Kathmandu: A total of 35,952 foreign tourists visited various destinations within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) during the month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November) this year.
According to ACAP officials, the number represents an eight percent increase compared to the same period last year, when 33,310 trekkers visited the region. The autumn months of Asoj and Kartik are considered the prime season for trekking along the world-renowned Annapurna trail.
ACAP Chief Dr Rabin Kadariya said that Indian tourists accounted for the highest number of foreign visitors this season.
In addition to foreign arrivals, the number of domestic tourists has also risen significantly year on year. Dr Kadariya noted that many Nepali travelers make use of festival holidays to trek in the ACAP region.
Major tourist destinations within ACAP include Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Peak, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorang-La Pass, Upper Mustang, Ghorepani, Poon Hill and several other sites.
ACAP spans 15 local levels across the districts of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang.
(RSS)
