Pokhara, February 18:

Number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased by 28 per cent in the year 2006 compared to the corresponding period last year. A total of 94,799 tourists visited Pokhara during the year, against 74,000 in 2005.

While the number of Indian tourists visiting Pokhara is found to have increased by 43 per cent in 2006, those of third country visitors also rose by 23 per cent. In the preceding year, 16,887 Indian tourists had visited Pokhara, which shot up to 24,199 in 2006. Similarly, 57,125 third country tourists had visited the picturesque Pokhara in 2005. This figure rose to 70,600 in 2006, according to Tourism Office, Pokhara.

Among the overseas tourists, 2006 saw the highest number of Japanese tourists visiting Pokhara that stood at 13,063. Similarly, 4,800 Chinese, 4,600 British, 3,790 Germans and 2,748 Americans visited Pokhara, informed Narayan Aryal, chief of the Pokhara Tourism Office.

Rich in natural scenic beauty, lakes and Himalayas and as a gateway to the world famous Mustang region, Pokhara has been one of most attractive destinations for tourists.