MANANG: Manang is witnessing a growing influx of Indian tourists, with 5,049 visitors from India travelling to the district by October 2026.
According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Unit in Manang, a total of 30,662 foreign tourists visited the district during the first 10 months of 2026.
Of the total visitors, 19,140 were men, 11,512 were women and 10 were recorded under other categories. Indian tourists accounted for the largest number of visitors, with 5,049 arrivals, followed by 2,768 from Israel, 1,948 from Germany, 1,899 from China and 1,034 from France.
“Visitors from 119 countries have travelled to different parts of Manang by October,” Bhujel said, adding that 5,090 tourists came from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, while 25,572 came from other countries.
He said a significant number of tourists continued to visit Manang despite snowfall in the Himalayan region caused by the impact of Cyclone Arnab. Tourists remained interested in exploring the district’s natural and cultural attractions despite weather-related risks, he added.
With weather conditions improving and the risks subsiding, visitors have been able to continue their journeys to their intended destinations, Bhujel said.
Manang is a major destination along the Annapurna trekking route, attracting visitors to popular attractions such as Thorong La Pass on the Manang-Mustang border, Tilicho Lake, and the climbing routes to Himlung Himal and Manaslu.
Tourists visit the district to experience its mountain landscapes, hills, natural beauty, and the customs, traditions and cultural heritage of local communities.
The Annapurna Circuit also allows trekkers to cross Thorong La Pass from Manang and continue towards Mustang before reaching Pokhara. The route is regarded as one of the challenging trekking trails in the world.
The trekking journey generally begins at Manange Chautara in Besisahar Municipality-7 of Lamjung district. The Annapurna trekking route passes through five districts: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski.
Travellers usually reach Besisahar from Kathmandu by road before beginning their trek. With improved road access, visitors have recently been able to travel by vehicle as far as Chame and Khangsar, from where they continue their journey on foot.
Comment