September 29: Influx of foreign tourists in Annapurna Circuit has excited the local tourism entrepreneurs. The arrival of tourists, which was affected by Covid-19 pandemic, has once again gone up this season.    
Altogether 7,213 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna Circuit since January this year, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Similarly, 2,373 foreign tourists visited the Circuit in 2021 and 1,973 in 2020.    
Pancha Bahadur Gurung, a tourism entrepreneur from Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-4 in Lamjung district, expressed joy that he was making Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 income on a daily basis with the increase in the number of tourists. "The arrival of tourists has added special enthusiasm in us," said Gurung.    
Another entrepreneur Khus Bahadur Gurung shared that they were worried about making their ends meet when foreign tourists not coming to the circuit. Gurung's whole family is depended on tourism business. Running the business means keeping the family alive for him.    
Tourism assistant officer at ACAP's Tourist Check Point in Dharapani, Chettra Bahadur Gurung, shared that around 80-90 foreign tourists were entering Annapurna Circuit on a daily basis lately and most of them were from Israel.    
The circuit offers the trekkers panoramic view of mountain ranges, high hills and they can explore and enjoy the customs and traditions of the local residents of Manang. While some tourists choose this circuit to reach Thorang-La Pass, Larke Pass and Kala pass, others use this route to visit Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in Nepal.    
The entrance of Annapurna Circuit starts in Lamjung, Beshisashar while the circuit spans across Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski districts. -- RSS