Gandaki, April 7
The Annapurna conservation area has received an impressive number of foreign tourists at the beginning of the tourist season of the year 2026. The Annapurna Area Conservation Project (ACAP) shared that a total of 48,513 foreigners visited different destinations in the region.
The visitors from the SAARC countries stood at 32,020, while 16,493 visitors were from other countries. Chief of ACAP Dr Rabin Kadariya said that the number of tourists rose by 11,679 in March 2026 compared to the same month of 2025.
“Records show that 40 per cent of the total tourists arriving in Nepal visit the Annapurna region. The number of Indian nationals is the highest among the South Asian tourists here,” Chief Dr Kadariya added. The time period from March to May is a key tourist season in Nepal. Likewise, the number of domestic tourists in the ACAP destinations is on the rise due to the upcoming Nepali New Year and the annual session break for the school children.
Similarly, this is the best season for trekkers alike. Annapurna Base Camp (popularly known as ABC), Mt. Mardi, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorangla Pass, Upper Mustang, Ghorepani, Punhill and other sites in the ACAP are the key tourist destinations for visitors.
The ACAP covers 7,600 square kilometres of 15 local levels in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang districts. The ACAP is also one of the best trekking routes in the world for its astounding natural beauties, rich biodiversity, mountainous life, rich culture and civilisation.
