Number of foreign tourists to Annapurna region grows by over 52k

GANDAKI, JANUARY 1: The Annapurna region, a renowned trekking destination, welcomed a record-breaking 244,045 foreign tourists in 2024, up by 52487 compared to the last year.

This surge follows a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, with arrivals plummeting to a mere 16,105 in 2021.

Of the 244,045 visitors in 2024, 132,094 were from South Asia, while 111,951 hailed from other parts of the world.

According to Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the region experienced a remarkable recovery and exceeded all previous visitor records.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek, encompassing iconic destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Peak, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, and Ghodepani, continues to captivate both domestic and international travelers.

Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, unique mountain life, and profound cultural significance, the Annapurna region has garnered global acclaim. In 2019, Lonely Planet ranked it among the top ten most visited destinations worldwide, while CNN included it in their list of the 23 top travel sites for 2023. ¹