The world-renowned trekking destination, the Annapurna Conservation Area, has witnessed a sharp decline in tourist arrivals due to the ongoing monsoon season. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), tourist numbers dropped significantly in mid-July (Shrawan).
In Ashadh, 19,749 tourists visited the area, but only 11,824 arrived in Shrawan, said ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kadel. Before the monsoon began, the region recorded a much higher flow, with 31,955 tourists visiting in Jestha alone. Despite the recent fall, this Shrawan saw more visitors compared to the same month last year, when only 5,710 tourists had come.
Dr. Kadel explained that the monsoon season is generally considered an off-season for trekking. However, he noted that promoting destinations suitable for monsoon treks could help attract more visitors. Recently, domestic tourists have started visiting places like Kori in Kaski and Dhorpatan in Baglung for monsoon trekking experiences.
The prime trekking seasons in Annapurna are from Ashoj to Mangsir and from Chaitra to Jestha, when tourist arrivals peak. Last fiscal year, 278,113 foreign tourists visited the region.
ACAP maintains official records only of foreign trekkers entering the Annapurna Circuit. Popular destinations in the region include Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Lwang, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill. Trekkers can choose short, medium, or long trails entering from Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi.
Covering 7,600 square kilometers, the Annapurna Conservation Area includes 87 wards across 15 local levels of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang. With its natural beauty, biodiversity, Himalayan lifestyle, and cultural richness, the area continues to be one of the most preferred trekking destinations for both domestic and international tourists.
