POKHARA, March 24: Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) above Ghandruk, considered the trail's gateway, is bustling with both local and foreign guests up to the base camp. Tourism entrepreneurs in the area noted that while Ghandruk sees a surge in domestic guests, the base camp area primarily accommodates foreign visitors.
They mentioned that hotel occupancy along the ABC corridor is at approximately 90 percent. "It's peak trekking season, so guests are arriving. Both local and international tourists are present now," stated Kisam Gurung, a tourism entrepreneur in Ghandruk.
The base camp area has a higher concentration of foreign guests, with all hotels in Ghandruk fully booked. Gurung added, "Hotel occupancy in Ghandruk is at 100 percent, thanks to domestic tourists' strong support."
However, hotel occupancy in Pokhara is only at about 50 percent despite the influx of trekking tourists. "During this season, occupancy should ideally be around 70 percent, but it's not reaching that level. New hotels are still being added in Pokhara," explained Naresh Bhattarai, owner of Mount Kailash Resort.
Challenging but picturesque route to ABC
This division of guests highlights the limited accommodation options along the trekking route. Dilip Gurung, an entrepreneur at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) near abc, mentioned that there were around 300 guests at ABC on Tuesday evening, with approximately 50 being domestic tourists and the rest foreigners.
He said there has been an increase in guests from countries like Korea, China, Malaysia, and Europe. "European tourists are expected to arrive soon, which will further boost the crowd," he stated. Despite this, there's no shortage of guests this season, and more arrivals are anticipated in the coming months.
Gurung, who runs Fistel Guesthouse at MBC, mentioned that Wednesday morning alone, he served meals to about one hundred guests, highlighting the busy season ahead. "The previously deserted footpaths are now bustling with activity," he added.
Motorway leading directly to destinations
Until a few years ago, most trekkers in the Annapurna Base Camp area would use Pokhara as their last stop. They would stay in Pokhara, embark on morning walks, and upon returning from their trek, make Pokhara their final resting place before heading to their ultimate destination the next day. However, the travel habits of guests have changed significantly. Nowadays, both domestic and foreign visitors complete their treks without making Pokhara their starting or ending point.
