MYAGDI: The number of tourists visiting Annapurna I Base Camp, located in Narchyang of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, has seen a significant rise.
Improved hotel facilities and better management of the trekking route have contributed to this growing influx.
Annapurna I holds a special place in mountaineering history as the first mountain over 8,000 meters to be successfully climbed.
On June 3, 1950, French mountaineer Maurice Herzog led a team—including Louis Lachenal and two Nepali Sherpas—to its summit.
Despite its historic significance, the trekking route to the base camp remained largely unpublicized for years. Recently, however, a local initiative has begun to identify and promote this trail.
To boost tourism, the Annapurna Rural Municipality and its Ward Office have launched a campaign to develop necessary infrastructure along the trekking path.
According to engineer and tourism entrepreneur Tej Gurung, the establishment of the trekking route, rest stops, tea shops, and hotels has made the area more accessible, resulting in increased tourist traffic.
“Last year, around 10,000 tourists—both domestic and international—visited Annapurna I Base Camp. This year, that number is already rising,” said Gurung.
“In the past, most mountaineers reached the base camp by helicopter. But now, many are choosing to trek, especially since the Annapurna Diamond Jubilee Festival helped promote the area.”
New facilities have been established along the route, including hotels in Humkhola, Sandhikharka, Gufaphant, Bhusket Mela, and Panchkundtal, as well as tea shops near Phutphute Jharna.
According to Gurung, these accommodations can now host between 40 to 80 people, attracting around 6,000 domestic tourists this season alone.
Michael Pariyar, who runs a hotel in Sandhikharka, noted that tourists no longer need to bring their own food and shelter, thanks to the availability of lodging along the trail.
He also mentioned the expansion of road access from Pokharebagar to Humkhola, making it a two-day journey to the base camp. A 16-kilometer trekking trail has also been constructed from Humkhola onward.
Ajit Century, a hotel operator in the Panchkundtal area, added that tourists now have access to a hotel every two hours along the route, significantly improving the trekking experience.
He emphasized that local entrepreneurs have collectively invested in these facilities to not only enhance tourism but also generate local income.
Tourism entrepreneurs believe the campaign to develop Annapurna Base Camp into a safe, adventurous, and world-class trekking destination is paying off.
With breathtaking attractions like the pristine Panchkundtal lake, dozens of waterfalls, and stunning Himalayan landscapes, the trail offers a memorable experience for trekkers.
Locals agree that the recent surge in tourist numbers is a result of ongoing promotional efforts, infrastructure development, and expanded hospitality services in an area long overlooked despite its vast tourism potential.
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