37,732 foreign tourists visited Manang in FY 2024/25: ACAP office

MANANG: Foreign tourist arrivals in Manang district rose to 37,732 in fiscal year 2024/25, up from 22,371 in 2023/24, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) area office said. The figure includes 22,477 males, 15,249 females and six others.

Data from Dharapani tourist checkpost shows that 2,554 visitors came from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations and 35,178 from other countries, ACAP area office head Dhak Bahadur Bhujel said. Tourists from 134 countries arrived in Manang in fiscal year 2024/25.

Bhujel said the highest number of visitors came from Israel (4,358), followed by France (3,616) and Germany (2,842). He added that arrivals from 10 countries rose compared with fiscal year 2023/24.

In fiscal year 2023/24, 22,371 tourists from 124 nations visited Manang, with France leading the count. “The arrival of tourists here is on the rise. Locals depend on agriculture and tourism. The increase in tourist numbers is improving both the local and national economy,” Bhujel said.

The Annapurna trekking trail, considered the world’s 10th most challenging route, passes through Manang, boosting its appeal. “Tourists from Israel, France, Germany and other countries are visiting more frequently. We have also recorded growing numbers of American, Chinese, Russian and Indian tourists,” he added. He said Manang’s natural resources make it a preferred choice.

Domestic tourism is also rising during extended holidays, according to Bhupendra Gurung, conservation education assistant at the ACAP office in Manang. “We have seen more Nepali tourists during continuous three- or four-day holidays. Manang has become a preferred domestic destination,” he said, mentioning that exact records are not maintained but numbers are significant.

Most trekkers cross Thorong La pass via Tilicho Lake and exit into Mustang, while others head towards Manaslu via Larkya La pass. Chyolpa Gurung, ward chairperson of Manang Ngisyang Rural Municipality-9, said Tilicho Lake remains the most popular spot during holiday periods.

Manang’s trekking routes are accessible in two seasons, and visitor numbers have risen since the Covid19 pandemic and the 2021 floods and landslides. Tourists are drawn by Himalayan vistas, local culture and natural beauty, with many continuing from Manang via Annapurna trail, crossing Thorong La into Mustang before reaching Pokhara.

The Annapurna trekking trail begins at Manang Chautara in Besisahar Municipality-7, Lamjung district, and connects Lamjung with Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski districts. Trekkers typically travel by road from Kathmandu to Besisahar and now reach Chame and Khangsar by vehicle before starting their journey.

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