The Annapurna Conservation Area has recorded a strong influx of foreign tourists at the start of the 2026 tourist season, reflecting a steady recovery in Nepal’s travel sector.
According to the Annapurna Area Conservation Project (ACAP), a total of 48,513 foreign visitors explored various destinations in the region. Among them, 32,020 were from SAARC countries, while 16,493 tourists arrived from other parts of the world.
ACAP Chief Dr Rabin Kadariya said that tourist arrivals increased by 11,679 in March 2026 compared to the same month last year. He added that around 40 percent of all tourists visiting Nepal travel to the Annapurna region, with Indian visitors forming the largest group among South Asian tourists.
The period from March to May is considered a peak tourism season in Nepal, attracting both international and domestic travelers. Domestic tourist numbers are also rising, driven by the upcoming Nepali New Year and school holidays.
This season is particularly popular for trekking, with key destinations including Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill drawing large numbers of visitors.
Spanning 7,600 square kilometers across multiple districts, the Annapurna Conservation Area remains one of the world’s most renowned trekking destinations, celebrated for its natural beauty, biodiversity, mountain lifestyle, and rich cultural heritage.
