GANDAKI, Oct 27: As many as 32,963 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna Conservation Area in the month of Ashoj (mid-September to mid-October). Of the total arrivals, 12,645 were from South Asian countries and 20,318 were from other countries.
Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Dr Rabin Kadariya, said the area received 2,416 more tourists this year than during the same period last year. A total of 30,547 tourists visited the area in Ashoj (mid-September to mid-October) last year.
Tourist arrivals in Ashoj were the highest in the current fiscal year. According to ACAP records, 17,913 tourists visited the area in Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) and 26,591 in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August).
Annapurna region receives over 30,000 tourists in March
Ashoj and Kartik (mid-October to mid-November) are major tourist seasons, which explains the increase in arrivals during this period, Dr Kadariya said.
The project office maintains records of foreign tourists travelling along the Annapurna Circuit Trek route, while a large number of domestic tourists visit the region by road. The current season is considered ideal for trekking, making the area a favourite among visitors.
The Annapurna region offers access to several popular destinations, including Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk village, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang and Ghodepani in Myagdi.
Dr Kadariya said many visitors prefer trekking between the Dashain and Tihar festivals.
The Annapurna Conservation Area covers more than 7,600 square kilometres and offers numerous trekking destinations. Its natural beauty, biodiversity, mountain lifestyle and cultural heritage are major attractions for visitors.
Trekking routes in the region range from short to medium and long distances, passing through Kaski, Lamjung, Manang and Myagdi districts. The conservation area includes 87 wards across 15 local governments in these districts.
In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, tourism-friendly infrastructure and hospitality also draw domestic and international visitors to the region.
