Kathmandu. A total of 251,188 foreign tourists have visited Annapurna Conservation Area, a popular tourist destination, in the last week of July to March. The highest number of 65,242 tourists visited the area in the month of March. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the lowest number of tourists visiting the district was 11,824 in July.

A total of 16,276 tourists visited Nepal in August, 30,547 in September, 35,954 in October, 14,941 in November, 29,980 in December, 16,612 in January and 29,812 in February. Of the total tourists visiting Nepal in the past nine months, 151,068 were from South Asian countries while the rest were from other countries, said Dr Rabin Kadariya, chief of the project office. According to him, the number of tourists has increased in all months except September this year as compared to the same period last year.

“In the fiscal year 2081/82 BS, a total of 44,977 tourists had visited Nepal but the number of tourists has increased to 65,242 in the fiscal year 2071/82 BS”, said Dr Kadariya, adding, “The number of Indian tourists is higher than that of other countries”. ”

Although the number of tourists decreases in the winter and rainy season, the number of tourists increases in the main tourist seasons of Asoj-Kartik and March-April. The number of tourists visiting various tourist destinations in the Annapurna region via road is also high during this season. Though most of the Indian tourists going to Muktinath and other destinations use roadways, tourists from other countries prefer trekking, said Kadariya.

The project office has been keeping data only of foreign tourists visiting Annapurna region. The number of domestic tourists reaching destinations including Mustang via road is increasing every year. The Annapurna circuit trekking route is a favorite of tourists from all over the world. According to the data of the project office, 172,108 tourists visited this area in the year 2079/80, 222,180 in the year 2080/81 and 278,113 in the year 208182.

Annually, millions of domestic and foreign tourists visit Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal of Kaski, Lwang, Ghandruk village, Tilicho Lake of Manang, Thorangla Bhanjyang, Upper Mustang, Muktinath area, Ghodepani of Myagdi, Pun Hill among other destinations along the Annapurna circuit trekking route. Annapurna region is preferred by domestic and foreign tourists due to its natural beauty, biodiversity, mountain life, wildlife, culture, etc.

Spread over 7,600 square kilometers of 87 wards of 15 local levels of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang, Annapurna Conservation Area is known as the world’s best destination in terms of attractive destinations, tourism-friendly infrastructures, climate, hospitality and services to locals.