KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 20
Annapurna Conservation Area collected a record Rs 677.59 million in entry fees from foreign tourists in the last fiscal year, as visitor numbers reached 508,476, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
Of the total visitors in fiscal year 2025-26, 384,145 were from South Asian countries and 124,331 from other countries. Indian tourists accounted for the largest share, with 375,797 visitors.
ACAP chief Dr Rabin Kadariya said revenue from entry fees rose from Rs 464.88 million in fiscal year 2024-25 and Rs 389.46 million in 2023-24. The project charges Rs 1,000 for visitors from South Asian countries and Rs 3,000, including VAT, for visitors from other countries.
Foreign tourists visiting the restricted areas of Upper Mustang and Nar Phu in Manang generated an additional Rs 216.997 million in permit fees last fiscal year. These areas require special permits issued through the immigration office, and the fees go to the federal government rather than ACAP.
According to Kadariya, 1,855 tourists obtained 10-day permits for Upper Mustang at USD 500 per person, while 2,569 visitors paid USD 50 each for one-day visits. Another 1,338 tourists entered Nar Phu with seven-day permits, paying USD 100 per person.
Revenue from restricted-area permits was higher in fiscal year 2024-25, at Rs 301.752 million, compared with Rs 238.966 million in 2023-24.
The government designates areas along the border with Tibet as restricted zones. Upper Mustang and Nar Phu are popular trekking destinations that require foreign visitors to obtain special permission.
ACAP said revenue from tourist entry fees and related sources is used for conservation activities and tourism promotion programmes.