Key Takeaways:
- 508,476 tourists from 169 countries visited ACA in FY 2025/26
- Indian nationals led arrivals, while China and the US ranked second and third
- Tourist inflow boosted Pokhara hotel occupancy to 90% in peak months
- ACA spans 7,600 sq km across five districts, with iconic trekking routes
KATHMANDU, JULY 21
The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) recorded a historic surge in foreign tourist arrivals in the last fiscal year, attracting 508,476 visitors from 169 countries, according to official data.
The figure is nearly double the 278,113 foreign tourists who visited the region in fiscal year 2024/25, setting a new all-time record for one of Nepal's most popular trekking destinations.
Of the total arrivals, 384,145 tourists came from South Asian countries, while 124,331 were from other parts of the world. Indian nationals accounted for the largest share, with 375,797 visitors entering the conservation area during the fiscal year.
China emerged as the second-largest source market with 12,539 visitors, followed by the United States with 9,884 tourists. Other major source countries included the United Kingdom (9,859), France (7,939), Malaysia (7,848), Germany (7,634), Bangladesh (7,448), Australia (7,095) and Israel (6,398).
Dr Rabin Kadariya, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, said the region witnessed an unprecedented increase in visitor numbers, particularly from India. He noted that tourist arrivals from India and other South Asian countries rose by nearly 300 percent during the peak season in May and June.
According to Kadariya, improved promotion of destinations such as Pokhara and Muktinath in India, easier transportation access and extensive exposure through social media platforms contributed to the sharp rise in Indian arrivals. He added that around 40 percent of Indian visitors travelling to Pokhara also visit Muktinath.
The influx boosted tourism businesses across the region, with hotel occupancy in Pokhara reaching as high as 90 percent during the peak months of Baisakh and Jestha.
The Annapurna region remains one of the world's premier trekking destinations, drawing visitors to attractions including the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath and Ghorepani.
Spread over 7,600 square kilometres, the Annapurna Conservation Area covers 87 wards across 15 local units in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang districts. The area is renowned for its mountain landscapes, biodiversity, culture and extensive trekking network.