KATHMANDU: Tourist arrivals on the Annapurna Circuit have begun to recover following disruptions caused by floods, landslides, and snowfall. With the route to Thorong La Pass now cleared and accessible, the region is receiving between 150 and 200 visitors daily.
According to the tourist check and information centre in Dharapani, operated by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), 1,447 tourists were recorded between Oct. 4 and Oct. 11. The data indicates that 887 of these visitors were male, while 560 were female.
Tourist numbers had previously declined after continuous rainfall and heavy snowfall between Sept. 24 and Sept. 27 obstructed roads and trekking trails. Authorities have since cleared the snow, restoring access to the Thorong La Pass and encouraging trekkers to return.
The rise in arrivals has provided a boost to local hotels and tourism businesses that were affected by the earlier slump. Local business owners remain optimistic that the number of visitors will continue to climb as road and trail conditions improve.
