KATHMANDU, JULY 20

The Manaslu Conservation Area in northern Gorkha welcomed a record number of foreign tourists in fiscal year 2081/82, marking the highest annual influx to date.

According to the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), a total of 12,512 foreign tourists visited the region between Shrawan 1, 2081, and Asar end, 2082. This surpasses all previous records. Interest in the Manaslu region is growing, the office said.

Of the total foreign visitors, 12,248 were from non-SAARC countries and 253 from SAARC member states. Additionally, 11 Nepali tourists paid fees to trek the region. The number reflects a notable increase of 2,729 visitors compared to fiscal year 2080/81, which saw 9,783 foreign arrivals.

The rise is attributed to improved trekking routes, better safety, increased promotional efforts, and the availability of well-equipped hotels and lodges along the trails, according to the MCAP.

Among the foreign tourists, French tourists topped the list, with 763 men and 644 women visiting the area. Other major source countries included Germany, the USA, the Netherlands, Israel, the UK, Australia, Spain, Russia, and Canada.

In comparison, the region received 7,750 foreign tourists in 2079/80 and just 2,222 in 2078/79, highlighting steady growth in visitor numbers post-pandemic.