GANDAKI: A total of 35,952 foreign tourists visited destinations under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Kartik (mid-Ocotber to mid-November), marking an eight percent increase compared to the same month last year.
In Kartik 2081 BS, the area recorded 33,310 foreign visitors, while 24,416 tourists had entered in Kartik 2080 BS. Asoj (mid-September to mid-October) and Kartik are considered peak tourist months in Nepal. Among South Asian countries, India accounts for the highest number of visitors to the region, according to ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya.
The project office maintains records only for foreign trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit. Dr. Kadariya noted, however, that a large number of domestic tourists enter the region every year via roadway access. Since the peak tourist season overlaps with major festivals and public holidays in Kartik, domestic tourist arrivals also rise significantly during this period.
Popular trekking destinations—including Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorang La Pass, Upper Mustang, Ghorepani in Myagdi, and Pun Hill—see increased footfall from both domestic and international visitors at this time of year.
While most Indian visitors traveling to Muktinath and other religious sites prefer road routes, international tourists generally opt for trekking.
The Annapurna Conservation Area covers 7,600 square kilometers and spans 87 wards across 15 local levels in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang. The Annapurna Circuit is globally recognized as one of the world’s leading trekking destinations due to its Himalayan scenery, favorable climate, welcoming communities, strong tourism infrastructure, and diverse trekking routes.
The region offers short, medium, and long trekking options through districts such as Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi.
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