5,384 tourists visited the Annapurna Trek during Dashain
KATHMANDU:- During this year’s Dashain festival, 5,384 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna Circuit trekking route.
Specifically, between Ghatasthapana and Kojagrat Purnima—that is, from Ashoj 25 to Kartik 8—a total of 5,384 tourists visited the trail. In comparison, 2,757 tourists visited during the same period last year.
According to Bhupendra Gurung, chief of the tourist check and information center at Dharapani under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), 2,627 more tourists have arrived this year compared to last year.
According to him, one of the primary reasons for the increase in tourist arrivals this year is the damage caused by floods and landslides along the trekking route in the Manaslu region. He explained that as travel along the Manaslu trail was disrupted by these events, some tourists who had intended to go there opted for the Annapurna trekking route instead. He further noted that favorable weather conditions this year, combined with a growing culture of travel among people, have also contributed to the rise in tourist arrivals.
According to the center’s data, the tourists who visited the Annapurna trekking route this year include 3,288 men, 2,094 women, and two individuals in the ‘other’ category. Additionally, 609 tourists arrived from SAARC nations, while 4,775 came from non-SAARC countries. The data indicates that the largest number of tourists—606—arrived from India. Other notable numbers include 438 tourists from Germany, 418 from Israel, 364 from France, and 352 from the United States.
The Annapurna Circuit trek, which begins in Besisahar, Lamjung, passes through Manang and crosses the Thorong La Pass, eventually reaching Mustang. This trekking route is popular among foreign tourists as it offers opportunities to experience Himalayan vistas, natural beauty, traditional settlements, and local culture.
