Tourist influx rises in Annapurna Circuit as trekking season begins

KATHMANDU: With the start of the second major tourist season, the number of trekkers in the Annapurna Circuit Trek has begun to rise.

The best times for trekking in this region are considered to be Chait–Baisakh and Ashoj–Kartik.

Krisnaprasad Acharya, Chair of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki, mentioned that the number of tourists has increased since last week. “The weather is clear, the mountains are visible, and the tourism sector is vibrant,” he said, adding, “After the autumn season, many tourists visit Nepal during this period.”

According to President Acharya, along with foreign trekkers, there has been a growing attraction among domestic tourists.

Popular destinations for trekkers in the Annapurna Conservation Area include Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghorepani, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, and several places in Kaski like Khuma Danda and Kori.

He stated that the Annapurna Circuit is a world-famous destination for trekking.

The announcement of Pokhara as the tourism capital of Nepal last year has further increased its appeal as a tourist destination. He believes that if the main roads connecting Pokhara and international flights are made regular and organized, a significant number of tourists can be brought in.

He also pointed out that some old and established trekking routes are facing challenges due to road construction, and alternatives need to be explored.

According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a total of 244,045 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna region in 2024.

Of these, 132,094 were from South Asian countries, and 111,951 were from other countries. This was the highest number recorded so far, as stated by ACAP chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya. The previous record was in 2023, with 191,558 tourists visiting the area.

In 2019, the number of tourists was 181,000, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, tourist arrivals had declined. In 2021, only 16,105 tourists visited the Annapurna region.

However, in 2022, the number increased to 129,733. Dr. Kadariya mentioned that tourism in the region began to recover to pre-pandemic levels last year.

ACAP has been tracking data on foreign tourists who visit the region by both trekking and road routes to various destinations.

The Annapurna Conservation Area, covering 7,600 square kilometers, includes 89 wards from 16 local municipalities across Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Magdi, and Mustang.

The Annapurna region attracts tourists from both Nepal and abroad due to its natural beauty, biodiversity, Himalayan culture, and scenic landscapes.

Visitors enjoy trekking here for the opportunity to experience its unique geography, weather, biodiversity, mountain communities, and rich culture, along with the joy of exploring.

Trekkers can choose from short, medium, and long-distance trekking routes to the Annapurna region from various routes in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Magdi.

The region is considered one of the best trekking destinations due to its attractive locations, tourism-friendly infrastructure, hospitality of the locals, and the quality of services and facilities provided.