Tourists visiting Manang on constant rise

By Yadu Prasad Bhatta,Manang, Sept. 7: The number of tourists visiting Manang has started to gradually increase over the past few weeks, signaling a positive shift as the monsoon season comes to a close.

According to Bhupendra Gurung, head of the Tourist Check Post Office at Dharapani under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a total of 484 tourists from 56 countries have visited Manang so far in the current fiscal year 2025/26.

Gurung shared that around a dozen foreign tourists are arriving daily despite it being the off-season.

The region had witnessed a decline in tourist numbers since mid-June, but figures have been steadily rising in recent weeks

According to him, 37 women and 289 men from SAARC countries and 158 men from non-SAARC countries have visited Manang from July 17 to September 5 of the current fiscal year.

He said, "The largest number of tourists visiting Manang during this period are Chinese. A total of 44 Chinese, 40 British, 37 American, 37 Indian and 33 German tourists have visited Manang."

Similarly, 29 Australians, 28 Israelis, 27 French, 21 Italians and 20 Polish tourists have also visited Manang during this off-season. Gurung said that 66 people have taken online permits during this period. 

He said, "Six have taken online permits from Kathmandu, 27 from Pokhara, two rom Simpani Khudi in Lamjung and 17 from Ghasa in Mustang." 

Stating that the average stay of tourists is usually 15 to 20 days, he said, "It is possible that the number of tourists has not increased because it is the rainy season. Due to the fear of floods and landslides, tourists rarely come during this period."

Manang's mountainous geographical features, Annapurna trekking route, religious and cultural heritages and natural beauty have been attracting domestic and foreign tourists every year. When the weather is favourable, this area is becoming a major destination for foreign tourists, he said.

According to ACAP, the main season for tourist arrivals is from mid-September to mid-December and from mid-February to mid-June. Local entrepreneurs directly and indirectly involved in the tourism sector have also taken this increase as a positive sign. 

According to local tourism entrepreneurs, if the government pays more attention to infrastructure, security and facilitation, more tourists can be attracted in this area. Manang, a famous trekking destination, is becoming increasingly bustling with activity these days with the end of the monsoon.

Mid-May to mid-September is considered the off-season for trekking tourism.