December 14: The number of tourists visiting the Annapurna Circuit has increased in recent days. About 150 to 200 tourists have started coming to the Annapurna circuit on a daily basis now. Hotel entrepreneurs are excited as the tourist activity has increased in this trail with the decline in the risk of coronavirus.  

The number of tourists visiting this area used to be around 25 to 30 a few months ago, But it has now started increasing gradually. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Tourist Checkpoint Dharapani, 40 to 50 foreign tourists and 150 to 200 domestic tourists visit the area. 

Chetra Bahadur Gurung, tourist assistant of the office, said, “Entrepreneurs who were frustrated when tourist arrival stopped due to the pandemic, are now busy in providing service and are making good income. Although it’s cold, the arrival of tourists is increasing.”

Panch Bahadur Gurung, a tourism entrepreneur of Marsyangdi rural municipality – 4, said that they are earning some money now. “I am very happy to have a daily income of Rs 10,000 to 15,000 at this time after the tourists started coming on this foot trail while we were struggling to earn even Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.”

Businesses around this circuit are thriving after tourist arrival started increasing. Most of the tourism entrepreneurs are dependent on the tourists visiting the Annapurna circuit. Tourists visit the Annapurna Circuit from Manang to Mustang and Pokhara via Thumra Pass, observing the beauty of the Himalayas, the breathtaking mountains, the high hills, the customs of the people of Manang, and the natural beauty.

The Annapurna Circuit connects five districts including Lamjung, Manang, Kaski, Mustang and Myagdi. The entrance of this circuit is Lamjung, Besishahar. The hotels of Besisahar are also filled with tourists coming for trek.