Annapurna Conservation Area sees rise in foreign tourist arrivals

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) welcomed 32,963 foreign tourists during the Nepali month of Asoj, which spans mid-September to mid-October. This figure represents an increase of 2,416 visitors compared to the same period last year, when 30,547 tourists visited the region.

Of the total foreign arrivals, 12,645 were from South Asian countries and 20,318 originated from other parts of the world. Dr. Rabin Kadariya, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, noted that Asoj recorded the highest number of foreign tourist arrivals in the current fiscal year, following 26,591 visitors in Shrawan and 17,913 in Bhadau.

The increase is attributed to the autumn trekking season, with Asoj and Kartik serving as peak months. Popular destinations within the 7,600 square kilometer area include Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, and Ghodepani. While the project office specifically tracks foreign trekkers, a significant number of domestic tourists also visit the region by road.