Between January and October 2025, a total of 246,575 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna Conservation Area.
During this period, 146,968 tourists came from South Asian countries, while 99,607 visitors were from other nations.
The highest number of tourists, 44,763, arrived in April, whereas the lowest, 9,359, visited in January, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
In comparison, 244,045 tourists visited the area in 2024, meaning the 2025 figure surpassed last year’s total within just ten months.
ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kaderiya noted that although the number of visitors decreased slightly in September due to events such as the Gen-Z movement, October saw an increase of 1,557 tourists compared to the previous year. Apart from May and September, the number of tourists in other months exceeded last year’s figures. Dr. Kaderiya added that tourist arrivals gradually decline after November and pick up again after March.
The Annapurna region, globally renowned for trekking tourism, typically sees higher foreign tourist arrivals from September to November and March to May.
Tourists visiting various destinations in the area via road routes also increase during these peak seasons. While most Indian tourists traveling to destinations such as Muktinath use road transport, tourists from other countries generally prefer trekking.
ACAP maintains statistics only for foreign tourists visiting the Annapurna region. However, Dr. Kaderiya noted that the number of domestic tourists reaching destinations such as Mustang via road routes has been increasing annually.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek remains a top choice for tourists worldwide. According to ACAP data, 191,666 foreign tourists visited the area in 2023.
In 2020, only 18,836 tourists visited, but arrivals have increased every year since then, Dr. Kaderiya said.
Popular trekking destinations along the Annapurna Circuit include Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal in Kaski, Lwang, Ghorepani, Ghorepani in Manang, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, Ghodepani in Myagdi, and Poon Hill. These spots attract millions of domestic and foreign tourists annually.
The Annapurna region draws visitors due to its natural beauty, biodiversity, Himalayan lifestyle, cultural heritage, and other attractions.
ACAP noted that the Annapurna region can be explored via short, medium, and long trekking routes through districts including Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, and Myagdi.
