving by road and for trekking is on the rise.”
While many Indian tourists prefer road travel to destinations like Muktinath, foreign trekkers from other countries tend to opt for long-distance trekking routes. ACAP maintains data on foreign trekkers who follow the Annapurna Circuit Trail, while it is difficult to determine the exact number of domestic tourists who access Mustang, Manang, and other areas via roadways.
The Annapurna Circuit Trail continues to be a favorite among trekkers from around the world. Key destinations within the trail include Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Sikles, Lwang, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill which collectively draw hundreds of thousands of internal and external visitors annually.
With its breathtaking Himalayan views, trekking-friendly infrastructure, favorable climate, and the warm hospitality of local communities, the Annapurna Circuit has earned a reputation as one of the world’s best trekking destinations. Trekkers can choose from short, medium, and long-distance treks via routes in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi, according to ACAP. The Annapurna Conservation Area spans 7,600 square kilometers, covering 89 wards across 16 local units in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang.
