सिंहदरबार संवाददाता
Gandaki. The world-famous trekking destination Annapurna region received 244,045 foreign tourists in 2024. Of these, 132,094 were from South Asian countries and 111,951 from other countries. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the number is the highest ever.
Previously, the highest number of tourists, 191,558, visited the region in 2023. In 2019, 181,000 tourists visited, but since then, the tourist arrivals have decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, a total of 16,155 tourists visited the Annapurna region in 2021. The following year, i.e. 2022, a total of 129,733 tourists visited the area.
Dr. Robin Kadaria, head of ‘ACAP’, said that tourism in the area has returned to its old rhythm since last year. ‘A new record has been set in tourist arrivals in the Annapurna region in 2024,’ he said, ‘There has been a significant increase in the number of tourists compared to last year.’
Lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists visit destinations including Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorangla Bhanjyang, Upper Mustang, Muktinath area, and Ghodepani in Myagdi on the Annapurna Cycle Trail every year. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project only keeps statistics on foreign tourists visiting these destinations. The Annapurna Conservation Area, spread over 7,600 square kilometers, is considered an attractive destination for trekking.
Four years ago, the famous international travel site Lonely Planet listed the Annapurna Circuit Trek as one of the world’s top ten must-see destinations. Mustang Valley, which was included in the list of 23 must-see destinations in the world by the American news organization ‘CNN’ in 2023, is also part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The Annapurna region has become a favorite among tourists due to its natural beauty, biodiversity, mountain life, culture, etc.
Short, medium and long-distance trekking in the Annapurna region can be done from any route including Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered an excellent trekking route due to its attractive destination, tourism-friendly infrastructure, local hospitality, and service facilities.
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