Tourists from 169 Countries Visited Nepal’s Annapurna Region in the Last Fiscal Year

Nepal’s world-renowned Annapurna Conservation Area welcomed visitors from 169 countries during the last fiscal year, setting a new record for international tourism. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a total of 508,476 foreign tourists visited the region, reflecting a significant rise in both regional and international travel.

Among the total arrivals, 384,145 visitors came from South Asian countries, while 124,331 tourists arrived from other parts of the world.

India Leads Visitor Arrivals

India remained the largest source market by a wide margin, with 375,797 Indian tourists visiting the Annapurna region. China ranked second with 12,539 visitors, followed by the United States with 9,884 tourists.

Other major source markets included:

• United Kingdom – 9,859
• France – 7,939
• Malaysia – 7,848
• Germany – 7,634
• Bangladesh – 7,448
• Australia – 7,095
• Israel – 6,398

Tourist Numbers Nearly Double

According to Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, tourist arrivals during the last fiscal year were nearly double compared to the previous fiscal year (FY 2081/82), when 278,113 foreign visitors entered the Annapurna region.

He noted that the latest figures represent the highest annual tourist arrivals ever recorded in the conservation area.

Sharp Rise in Indian Visitors

Dr. Kadariya also revealed that tourist arrivals from India and other South Asian countries increased by nearly 300 percent during the month of Jestha (May–June). This marked the first time such a large number of Indian travelers visited the region.

The surge has been attributed to increased promotion of destinations such as Pokhara and Muktinath, improved transportation connectivity, and growing exposure through social media platforms.

During Nepal’s spring and early summer season, many Indian tourists travel to Pokhara and nearby destinations to escape the intense heat. Hotel occupancy in Pokhara reached up to 90 percent during the Baisakh–Jestha period. According to ACAP, nearly 40 percent of Indian visitors to Pokhara also continue their journey to Muktinath.

A World-Famous Trekking Destination

The Annapurna region remains one of the world's most celebrated trekking destinations. Popular attractions include the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, and Ghorepani.

ACAP records statistics only for foreign visitors entering these protected destinations.

Covering approximately 7,629 square kilometers, the Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal’s largest protected area and is internationally recognized for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, rich biodiversity, unique mountain communities, and vibrant cultural heritage.

The conservation area spans 87 wards across 15 local governments in the districts of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang. With its well-developed tourism infrastructure, warm hospitality, and diverse natural attractions, the Annapurna region continues to strengthen its position as one of Nepal’s premier travel destinations.