Annapurna area draws more tourists

By Yadu Prasad Bhatta,Manang, Nov. 14: The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), renowned for its trekking routes and natural beauty, has set a new record for foreign tourist arrivals this year. From January to October 2025, a total of 246,575 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna region. This figure exceeds the total number of visitors from the previous year.

According to data from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), of the tourists who arrived during this period, 146,968 were from South Asian countries, while 99,607 came from other countries. 

According to ACAP chief, Robin Kaderiya, in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 18,836 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna region. "In the past four years, the region has been on a continuous path of recovery, and now it is nearing pre-pandemic levels," he said.

Tourism records show that April saw the highest number of foreign tourists, with 44,763 arrivals. This month is known for favourable weather for trekking, which typically leads to a high influx of tourists. In contrast, January recorded the lowest number of arrivals, with just 9,359 foreign visitors.

The ACA, operational since 1986, is Nepal’s first and largest protected area, encompassing parts of Manang, Kaski, Lamjung, and Myagdi districts. The area’s appeal is enhanced by famous trekking routes such as the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain viewpoints, Ghorepani-Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Tatopani, Manang, Mustang, and Mardi Himal.

Cultural and biological diversity is also a unique feature of the Annapurna region. The local communities of Gurung, Thakali, Magar, and other ethnic groups, along with their traditions, cuisine, and hospitality, provide tourists with a distinct experience.

The increase in tourist arrivals has directly benefited local businesses, including hotels, trekking agents, guides, porters, and transport services. Local entrepreneurs have reported a rise in both domestic and international tourist traffic in the areas from Pokhara to Jomsom, Manang, and Mustang.

To manage this growth while minimising environmental impact, ACAP has introduced sustainable tourism strategies to balance visitor numbers and preserve the region’s ecology.

Experts have stated that the current increase in tourist numbers is a strong indicator of Nepal’s tourism recovery. If the current trend continues, it is projected that the total number of visitors to the Annapurna region will surpass 300,000 by the end of this year.