More Than 30,000 Foreign Tourists Visit Annapurna Area In Ashoj

Thirty thousand and 547 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna region in the month of Ashoj or from September 17 to October 17, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) said.

Among them, 10,019 tourists were from South Asian countries and 20,528 from other countries, according to ACAP.

Project chief Dr Rabin Kadariya said that compared to Ashoj last year, 185 fewer tourists visited the region this year. He said that the arrival of Indian tourists decreased due to the Gen-Z protest demonstration held last September and weather disruptions.

Kadariya stated that 28,705 tourists entered this area in the fiscal year 2023/24, and 30,732 tourists visited the Annapurna region in Ashoj month of FY 2024/25, noting that Ashoj and Kartik are considered the main tourist seasons.

He mentioned that tourist arrivals in the Annapurna region are expected to increase further in the month of Kartik (from October 18 to November 16). The project chief Kadariya stated that following Tihar festivities, the number of domestic tourists visiting the Annapurna region has increased in Mustang and surrounding areas.

“During this season, foreign tourists come to this area for trekking. Last Kartik, 33,310 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna region,” he said.

The Annapurna Conservation Area, which spreads over 7,600 square kilometres, covers 87 wards across 15 local units in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang districts.

The Annapurna region is considered world famous for trekking tourism.