The Annapurna I Base Camp, located in Narchang of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, has witnessed a significant increase in domestic tourists following the Bada Dashain festival. More than 800 domestic tourists visited the base camp area within just five days after the Tika ceremony, according to Tej Bahadur Gurung, a campaigner for the Maurice Herzog trekking route.
The Annapurna I Base Camp can be reached after a two-day trek from Humkhola in Narchang, attracting trekkers due to its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Sushant Poudel, a domestic tourist who recently completed the trek, reported that the base camp and the trekking route were bustling with domestic tourists taking advantage of the festival holidays.
This influx of tourists marks a shift from past years when the base camp area was often quiet and under-visited. The rise in foot traffic is largely attributed to the construction of various tourist infrastructures, including the improvement of the trekking trail and the promotion of natural attractions such as Panchkunda Lake, Futphute Lake, caves, and waterfalls along the route.
Data indicates that the number of visitors to Annapurna I Base Camp has increased sixfold compared to last year. Additionally, the number of international tourists, particularly from India, China, Taiwan, and Italy, has also seen a noticeable rise, further boosting the local tourism industry.
Local hoteliers are optimistic about this growth, though there are concerns regarding poor waste management and sanitation as the number of visitors increases. Tourists have raised complaints about the accumulation of garbage and lack of proper facilities, calling for improvements to preserve the area’s natural beauty and appeal.
With the continued rise in visitors, addressing these issues will be essential for maintaining Annapurna I Base Camp as a popular destination for both domestic and international trekkers.
Source: RSS
