GANDAKI, May 16: As many as 177,182 foreign tourists entered the Annapurna circuit, a popular trekking route, in the past 10 months.
According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the highest number of 35,265 tourists visited the area last Chaitra (March-April).
ACAP chief Dr Rabin Kadariya said that 79,232 tourists from South Asian countries and 97,950 tourists from other countries visited the area during the period.
Godepani welcomes over 31,000 foreign tourists in a year
The months (September-October and April-May) are considered the best time for trekking in the region. Although most of the Indian tourists visiting Muktinath and other destinations use the surface route, tourists from other countries prefer trekking, he told RSS.
"Domestic and foreign tourists throng the Annapurna area during the main tourist season," said Dr Kadariya, adding, "Tourism in the area is returning to the pre-COVID-19 status. Lately, there has been a huge inflow of tourists from third countries."
ACAP maintains records of only foreign tourists visiting the Annapurna circuit trekking route.
Kadariya said that the number of domestic tourists coming from Mustang and other places through the surface route could not be ascertained. The Annapurna circuit trekking route has been a favorite of tourists from many countries. According to him, 191,558 tourists from 173 countries visited Annapurna in 2023. This is the highest number of tourists visiting the area in a year ever.
A total of 181,000 tourists had visited the area in 2019. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Annapurna base camp, Mardi Himal, Lwang, Ghandruk village, Tilicho lake, Thorangla, Upper Mustang, Muktinath area, Ghodepani of Myagdi and Punhil tourism destinations every year.
The Annapurna circuit route is considered one of the best destinations in the world in terms of attractive places including glaciers, tourism-friendly infrastructure, favorable climate, hospitality service and facilities of the locals, he shared.
Short, medium and long trekking to the Annapurna region can be carried out through Kaski, Lamjung, Manang and Myagdi routes. Stretched over 7,600 square kilometers, the Annapurna Conservation Area covers 89 wards of 16 local units of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang. The Annapurna region is rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, mountainous life and diverse culture.
(RSS)
