POKHARA: With the start of the spring tourist season, the number of tourists trekking the Annapurna Circuit has seen a significant rise.
Spring and autumn are regarded as the best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region.
Krishna Prasad Acharya, President of the Trekking Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki, shared that the number of trekkers has increased since last week.
He highlighted that clear weather and open mountains have contributed to the resurgence of the tourism sector.
“After autumn, many tourists enter Nepal during this season,” Acharya said.
Both foreign and domestic tourists have shown growing interest in trekking, with popular destinations in the Annapurna Conservation Area such as Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, and Upper Mustang seeing high foot traffic.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek remains a globally renowned trekking destination.
Acharya also noted that the attraction of tourists has further increased after Pokhara was declared the tourism capital of Nepal last year.
He added that regular and systematic road connections between Pokhara and international air travel could bring in even more tourists. However, he pointed out that some older trekking routes are facing challenges due to road construction, and alternative routes should be explored.
In 2024, a total of 244,450 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna region, marking the highest number of arrivals so far. This includes 132,094 tourists from South Asian countries and 111,951 from other parts of the world.
Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), stated that this figure surpasses the previous record set in 2023 when 191,558 tourists visited.
Tourism in the region has rebounded from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a drastic drop in visitor numbers. In 2021, only 16,105 tourists visited, but the number rose to 129,733 in 2022. Dr. Kadariya affirmed that tourism in the Annapurna region has returned to its previous rhythm since last year.
The Annapurna Conservation Area spans over 7,600 square kilometers and covers 89 wards across 16 local levels in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang. Known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, unique mountain life, and rich cultural heritage, the Annapurna region remains a favorite destination for trekkers.
The region offers a variety of trekking options, from short to long-distance treks, accessible through popular routes in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi.
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