GORKHA, Jan 8: Over 10,000 foreign tourists explored the Manaslu region in northern Gorkha within a year.
Bhuwan Raj Ojha, Conservation Officer and Information Officer at the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), reported that 10,605 foreign tourists visited the Manaslu region in 2024.
He reported that 1,428 more foreign tourists visited the Manaslu region last year compared to 2023.
Manaslu conservation area records lowest number of tourists in...
"Last year, 9,177 foreign tourists toured the Manaslu region," he said, "The previous year recorded the highest number of foreign tourists visiting Manaslu to date."
He reported that third-country tourists outnumbered visitors from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations in the Manaslu region.
In 2024, France topped the list of foreign visitors to the Manaslu region, with 1,335 tourists.
Officer Ojha stated that the office's data shows 1,181 German nationals and 796 American nationals visited Manaslu last year. Among SAARC nations, India sent the highest number of tourists, with 159 trekkers visiting Manaslu.
He shared that foreign tourists from countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, and China visit the Manaslu region. Tourists trekking the Manaslu route can explore Kulchuman (Kal) Lake in Nubri Valley, the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mount Manaslu, and Birendra Lake, and they can cross Larkya Pass to reach Manang.
Tourists can visit the world’s most renowned Shreegi Himal, Rajen Gumba, and other monasteries in the Chum Valley. Along with the natural beauty, they can enjoy sightings of wildlife such as snow leopards, musk deer, tahrs, Himalayan tahrs, and Himalayan monals, and they may also encounter yaks in the Manaslu region.