Kathmandu, 21 Jul: The number of foreign tourists visiting the Himalayan district of Manang has been steadily increasing. According to the Area Office of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Manang, a total of 37,732 foreign tourists visited the region during the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/2025). This included 22,477 males, 15,249 females, and 6 others.
Based on data from the Dharapani tourist check-post under the ACAP office, 2,554 tourists were from SAARC countries, while 35,178 were from non-SAARC nations, according to office chief Dhak Bahadur Bhujel.
He also noted that tourists from 134 different countries visited Manang during the fiscal year.
According to Bhujel, Israel had the highest number of visitors to Manang this fiscal year, with 4,358 Israeli citizens visiting the region. They were followed by 3,616 tourists from France and 2,842 from Germany. He noted that compared to the previous year, the number of tourists from 10 countries increased this year.
In the fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/2024), a total of 22,371 tourists from 124 countries had visited Manang. At that time, French tourists topped the list, but this year, Israeli visitors outnumbered all others.
He stated, “The number of tourists visiting Manang is on the rise. The local people here depend largely on agriculture and tourism. The increasing flow of tourists is not only raising the local economic standard but also contributing to the improvement of the national economy.”
Since the Annapurna Circuit, ranked among the top 10 most dangerous trekking routes in the world, passes through Manang, the region has become increasingly attractive to foreign tourists. Bhujel stated, “Although tourists come from various countries, the majority tend to be from Israel, France, and Germany. These nations consistently have the highest numbers based on our records.”
He further noted that there has also been a rising trend in visitors from the United States, China, Russia, and India, as per the data registered with their office.
Bhujel added that Manang’s rich natural heritage has made it a favored destination among travelers.
Bhupendra Gurung, a conservation education assistant at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Manang, informed that the number of domestic tourists visiting Manang during holidays is also increasing. He stated, “We’ve noticed a significant rise in domestic tourist arrivals in Manang during long weekends or when there are three to four consecutive public holidays. Interest in travel is gradually growing among Nepalis as well. At present, Manang has become a favored destination for domestic tourists.”
Although no official records are kept for domestic tourists, their presence is visibly significant, according to him.
Most tourists visiting Manang typically cross Thorong La Pass via Tilicho Lake and exit toward Mustang, while some choose the route toward Manaslu via Larke Pass. Tilicho Lake is especially popular among domestic tourists, according to Cholpa Gurung, Ward Chair of Manang Ngisyang Rural Municipality–9. He mentioned that during long holidays, many domestic travelers select Tilicho Lake as their main destination.
There are two main trekking seasons in Manang. Tourist arrivals have been gradually increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods and landslides of 2078 B.S. (2021 A.D.). The allure of the mountain and hill landscapes, along with the traditions, customs, and natural beauty of the Manang people, draws many visitors. Additionally, through the Annapurna Circuit, tourists pass from Manang over Thorong La Pass to Mustang and continue on to Pokhara.
The Annapurna Circuit officially begins at Manange Chautara in Besisahar Municipality–7, Lamjung, which serves as the entry point. The trekking route spans five districts: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski. Tourists usually travel by vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar. Recently, improved road access has allowed travelers to reach Chame and Khangsar by vehicle, after which they begin their trek to the main destinations.
