Kathmandu, September 29
Foreign tourists trekking to Manang along the Annapurna Circuit have started cutting their journeys short and returning towards Lamjung as persistent rainfall has worsened weather conditions and increased risks along the trekking route.
Many of the tourists had planned to cross the Thorong La Pass and continue towards destinations including Mustang and Pokhara. However, deteriorating weather and growing risks on the trail have prompted them to turn back from Manang.
According to Bhupendra Gurung, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Dharapani, 246 foreign tourists returned from Manang towards Lamjung over the past week.
Of those who returned, 151 were men and 95 were women. The figures cover the period from September 22 to 28.
Until a few days ago, around 100 to 150 foreign tourists were passing through Dharapani towards Manang every day. Tourist movement has declined sharply with the worsening weather.
“At least 100 to 150 tourists were heading towards Manang almost every day until a few days ago. Now, we see only one or two tourists heading towards Manang, while most have started turning back,” Gurung said.
Tourists who had planned to cross Thorong La Pass and continue towards Mustang and other destinations have shortened their journeys due to continuous rainfall, poor weather and increased risks along the trekking route.
The Annapurna Circuit begins from Besisahar Municipality-7 in Lamjung and passes through Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski. The highest point of the trekking route is Thorong La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,416 metres.
The route has long remained a popular destination among foreign tourists because of its natural and cultural diversity.
