Visitors flock to Annapurna Base Camp

By Thakur Prasad Acharya,Myagdi, Oct.20: With many Nepali travelers opting to explore the Annapurna region during the Dashain-Tihar holiday season, there has been a significant increase in the number of domestic tourists visiting the northern base camp of Annapurna I. 

The base camp and climbing route of Annapurna I, 8,091 metres, are situated in Narchyang, of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 of Myagdi District.

The Annapurna Base Camp can be reached after a two-day trek along the Maurice Herzog trail also known as Annapurna Climbing Trek, starting from Humkhola in Narchyang. 

This picturesque route follows a well-established path beside the Misri Khola, offering stunning views of natural beauty, glaciers, and waterfalls that have long drawn tourists.

During the Dashain-Tihar holidays, domestic visitors have shown a particular preference for this route. As a relatively undeveloped tourist destination, Annapurna base camp offers an accessible and attractive getaway, just a short distance from Beni.

Tej Bahadur Gurung, campaigner of the Maurice Herzog Trail, remarked that the number of domestic tourists has risen this year, particularly because the base camp can be reached in two days from Narchyang village. 

Accosrding to Gurung, the number of tourists visiting the ABC has quadrupled compared to last year. From Dashain Day through Friday, over 800 domestic tourists have reached there. Likewise, there has been an increase in the number of foreign visitors, including those from India, China, Taiwan, and Italy, compared to last year.

"Domestic tourists have led to an increased traffic on the trail, with a noticeable rush of visitors travelling from Humkhola to the ABC," said Gurung, adding that tourists have come from Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat, Kaski, Kathmandu, Chitwan, and other districts. 

However, some visitors have raised concerns regarding the lack of tourism infrastructure and the growing problem of waste accumulation at the base camp.

Chhabi Acharya, a first-time visitor to the ABC from Beni, who arrived at the base camp the day after Dashain, praised the beauty of Annapurna's northern base camp. 

"Annapurna North Base Camp is truly a paradise," he said. Acharya suggested that the authorities should consider building facilities such as hotels, lodges, communication services, and tea stalls at the base camp to improve the overall experience for tourists.

He also emphasised that Annapurna is an increasingly popular destination, valued for its accessibility and spectacular natural surroundings. "It’s an incredible place that can be reached in just two days from Beni. It’s important for the relevant authorities to focus on the development of tourism infrastructure here," he added.

Humkhola is 22-km drive from the headquarters of Annapurna Rural Municipality, located at Pokhrebagar. From Humkhola, ABC is at a distance of 21-km which takes two days to cover. 

Meanwhile, RSS writes tourists' arrival has upped at Ramgram Stupa of Ramgram-7. The historic Ramgram Stupa has the bodily remains of Gautam Buddha.

Both domestic and foreign tourists are arriving in increasing numbers of late, according to Siddhi Charan Bhattarai, Treasurer at Lumbini Development Trust. The visitors throng Ramgram Stupa, Panditpur, Lumbini, and Tilaurakot. On Friday alone, 28 tourists from Indonesia lighted candles at Ramgram monastery, the Trust informed.