Nepal’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant upswing, with approximately 9,000 tourists visiting the Everest region in October alone. According to the Sagarmatha National Park Office in Namche, Solukhumbu, 8,902 tourists explored the Khumbu region last month, generating revenue of NPR 20.3 million. This uptick reflects a heightened interest in trekking and mountaineering, as the route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp continues to attract tourists from around the world.
Meanwhile, Annapurna Base Camp in Myagdi’s Annapurna Rural Municipality is also witnessing record visitor numbers. The trail, which was officially identified 13 years ago, has drawn in a record number of domestic and international tourists this season, with approximately 3,000 tourists visiting Annapurna Base Camp since the Dashain festival alone, according to trekking enthusiast Tej Gurung.
The surge in tourism aligns with Nepal’s prime autumn trekking and mountaineering season. Autumn is widely regarded as ideal for adventure tourism, attracting hikers and climbers alike to enjoy scenic views of snow-capped mountains and vibrant landscapes. Many destinations, including the world-renowned Annapurna region, Khumbu, Manaslu, and Langtang, are seeing high volumes of both domestic and international tourists taking advantage of the favorable weather and vibrant landscapes this season.
This boost is particularly noticeable in Nepal’s iconic mountaineering sector, which holds a significant share of the country’s tourism appeal. From towering peaks like Manaslu and Ama Dablam to the Annapurna range, these destinations remain popular among mountaineers. Nepal’s scenic natural landscapes, including lush hills, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains, have further enhanced the trekking experience for international tourists, many of whom have contributed to a vibrant hospitality sector.
Secretary General of the Hotel Association Nepal, Sajan Shakya, stated that occupancy rates in hotels are currently between 70% and 80%, with Thamel and other prime areas reporting 80% occupancy. “Hotel bookings remain strong through October and November, with substantial numbers of trekkers and mountaineers arriving. Currently, hotel occupancy across the country stands at around 70%,” Shakya said, adding that the Khumbu and Annapurna regions, in particular, are bustling with tourists. Popular destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini have also seen a steady rise in visitor numbers, while nearby getaways around the Kathmandu Valley, such as Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, are seeing fully booked hotels.
According to data from the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal welcomed 816,339 visitors in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 6% increase compared to 2023 and a 4% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) President Kumar Mani Thapaliya emphasized that the tourism sector remains dynamic, although he raised concerns about the ongoing expansion and maintenance work at Tribhuvan International Airport potentially affecting tourist arrivals. “Maintenance during peak tourist season could reduce flight frequencies, impacting occupancy levels for travel companies. Therefore, we are in discussions with authorities to either defer maintenance work or extend flight hours,” Thapaliya remarked.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has scheduled maintenance work at Tribhuvan International Airport starting from November 9, leading to a 10-hour daily flight suspension for the next six months, significantly reducing the frequency of international flights. Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Maniraj Lamichhane, stated that most tourist destinations across the country are fully booked. “Hotels and resorts have seen excellent occupancy rates. Although rains caused some delays at the beginning of October, tourism activities have normalized and are back in full swing,” Lamichhane said, adding that September saw record tourist arrivals, with October expected to follow suit.
This season’s increased tourist activity highlights Nepal’s appeal as a global trekking and mountaineering destination, where awe-inspiring natural beauty and cultural diversity continue to attract adventurers worldwide. The positive trend in tourist arrivals and the corresponding boost to the hospitality industry demonstrate that Nepal’s tourism sector is on track for a strong recovery, with an optimistic outlook for the remainder of 2024.
Source: RSS
