GANDAKI: With the onset of the second major tourist season, visitor numbers in the Annapurna Conservation Area have risen significantly.
According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a total of 48,513 foreign tourists visited various destinations in the region in March. Among them, 32,020 were from South Asian countries, while 16,493 came from other parts of the world.
Project Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya stated that the number of tourists increased by 11,679 compared to March 2025. He noted a steady rise in tourist arrivals in recent times.
“Statistics show that around 40 percent of foreign tourists entering Nepal visit the Annapurna region,” he said, adding, “Indian visitors make up the largest share among South Asian tourists.”
The months from March to May are considered Nepal’s second major tourist season. With the Nepali New Year approaching and educational institutions closing after annual examinations, the number of domestic tourists is also expected to rise during this period. Dr. Kadariya added that this season is ideal for both domestic and international tourists who enjoy trekking.
The project office maintains records only of foreign tourists traveling along the Annapurna Circuit. However, a significant number of domestic tourists visit the region each year via road access.
Popular destinations in the area include Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Ghorepani in Myagdi, and Poon Hill, among others.
Spanning 7,600 square kilometers, the Annapurna Conservation Area covers 87 wards across 15 local levels in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang districts. The Annapurna region is globally renowned for trekking tourism and is celebrated for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, Himalayan lifestyle, and vibrant culture.
Trekking routes of varying lengths—short, medium, and long—can be accessed from districts such as Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi.
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