Manang: The Himalayan district of Manang has witnessed a steady increase in foreign tourist arrivals in recent years. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Area Office in Manang, a total of 37,732 foreign tourists visited the region in the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), comprising 22,477 men, 15,249 women, and 6 others.
As per the data from the Dharapani Tourist Check Post under the ACAP, 2,554 of these tourists were from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, while 35,178 were from non-SAARC nations, according to office chief Dhak Bahadur Bhujel. He informed that visitors from 134 countries came to Manang in this fiscal year.
Among the countries, Israel topped the list with 4,358 tourists, followed by France with 3,616, and Germany with 2,842 visitors. Bhujel mentioned that tourist arrivals from 10 countries increased this year compared to the previous fiscal year.
In the fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/24), 22,371 tourists from 124 countries visited Manang, with French nationals being the most frequent visitors at that time. This year, Israeli tourists led in numbers. Bhujel said, “Tourist arrivals are on the rise. The local economy, based largely on agriculture and tourism, has seen positive impacts, with the increase in visitors also contributing to the national economy.”
Manang falls along the world-renowned Annapurna Circuit Trek, ranked as one of the top ten most challenging trekking routes globally. This has made Manang a key destination for foreign trekkers. Bhujel added, “While tourists come from various countries, those from Israel, France, and Germany are most common. Tourist numbers from the USA, China, Russia, and India are also increasing, according to our records.”
Manang is rich in natural resources and scenic beauty, making it a favorite among visitors.
According to Bhupendra Gurung, Conservation Education Assistant at the ACAP Manang office, domestic tourism is also rising, particularly during public holidays. He said, “When there is a long weekend, we observe a significant increase in domestic tourists visiting Manang. The trend of traveling among Nepalis is gradually increasing, and Manang has become a popular choice for domestic tourism.” However, there is no formal record of domestic tourist numbers, though their presence is clearly visible, he added.
Most tourists visiting Manang travel via Tilicho Lake and cross Thorong La Pass to exit toward Mustang, while some take the Larke Pass route to Manaslu. According to Cholpa Gurung, Ward Chair of Manang Ngisyang Rural Municipality–9, Tilicho Lake remains the top destination for domestic tourists, especially during extended holidays.
Trekking in Manang is mainly done in two major seasons. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating floods and landslides in 2078 BS (2021), tourist activity has gradually picked up. The region’s Himalayan views, mountain culture, traditions, and natural beauty continue to draw visitors. Trekkers generally travel from Manang, cross Thorong La Pass, and head to Mustang and Pokhara via the Annapurna Circuit.
The trek begins at the Manange Chautara in Besisahar Municipality–7, Lamjung, which is the entry point of the Annapurna Circuit. The trail connects five districts: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski. Tourists generally travel by vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar, and with improved road access, many now reach Chame and Khangsar by road before starting their treks on foot toward their main destinations.
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