Annapurna Region Records 33,000 Foreign Tourists in a Month

POKHARA- As many as 32,963 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna Conservation Area in the month of Ashoj (mid-September to mid-October). Of the total arrival, 12,645 persons were from South Asian countries and 20,318 from other countries.

Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Dr Rabin Kadariya, informed that the area witnessed 2,416 more tourists this year as compared to the same period last year. Last year, 30,547 tourists had the footfall in Ashoj.

The tourist arrival in Ashoj is the highest in the current fiscal year. ACAP shared the record that 17,913 tourists visited in the month of Bhadra and 26,591 in the month of Shrawan.

Ashoj and Kartik are the major tourist seasons, so the tourist arrival increased during this time, according to project chief Dr Kadariya.

The Project Office, however, maintains records of foreign tourists traveling on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Huge number of domestic tourists visit the Annapurna region via road. Present time is the best season for trekking, so this area is a favourite among tourists.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is used to visit various places such as Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Peak, Ghandruk village, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorangla Pass, Upper Mustang, Ghodepani in Myagdi and the vicinity.

Project chief Dr Kadariya further said most visitors love trekking between Dashain and Tihar festivals. The Annapurna Conservation Area covers over 7,600 square kilometers, with several attractive destinations for trekkers. Enchanting natural beauty, biodiversity, mountain life, culture are major features luring the visitors.

Trekking are conducted in short, average and long distances in the Annapurna region. The route includes Kaski, Lamjung, Manang and Myagdi. There are 87 wards of 15 local governments from these districts in ACAP. In addition to attractive destinations, tourism-friendly infrastructures and hospitality are equally important factors that entice the tourists from the country and abroad.