Banking News – Tourists from 169 countries visited destinations within Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area during the fiscal year 2025/26, with foreign arrivals reaching a record 508,476, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

Of the total visitors, 384,145 were from South Asian countries, while 124,331 arrived from the rest of the world.

Indian tourists accounted for the largest share of arrivals, with 375,797 visitors, followed by 12,539 from China and 9,884 from the United States.

Other major source markets included the United Kingdom (9,859), France (7,939), Malaysia (7,848), Germany (7,634), Bangladesh (7,448), Australia (7,095), and Israel (6,398).

According to Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the number of foreign visitors more than doubled compared to FY 2024/25, when 278,113 tourists visited the region. He said the latest figures represent a new all-time record for foreign tourist arrivals.

Dr. Kadariya noted that tourist arrivals from India and other South Asian countries surged by nearly 300 percent in the month of Jestha, marking the highest number of Indian visitors ever recorded in the Annapurna region.

He attributed the increase to stronger promotion of destinations such as Pokhara and Muktinath in India, improved transportation connectivity, and wider exposure through social media.

During the summer season, many Indian travelers visit Pokhara and surrounding destinations to escape the heat. Hotel occupancy in Pokhara reached up to 90 percent during the Baisakh–Jestha tourism season. According to ACAP, around 40 percent of Indian tourists visiting Pokhara also travel to Muktinath.

Renowned globally for trekking tourism, the Annapurna region attracts visitors to iconic destinations including the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath, and Ghorepani.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project records statistics only for foreign visitors traveling within these destinations.

Spanning approximately 7,600 square kilometers, the Annapurna Conservation Area is internationally recognized for its spectacular mountain landscapes, rich biodiversity, unique Himalayan culture, and traditional mountain communities.

The protected area covers 87 wards across 15 local governments in the districts of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang, and is regarded as one of Nepal’s premier destinations for trekking and nature-based tourism due to its scenic attractions, tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and visitor services.