April 16: A total of 144,675 foreign tourists visited the world-famous Annapurna region for trekking in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), altogether 59,939 tourists from South Asian countries and 84,736 tourists from other countries visited the Annapurna region from mid-July 2023 to mid-April 2024.

During the last month (mid-March to mid-April) alone, a total of 35,265 foreign tourists including 16,969 from South Asian countries and 18,296 from other countries visited the Annapurna region, according to the head of ACAP, Dr Rabin Kadaria.

Similarly, in the Nepali month of Asoj (mid-September to mid-October), 28,705 tourists visited the Annapurna region.

ACAP chief Dr Kadaria estimates that the number of tourists will increase this month (Baishakh or mid-April to mid-May). In Baishakh of last year, a total of 31,951 foreign tourists had visited the Annapurna region.

Autumn (mid-September to mid-November) and spring (mid-March to mid-May), are considered the best time for trekking in the Annapurna region.

ACAP keeps the data of foreign tourists who visit the Annapurna Circuit, a renowned route that covers five districts – Lamjung, Mustang, Manang, Myagdi, and Kaski. It does not have the records of the number of domestic tourists entering the Annapurna region.

According to ACAP, 191,558 tourists from 173 countries visited the Annapurna region in 2023. This number is the highest ever. Before that, in 2019, a total of 181,000 tourists visited the Annapurna region.

The Annapurna Circuit covers famous tourist destinations like the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorangla Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath area, Ghodepani in Myagdi among others.

A total of 89 wards of 16 local levels of Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski fall under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project spread over 7,600 square kilometers.

Annapurna region is one of the most preferred choices of tourists due to its natural beauty, biological diversity, mountain life, civilization and culture.

Due to its attractive destinations with snow-capped peaks, tourism-friendly infrastructure, warm hospitality of locals and service facilities, Annapurna is considered to be the best destination in the world for trekking.

According to ACAP, this region offers short, medium and long-distance trekking.