Tourist activity has increased significantly along the Annapurna Base Camp and Maurice Herzog Trail in Narchyang of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Myagdi, as favorable weather conditions have encouraged travelers to explore the region during the Dashain and Tihar holiday period.
The area surrounding the base camp of 8,091-meter-high Mount Annapurna I, Panchakunda Lake and the Maurice Herzog Trail has witnessed a noticeable increase in visitors in recent days. The combination of clear weather, mountain scenery and extended holiday breaks has made the destination increasingly attractive to Nepali, Indian and international tourists.
Around 200 Tourists Visiting Daily
According to Tej Gurung, an advocate for the Maurice Herzog Trail, around 200 tourists have been visiting the Annapurna Base Camp on a daily basis since the Dashain festival. The visitors include Nepali travelers as well as tourists from India and other countries. Gurung said the trail remained safe despite the monsoon-related disasters recorded in the region last September, making it a suitable destination for holiday travel.
“Since the trail was not affected by the monsoon-related disaster and remains safe, young people and employed individuals have chosen Annapurna Base Camp to spend their holidays,” Gurung said. He added that restaurants and camping facilities along the trekking route have been operating at near-full capacity due to the growing number of visitors.
Annapurna Base Camp Emerging as a New Tourist Destination
Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,050 meters above sea level, Annapurna Base Camp has been gradually emerging as a new and attractive tourism destination in Myagdi. The recent increase in tourist arrivals has brought renewed optimism among tourism entrepreneurs in Beni, Bhrung-Tatopani and Narchyang, who expect the growing popularity of the route to generate additional economic opportunities for local communities.
The relatively short duration of the trek is another factor contributing to its popularity. Manita Rayamajhi, a professor at Myagdi Multiple Campus who recently returned to Beni after a family trip to Annapurna Base Camp, described the journey as a short, adventurous and scenic experience that can be completed within two to three days.
Temporary Facilities Established Along the Trail
Local stakeholders have introduced several temporary facilities to make the journey more convenient for tourists. Temporary structures have been established at different locations between Humkhola and Annapurna Base Camp, where tea and snack shops, restaurants and accommodation facilities are operating. Shelters have also been constructed at Sandhikharka, Bhusket Mela and the Panchakunda Lake area, providing visitors with places to rest during the trek.
Basic tourism infrastructure has been developed at several points along the route, including Humkhola, Phutphute Waterfall, Guphaphat, Bhusket and Panchakunda. Facilities such as drinking water and public toilets have been installed to improve the experience for trekkers. The trail and suspension bridges along the route have also been repaired and maintained with financial support from the federal government, provincial government and rural municipality.
Statues of Annapurna’s First Climbers and Open Museum Added
The Annapurna Base Camp area has also been developed as a site of historical and cultural significance. Statues of Maurice Herzog, Louis Lachenal and Nepali climbing supporter Sonam Wangchuk Sherpa, associated with the first successful ascent of Annapurna I, have been installed at the base camp. An open-air museum has also been established in the area, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history of Annapurna’s first ascent and the people associated with the expedition.
Last week, a tourist information center was established at Basbot, the gateway to the trekking route, further strengthening visitor services in the area. According to Lok Bahadur Phagami, Ward Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, the trail was named the Maurice Herzog Trail in honor of Maurice Herzog, one of the first climbers to successfully summit Annapurna I.
41-Kilometer Route Offers a Two-Day Trekking Experience
The Maurice Herzog Trail provides access to the base area of Annapurna I, known in Nepal as the country’s “eldest mountain” due to its distinction as the first 8,000-meter peak to be climbed. Travelers can reach Humkhola via Dobhan and Chhotepa in Narchyang, covering approximately 20 kilometers by vehicle. From Humkhola, trekkers continue on foot for around 21 kilometers, reaching Annapurna Base Camp after approximately two days of trekking.
The route offers a diverse combination of natural and scenic attractions. Phutphute Waterfall, the spectacular Panchakunda Lake and the surrounding Himalayan landscape add to the appeal of the journey. With favorable weather, improved infrastructure and increasing interest in short-duration adventure travel, the Annapurna Base Camp and Maurice Herzog Trail are gaining prominence as emerging destinations for both domestic and international tourists. The growing flow of visitors is also expected to provide a significant boost to tourism businesses and local livelihoods in Myagdi.
