MANANG: With the monsoon season over and skies clearing up, the Himalayan district of Manang is once again welcoming a wave of foreign tourists.
Known for its breathtaking landscapes and trekking routes, Manang has seen more than 7,000 visitors in the first month and a half of the current tourist season.
According to the Annapurna Area Conservation Project (ACAP) unit office, a total of 7,461 foreign tourists have arrived in the district in just six weeks.
Bhupendra Gurung, Conservation Education Assistant at ACAP, reported that since the start of the tourist season, the region has attracted visitors from 87 countries, including 1,277 from Israel, 501 from Germany, 466 from the United Kingdom, and 441 from Australia.
These tourists have trekked popular destinations like the Annapurna Trail, Thorong La Pass, Larke Pass, and Tilicho Lake. “This influx is encouraging,” Gurung said, adding, “We hope it will not only revitalize Manang’s tourism-dependent economy but also contribute positively to the national economy.”
Binod Gurung, chairperson of the Tourism Business Association, noted that earlier disruptions such as the Gen-Z protests and monsoon-triggered floods had affected tourist arrivals. “Many foreign bookings were cancelled during that time, including hotel reservations. But now, with peace returning and the weather improving, we are seeing a steady rise in visitors,” he said.
The district, which had been nearly deserted during the unrest, is now witnessing a gradual return of both domestic and international tourists. However, local hotelier Navin Bikram Singh mentioned that the number of arrivals is still lower than expected. “While bookings are picking up again, the numbers haven’t reached normal levels yet,” he said. “The arson attack on the Hilton Hotel may have frightened some tourists, affecting the overall flow.”
Currently, tourists can be seen along the trails and streets of Manang, but not in the same numbers as in previous peak seasons. Stakeholders are urging all three levels of government to improve road and trekking infrastructure, highlighting Manang’s importance to Nepal’s tourism-driven economy.
Domestic tourism is also on the rise, with more Nepalis seeking adventure and rural travel experiences. These trends are helping to promote less explored regions like Manang and contributing to the growth of internal tourism.
Foreign tourists are especially drawn to Manang for its rich culture, mountain views, and the opportunity to experience traditional Himalayan life. Many trek the Annapurna Circuit, including the challenging Thorong La Pass—ranked among the world’s top 10 most dangerous trekking routes.
The journey typically begins from Manange Chautara in Besisahar Municipality-7 of Lamjung district—the gateway to the Annapurna Trail. The trail passes through Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski districts.
Most tourists travel by vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar, and with improved road access, they often reach Chame and Khangsar by jeep before continuing the rest of the journey on foot.
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