Annapurna Conservation Area Sees Surge in Foreign Tourists, Projecting Record Numbers for the Year
In the month of Kartik, the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) attracted 33,310 foreign tourists, with 11,678 from South Asia and 21,632 from other regions, according to data from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Since Shrawan, 83,031 foreign tourists have visited, up from 67,442 during the same period last year. ACAP expects over 250,000 foreign visitors in the current fiscal year, compared to 222,180 in the last. The number of tourists increased notably in Ashwin, with 30,732 foreign visitors, including 11,985 from South Asia. ACAP has observed more foreign tourists exploring the Annapurna Circuit, especially during the peak tourist season. The region, spanning 7,600 square kilometers, is a major trekking destination, known for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and cultural richness. Popular trekking routes include Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Thorong La Pass, and Muktinath, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The area’s infrastructure, ...