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POKHARA, Jan 1: The number of foreign tourists visiting the Annapurna region has reached a new record, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
ACAP officials say the region has set new records in tourist arrivals every year since 2023, following the slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to ACAP Chief Rabin Kadariya, a total of 299,831 tourists visited the Annapurna region in 2025. Of them, 122,203 were from third countries, while 177,628 were from SAARC countries.
By comparison, total arrivals stood at 244,045 in 2024 and 191,558 in 2023, reflecting a steady increase over the past three years.
“Tourist arrivals in the Annapurna region have reached a new record. Over the past three years, the region has continued to welcome a growing number of visitors,” Kadariya said.
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Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the highest number of visitors was recorded in 2019, when 181,000 tourists visited the region. Arrivals declined sharply during the pandemic but have gradually recovered since 2022. However, Kadariya noted that the number of visitors from third countries remains relatively weak.
The highest number of third-country tourists was recorded in 2018, when 133,103 visitors entered the Annapurna region. This figure dipped slightly to 127,290 in 2019 and fell sharply during the pandemic years. It recovered to 111,951 in 2024 and rose further to 122,203 in 2025.
“Although overall tourist arrivals have improved, the number of visitors from third countries has not yet surpassed the 2018 record. Compared to that year, arrivals are still lower by around 10,000,” Kadariya said. “While total tourism has grown, third-country arrivals remain relatively weak. The increase in SAARC visitors has pushed overall numbers to a new record.”
He said greater efforts are needed to attract long-haul tourists, adding that surpassing the 2018 record for third-country arrivals could be possible in 2026 if current trends continue.
“If conditions remain favourable, 2026 could see higher arrivals than ever before,” he said.
The Annapurna region has 18 trekking routes, with the Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang, and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) among the most popular. Kadariya noted that improved road access to higher elevations has also altered trekking patterns.
“Third-country tourists mainly come for trekking. However, as roads have reached many traditional trekking routes, interest has declined in some areas,” he said. “Although new trekking routes are being identified, motor roads on established trails have affected visitor flow. There is a need to promote new destinations and trails.”
He added that the rise in visitors from SAARC countries—particularly India—has played a key role in boosting overall arrivals. Indian tourists, especially those visiting Muktinath in Mustang, have increased significantly in recent years.
“The number of Indian visitors has been rising every year, and that has helped sustain overall tourist numbers in the Annapurna region,” he said. “Indian tourists have been a major factor behind the new records.”
Kadariya also noted that tourist flow has remained strong even during the off-season this year, with foreign visitors arriving in good numbers in areas such as Annapurna Base Camp, Manang, and Mustang.
“Even during the off-season, tourist arrivals have been encouraging this time. Normally, this period sees fewer visitors, but that has not been the case this year,” he said.
