KATHMANDU – The number of visitors to the Annapurna circuit, which had been impacted by floods and landslides, is on the rise. The heavy rain and snow that fell between September 24 and 27 had caused a significant drop in tourist numbers due to blocked roads and paths.
Bhupendra Gurung, who oversees the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Tourist Check and Information Centre in Dharapani, shared that they are now seeing about 150 to 200 tourists arriving each day. He noted that clearing the snow from the footpath to Thorangla Pass, which stands at 5,416 meters, has made it much easier for travelers heading to Mustang from Manang.
The tourist season kicked off in August, but adverse weather from October 8 to 11 had a negative impact, reducing daily arrivals to just one or two people. However, Gurung mentioned that things are looking up again. From October 4 to 11, the center recorded 1,447 tourists, with 887 men and 560 women.
The largest groups came from Israel (141), Australia (121), Germany (109), Spain (103), and Britain (97). Last year, during peak season, they welcomed 400 to 500 tourists daily, but this year’s numbers have been affected by the recent floods and snowfall. Gurung is optimistic that as the roads and paths improve, even more tourists will start to arrive.
The Annapurna trail is a favorite among both local and international visitors, thanks to its stunning mountain views, natural beauty, and rich local culture and lifestyle.
Key stops for tourists along this route from Besisahar in Lamjung to Mustang, via Manang and crossing the Thorangla Pass, include Jagat and Dharapani. Pancha Bahadur Gurung, a tourism entrepreneur from Masryangdi Rural Municipality-4 in Jagat, expressed hope that as tourist numbers rise, the local economy will benefit. (RSS)