KATHMANDU: Manang, a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers, has been experiencing a steady increase in foreign tourists in recent years.
Although data on domestic tourists remains unavailable, the number of foreign visitors continues to rise annually, according to records from the Annapurna Conservation Area.
In 2024, a total of 30,866 tourists visited Manang. The figures reveal that 18,499 men, 12,362 women, and five other foreign nationals explored the area.
The unit’s chief, Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, shared that Manang remains a key destination for tourists on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, regarded as one of the most challenging yet rewarding treks in the world.
Among the foreign nationals, French citizens lead the count, with 3,316 visiting Manang in 2024. Other notable tourist groups included 3,060 Israelis, 2,355 Germans, 1,900 from the UK, and 1,831 Indians.
Tourists often visit Manang to explore the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Additionally, the area is popular for visiting sites like Thorong Pass, Tilicho Lake, and Gangapurna Lake, with 22,039 tourists visiting these locations in 2024.
A further 8,827 trekkers journeyed along the Manaslu route. The peak tourist season falls between March and May, with a second, less crowded season from September to December.
Over the past few years, tourist numbers have steadily increased.
In 2023, 21,247 tourists visited, with the highest number of French nationals among them. The growth in arrivals follows the recovery from the impact of the Covid pandemic and the natural disasters in 2021.
Manang, part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, continues to be an essential stop for those trekking through the Annapurna region.
Travelers generally begin their journey in Lamjung’s Besisahar, making their way through Chame, Khangsar, and other destinations along the route.
The ease of road access, especially to Chame and Khangsar, has further enhanced the appeal of this breathtaking Himalayan region.
With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and world-famous trekking routes, Manang is expected to continue attracting more tourists in the years to come.
Comment