GANDAKI, OCTOBER 28

The Annapurna Base Camp welcomed a significant number of domestic tourists during the Dashain holidays. Hotels here are presently fully occupied with domestic tourists.

The 2015 earthquake, a storm wind at the Base Camp few years ago, and the COVID-19 pandemic had in the past affected tourism in the Annapurna Base Camp, said Chhomrong Tourism Committee's secretary Dilip Gurung. But things have changed. He said, on Friday alone, around 400 internal tourists visited the Base camp.

This area is a renowned tourist destination and reachable by a three-day trek from Ghandruk in Kaski. Those interested in a more extended trek can take the route from Naya Pul (New Bridge) along the Pokhara-Baglung Highway. The Annapurna trekking route, which encompasses the Annapurna Peak, the world's tenth highest peak, is considered one of the world's most spectacular trekking routes, according to Dharmaraj Panthi, the president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal Gandaki.

The area typically welcomes tourists from Europe, the United States, Malaysia, China, and Korea. It may be noted that the successful ascent of Annapurna I by French mountaineer Maurice Herzog in 1950 contributed to enhancing the world's attraction to mountain tourism.

Situated at an elevation of 4,130 metres above sea level, the Annapurna Base Camp gained further popularity for trekking tourism with Eric Shipton's historic trek here in 1966. The United Nations Secretary-General is set to pay an official visit to Nepal, commencing tomorrow, Sunday.

This visit marks his first trip to Nepal since assuming office in 2017. During the visit, the UN Secretary-General is slated to reach the Annapurna Base Camp, sparking excitement among tourism entrepreneurs in the area.

'It is undoubtedly a matter of great pride for all of us that a highly distinguished personality like the UN Secretary-General will be visiting the Annapurna Base Camp. We anticipate his visit to further enhance the global recognition and reputation of Nepal's mountain tourism, including the Annapurna Base Camp and the entire region,' Gurung said.

A version of this article appears in the print on October 29, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.