LAMJUNG, Jan 2: A total of 30,866 foreign tourists visited the globally renowned Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2024. Ranked among the top ten trekking routes in the world, this route saw 18,499 men, 12,362 women, and five individuals of other categories as visitors within a year.
According to Bhupendra Gurung, in charge of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Tourist Check and Information Center at Dharapani, 1,567 men and 287 women from SAARC countries visited the circuit. Similarly, 16,932 men, 12,075 women, and five other foreign tourists from other countries explored the area. Most of the visitors were from France, Israel, Germany, and the UK, Gurung informed.
The region, which had faced a slump due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has witnessed a gradual increase in tourist arrivals in recent years. Compared to 2023, 2024 saw an additional 9,619 foreign visitors. In 2023, only 21,247 foreign tourists visited the circuit, comprising 12,981 men and 8,266 women, according to ACAP's Dharapani Center. In 2023, visitors from 122 countries trekked the route, Gurung said.
Five dead along Annapurna Circuit in FY 2023/24
Similarly, in 2022, 15,900 foreign tourists visited the area, including 10,364 men and 5,536 women. This was 5,347 more than in 2021, which saw 10,553 foreign tourists. Among the visitors in 2022, French nationals topped the list with 2,012 individuals. The center noted that tourist numbers in 2022 increased by 13,627 compared to 2021, which recorded 2,273 tourists, including 1,562 men and 711 women.
In 2020, the circuit had 1,976 visitors. By contrast, the pre-pandemic year of 2019 saw 36,647 tourists, while 2018 had 29,484, and 2017 recorded 21,068. Tourist arrivals had been on the rise since 2017 but declined significantly in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The entry point to the Annapurna Circuit is Manange Chautara in Besisahar Municipality-7, Lamjung. The trek spans across Lamjung, Manang, Kaski, Mustang, and Myagdi districts. Visitors are drawn to the region's stunning landscapes, mountain views, high-altitude passes, and the cultural traditions of Manang's residents. Many traverse the Thorong La Pass of this circuit to reach Mustang or Pokhara.
Additionally, tourists come to climb the various peaks in Manang and visit the world's highest-altitude lake, Tilicho Lake. The influx of tourists has significantly boosted the hotel and hospitality industry along the circuit.
