Tourism in Nepal’s Annapurna region has witnessed significant growth over the years, with the number of foreign visitors steadily increasing. The trend has gained further momentum in recent times, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Annapurna by a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog on June 3, 1950.
As the diamond jubilee of the Annapurna ascent was marked this Tuesday, data from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) shows a notable increase in the number of foreign tourists entering the region. According to ACAP, the number of tourists rose by 29 percent in the last fiscal year, and the figure is expected to rise even further this year.
ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya said that while 222,180 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna region in the last fiscal year, the number had already surpassed that figure in just the first ten months of the current fiscal year. As of mid-May, the region had welcomed 226,409 foreign tourists.
Dr. Kadariya anticipates a substantial increase by the end of the fiscal year as more visitors are expected during the remaining months of June and July. “The number of foreign tourists to the Annapurna region is increasing every year, with most visitors coming for pilgrimage and trekking,” he said.
In fiscal year 2022/23, the region saw 172,108 foreign tourists. The numbers had dropped significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but have since rebounded to reach record highs. Dr. Kadariya estimates that the number of foreign visitors to the Annapurna region could reach 275,000 by the end of the current fiscal year.
The Annapurna Circuit, globally renowned for trekking, sees the highest number of foreign visitors during two peak seasons: October to December and March to May. Although tourist arrivals drop during the monsoon and winter months, the region remains active with both domestic and international visitors throughout the year.
While most Indian pilgrims visiting destinations such as Muktinath use the road network, tourists from other countries generally prefer trekking routes. ACAP tracks only foreign visitors who travel along the Annapurna Circuit.
The Circuit is considered one of the world’s finest trekking destinations due to its breathtaking Himalayan scenery, tourist-friendly infrastructure, favorable climate, and the hospitality of local communities. The trekking routes, which vary in distance and duration, pass through districts such as Kaski, Lamjung, Mustang, Manang, and Myagdi.
Popular destinations along the Annapurna Circuit include the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Sikles, Lwang, and Ghandruk villages in Kaski; Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, and the Upper Mustang region in Manang; and Ghorepani and Poon Hill in Myagdi.
The Annapurna Conservation Area spans 7,600 square kilometers and includes 87 wards across 15 local governments in the districts of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang. With its rich natural beauty, biodiversity, Himalayan lifestyle, and cultural heritage, the region remains a top choice for both domestic and international travelers. -- RSS
