KATHMANDU: The Annapurna Circuit Trek cemented its position as one of the top 10 trekking routes in the world in 2024 with 30,866 foreign visitors. Among the guests were 12,362 women, 18,499 men, and five others in various categories. This marked a significant recovery for the region after visitor numbers declined during the COVID-19 epidemic years.  

The tourists included 287 women and 1,567 males from SAARC nations, according to Bhupendra Gurung, the director of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Tourist Check and Information Center in Dharapani. Though there were five people in other categories, the majority—16,932 men, and 12,075 women—came from non-SAARC countries. Many came from France, Israel, Germany, and the UK, demonstrating how popular the walk is all around the world.  

Between 2023 and 2024, the walk saw a considerable rise in attendance, with 9,619 additional foreign visitors exploring the circuit. 12,981 males and 8,266 women made up the 21,247 hikers that visited the area in the previous year. Gurung emphasized that 122 nations sent trekkers in 2023, proving the trek's appeal on a global basis.  

Arrivals have been increasing after years of volatility brought on by the pandemic. The number of international visitors to the circuit increased from 10,553 in 2021 to 15,900 in 2022. According to the 2022 statistics, there were 10,364 men and 5,536 women among the visitors, with 2,012 being French. Since the steep decline in 2020, when there were just 1,976 visitors, the number of tourists has been gradually increasing.  

With 36,647 visits in 2019, trekkers were more common in the years before the pandemic. Prior years have demonstrated increasing interest, with 29,484 visitors in 2018 and 21,068 in 2017. However, the epidemic produced a steep decline, particularly in 2020, before the numbers began to grow again in the following years.  

Manange Chautara in Besisahar Municipality-7, Lamjung, is where the Annapurna Circuit entry is located. Through the districts of Lamjung, Manang, Kaski, Mustang, and Myagdi, the trek offers a variety of cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and expansive views of the Himalayas. The Thorong La Pass's natural beauty and cultural significance attract many trekkers who cross it on their way to Mustang or Pokhara.  

Tilicho Lake, the highest-altitude lake in the world, and the peaks of Manang are also popular tourist destinations. The trek's worldwide status as a must-see location is a result of these natural treasures. A constant stream of adventurers and nature lovers is guaranteed by the circuit's varied attractions.  

Local communities have benefited economically from the recovery of the hotel and hospitality industries along the circuit as a result of the increase in tourists. The Annapurna Circuit never fails to enthrall tourists and support Nepal's tourism sector with its singular blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity.