Dharapani:The number of visitors to the Annapurna circuit is rebounding after being significantly affected by recent floods and landslides. Heavy rain and snow from September 24 to 27 had caused blocked roads and paths, leading to a decrease in tourist numbers.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Bhupendra Gurung, who manages the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Tourist Check and Information Centre in Dharapani, reported that they are now welcoming about 150 to 200 tourists daily. This improvement follows efforts to clear snow from the footpath to Thorangla Pass, which stands at 5,416 meters, facilitating easier travel from Manang to Mustang.
The tourist season, which began in August, faced further challenges due to adverse weather from October 8 to 11, reducing arrivals to just one or two people a day. However, Gurung noted a positive trend with 1,447 tourists, including 887 men and 560 women, visiting the area from October 4 to 11.
The largest groups of tourists during this period hailed from Israel (141), Australia (121), Germany (109), Spain (103), and Britain (97). In previous peak seasons, daily tourist arrivals reached 400 to 500, but this year’s numbers have been affected by the recent weather events. Gurung remains optimistic that improved conditions will attract more visitors.
The Annapurna trail is popular among both local and international tourists for its breathtaking mountain views, natural beauty, and rich local culture. Key stops along the route from Besisahar in Lamjung to Mustang, via Manang and crossing the Thorangla Pass, include Jagat and Dharapani. Pancha Bahadur Gurung, a tourism entrepreneur from Masryangdi Rural Municipality-4 in Jagat, expressed hope that the rising tourist numbers will benefit the local economy.