KASKI: A total of 251,188 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna Conservation Area between mid-July and mid-April of the current fiscal year, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
The highest number of visitors was recorded in Chaitra (March–April) with 65,242 tourists, while the lowest was in Shrawan (July–August) with 11,824 visitors. Other monthly arrivals included 16,276 in Bhadra, 30,547 in Ashoj, 35,954 in Kartik, 14,941 in Mangsir, 29,980 in Poush, 16,612 in Magh, and 29,812 in Falgun.
ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya said that of the total arrivals, 1,51,068 were from South Asian countries, while the rest were from other parts of the world. He noted that tourist arrivals have increased in most months compared to the same period last fiscal year, except for Ashoj.
“In Chaitra of fiscal year 2025/26, 44,977 tourists had visited, while this year the number rose to 65,242,” he said, adding that tourist inflow has been steadily increasing since fiscal year 2022/23. He also highlighted that Indian tourists account for the largest share of arrivals.
According to ACAP, tourist arrivals tend to decline during the monsoon and winter seasons, while peak seasons such as Ashoj–Kartik (October–November) and Chaitra–Baisakh (March–April) see a surge in visitors. Most Indian tourists travel to destinations such as Muktinath by road, while visitors from other countries prefer trekking routes.
ACAP only records foreign tourist arrivals, though the number of domestic tourists travelling to Mustang and the surrounding areas by road is also increasing annually.
The Annapurna Circuit remains one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, attracting both domestic and international tourists. Key destinations include Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Lwang, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, Ghodapani, and Poon Hill.
Spanning 7,600 square kilometres across 87 wards in 15 local units of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang, the Annapurna Conservation Area is widely recognised as a premier global tourism destination due to its Himalayan landscapes, biodiversity, culture, and hospitality.
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