KATHMANDU,JULY 21

A total of 37,733 foreign tourists visited Manang in the fiscal year 2024/25, reflecting a steady rise in tourist arrivals, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Area Office.

Of them, 2,554 were from SAARC countries and 35,178 from other nations, as recorded at the Dharapani Tourist Checkpoint. Tourists from 134 countries visited Manang, with the highest number from Israel (4,358), followed by France (3,616) and Germany (2,842).

In the previous fiscal year 2023/24, the district saw 22,371 foreign tourists from 124 countries, with French tourists topping the list.

ACAP officials say Manang's popularity stems from its natural beauty and its location along the Annapurna trekking route, considered one of the world's most dangerous yet scenic trails.

Locals primarily dependent on agriculture and tourism have benefitted from the rising tourist numbers. However, climate change and erratic weather patterns are emerging concerns for local tourism entrepreneurs, who fear these may affect future visitor numbers.

Meanwhile, ACAP's Conservation Education Assistant Bhupendra Gurung noted a significant rise in domestic tourist arrivals as well.

(With inputs from RSS)