main_image
NEWS
bottom
bottom

Tourist arrival up in Annapurna trekking route

Parbat: The number of tourists arriving to visit the Annapurna trekking area has increased as compared to the last year.

The Annapurna trekking route is considered as one of the 10 most famous trekking routes in the world.

According to Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the number of foreign tourists visiting the area was up by 17 per cent as compared to the last year.

As many as 6,011 foreigners have visited the area in March 2013 whereas it was 4,500 in the same month last year.

Similarly, a total of 3,353 foreigners visited the Annapurna area in February, 2013 as against 2,876 in last year, said Tirtharaj Dhungana, an Official at the Tourist Check Point, Birethanti.

The data shows that the number was on rise as compared to the past years contrary to various rumors regarding the fall on the visitors' number.

A total of 44,531 tourists had visited the area in 2012 while it was 38,054 in 2011. It was 26,450 in 2008.

Dhungana said, "The trekkers' number has been increasing every year. The number of trekkers visiting the area was not decreased but it is the fact that they curtail their time for visit."

The trekking route begins from Nayapul of Kaski district and ends at Upper Mustang through Ghandruk, Chhomrung and Annapurna Base Camp. The trekkers also reach Mustang through Birethanti, Ghorepani, Punahill and Tatopani.

Tourists from different European, American, and Asian countries arrive here for trekking. But in the latest years, majority of trekkers come from China. The number of Korean people visiting the area is second highest.

Gorgeous mountainous views, peaceful and beautiful settlements, locals' life styles are the major attractions of the area.

source:the himalayan times,28 april 2013