Annapurna Region Sets Record for Tourist Arrivals in 2024

The Annapurna region, one of Nepal’s most renowned trekking destinations, welcomed an unprecedented 244,045 foreign tourists in 2024, marking the highest number of visitors in its history. Of the total arrivals, 132,094 were from South Asia, while 111,951 hailed from other parts of the world, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

This record surpasses the previous high of 191,558 tourists in 2023, reflecting a strong recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, which drastically reduced arrivals in 2021 to just 16,105. Numbers rebounded significantly in 2022, with 129,733 visitors, setting the stage for the all-time high achieved in 2024.

ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya attributed the surge to the revival of global travel and the region’s enduring appeal as a trekking paradise. The Annapurna Circuit Trek, featuring iconic attractions like Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Peak, Ghandruk, Manang’s Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, and Ghodepani in Myagdi, remains a major draw for both domestic and international tourists.

Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, mountain life, and cultural heritage, the Annapurna region has garnered global recognition. In 2020, Lonely Planet ranked it among the top ten most visited destinations worldwide, while CNN highlighted it in its list of the 23 best travel destinations for 2023.

The record-setting year underscores the Annapurna region’s status as a premier destination for trekking and adventure tourism.