Travel & Tourism

An influx of foreign tourists along the Annapurna Trail has raised excitement among local tourism entrepreneurs. After the protracted Covid-19 pandemic and biting cold, tourist arrivals have increased this season.

A total of 7,213 foreign tourists have visited the Annapurna Circuit since January 2022 till date, according to Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). A promising increase compared to 2,373 foreign visitors on the Circuit in 2021 and 1,973 in 2020.

Pancha Bahadur Gurung, a tourism entrepreneur from Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-4 in the district, expressed joy that he was making anywhere between Rs10,000 and Rs20,000 daily with the increase in the number of tourists. "The arrival of tourists has added special enthusiasm to us."

Another entrepreneur, Khus Bahadur Gurung, too could hardly hide his smile. He said they were anxious about earning their living when foreign tourists were not coming to the Circuit. "My family is dependent on the tourism business," he said. 

Chettraaa Bahadur Gurng, an assistant officer at ACAP's Tourist Check Point Dharapani, said that nearly 100 foreign tourists were entering Annapurna Circuit daily off late. "Most of them were from Israel."

The Circuit offers the trekkers a panoramic view of mountain ranges and high hills they can explore and enjoy. While tourists choose this Circuit to reach Thorang-La Pass, Larke Pass and Kala pass, some use the route to go to Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world.

The entrance of Annapurna Circuit is in Lamjung, Beshisashar, while the Circuit spans Manang, Kaski, Mustang, and Myagdi districts. - RSS