Annapurna region welcomes 30,199 tourists in March

GANDAKI: The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has reported a significant influx of foreign tourists, with a total of 30,199 visitors arriving in the Annapurna region during the month of March.

Among these, 14,668 tourists hailed from South Asian countries, while 15,531 came from other parts of the world.

Dr. Rabin Kadaria, Chief of ACAP, attributed the surge in tourist arrivals to the waning cold season and anticipates a further increase in numbers throughout April.

In 2023, the Annapurna region witnessed a remarkable milestone as it welcomed 191,558 tourists from 173 countries, setting a new record.

This figure surpassed the pre-pandemic peak of 181,000 visitors recorded in 2019. In contrast, the number stood at 129,733 in 2022.

Renowned attractions such as the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorangla Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath area, and Ghodepani in Myagdi continue to draw tourists to the region.

The ACAP covers Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang districts, encompassing an area of 7,600 square kilometers.