Annapurna Conservation Area records over 5 lakh foreign visitors from 169 countries in last fiscal year

GANDAKI: Annapurna Conservation Area received 508,476 foreign visitors in the last fiscal year, officials said. Tourists arrived from 169 countries between July 17, 2025 and July 16, 2026.

Of these, 384,145 visitors were from South Asian countries, and 124,331 came from other regions. India accounted for the largest share, with 375,797 Indian tourists recorded. Other leading source countries included China (12,539), the United States (9,884), the United Kingdom (9,859), France (7,939), Malaysia (7,848), Germany (7,634), Bangladesh (7,448), Australia (7,095) and Israel (6,398).

Dr Rabin Kadariya, head of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), said the number of foreign visitors more than doubled compared with fiscal year 2024/25, when 278,113 people visited the area. He added that arrivals from South Asian countries, including India, surged sharply in the Jeth month (May 15–June 14), saying, "This is the first time so many Indian tourists have come."

Officials attributed the rise in Indian visitors to promotion of destinations such as Pokhara and Muktinath, improved transport links and increased publicity on social media. During the peak season many Indian tourists travelled to Pokhara and nearby sites to escape the heat; hotel occupancy in Pokhara reached up to 90% in Baisakh–Jestha. Dr Kadariya said about 40% of Indian visitors to Pokhara also travel to Muktinath.

The Annapurna region is a world-famous trekking destination. Popular routes and sites include the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghorepani, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath and Ghodepani in Myagdi.

Spanning 7,600 square kilometres, the Annapurna Conservation Area covers 87 wards across 15 local units in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang districts. Authorities said the area’s natural scenery, biodiversity, Himalayan lifestyle, cultural attractions and tourism infrastructure continue to make it one of Nepal’s premier destinations for trekking and exploration.

(With inputs from RSS)