GANDAKI: The Annapurna region, a globally renowned trekking destination, saw a 25% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in fiscal year 2024/25 compared to the previous year.
According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), 278,113 foreign visitors entered the region, up from 222,180 the year before. Among them, 157,786 were from South Asian countries and 120,327 from other parts of the world.
Project Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya noted that tourist numbers peaked in Baisakh (April–May) and Asoj–Kartik (September–November), aligning with Nepal’s major trekking seasons. The highest monthly influx was in Baisakh, with 44,977 arrivals, while the lowest was in Shrawan (July–August), with 5,710.
Dr. Kadariya also emphasized that tourism in the Annapurna region has recovered strongly since the pandemic. In 2079/80, only 172,108 tourists were recorded, compared to nearly 100,000 more this past year.
The region’s appeal lies in its rich natural beauty, biodiversity, cultural diversity, and popular destinations such as Annapurna Base Camp, Tilicho Lake, Mardi Himal, Ghorepani, and Muktinath.
Spanning 7,600 sq. km across 87 wards in five districts—Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang—the Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal’s largest protected area.
While most Indian visitors prefer road travel to destinations like Muktinath, international tourists typically opt for trekking, and their numbers are growing steadily each year.
The Annapurna Circuit continues to be one of the world’s top trekking routes, supported by strong infrastructure, local hospitality, and accessible trails for treks of various lengths and difficulty levels.
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