Gandaki, Jan 1: The Annapurna region, a renowned and adventure destination for trekking, welcomed a record number of foreign tourists in 2024, reaching a total of 244,045 visitors. Of these, 132,094 were from South Asia, and 111,951 hailed from other countries. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office, this marks the highest number of visitors to the region in its history.
In 2023, the region had already set a high record, with 191,558 tourists visiting. This surge follows a significant drop in arrivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019. In 2021, the area saw only 16,105 tourists, with numbers climbing to 129,733 in the following year. ACAP Chief Dr Rabin Kadariya said that not only did tourist arrivals revive in 2024, but they also set a new record with a substantial increase.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek, which includes attractions like the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Peak, Ghandruk, Manang’s Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, and Ghodepani of Myagdi, continues to draw both domestic and international visitors. The Annapurna region has been recognized for its natural beauty, biodiversity, mountain life, and cultural significance.
Four years ago, Lonely Planet, the international travel site, ranked it among the top ten most visited destinations globally, while CNN included it in their list of the 23 top travel sites for 2023.
