Annapurna Circuit Sees Surge in Foreign Tourists in 2024

The Annapurna Circuit Trek, one of the world’s most renowned trekking routes, attracted a total of 30,866 foreign tourists in 2024, marking a significant rise in visitors compared to the previous year. The trekking route, known for its stunning landscapes and challenging trails, welcomed 18,499 men, 12,362 women, and five individuals from other categories.

According to Bhupendra Gurung, who is in charge of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Tourist Check and Information Center at Dharapani, a total of 1,567 men and 287 women from SAARC countries trekked the circuit. The remaining 16,932 men, 12,075 women, and five other foreign tourists came from various countries, with the largest groups hailing from France, Israel, Germany, and the UK.

The region, which had experienced a decline in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen a steady recovery, with a noticeable increase in arrivals in recent years. In comparison to 2023, this year saw an additional 9,619 foreign visitors. In 2023, only 21,247 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna Circuit, with 12,981 men and 8,266 women among them, according to ACAP’s Dharapani Center. Visitors from 122 countries trekked the route in 2023.

This surge in tourist numbers highlights the ongoing appeal of the Annapurna Circuit as a top trekking destination, and local authorities are hopeful that the upward trend in tourist arrivals will continue into 2025.