MANANG: Foreign tourist arrivals in Manang have seen a strong resurgence following the downturn caused by the Covid pandemic and recent natural disasters.
According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a total of 33,648 foreign tourists visited Manang in the Nepali calendar year 2081 BS.
Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich local culture, Manang continues to attract travelers, especially during the peak seasons.
ACAP Chief Dhak Bahadur Bhujel stated that tourists from 123 different countries trekked through the region’s scenic routes this past year.
“Tourist flow is gradually recovering due to improved road access and the region’s natural charm,” Bhujel said. “In addition to foreigners, the number of domestic tourists has also increased, although we do not keep formal data on that.”
Among the foreign visitors, 20,161 were male and 13,487 were female. The largest group of tourists came from France, with 3,388 French nationals exploring Manang’s terrain.
Other countries with notable visitor counts included Israel, Germany, India, the UK, the US, Australia, China, the Netherlands, Russia, and Poland.
The highest influx of foreign tourists occurred in Kartik (October–November), with 9,279 visitors, while the lowest number, 252, was recorded in Shrawan (July–August), typically the monsoon season.
Bhujel added that domestic tourism is also on the rise, as more Nepali travelers seek out adventure and rural experiences. “Nepali citizens are increasingly joining in on trekking and exploring lesser-known destinations, helping promote local tourism,” he said. “Foreign tourists are especially drawn to the authenticity of village life and the untouched cultural and natural heritage of Manang.”
Tourism officials and local stakeholders hope the upward trend continues, boosting the local economy and reinforcing Manang’s status as one of Nepal’s premier trekking destinations.
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