Tourist arrivals rebound on Annapurna Circuit Trekking route

LAMJUNG: Tourist arrivals on the Annapurna Circuit trekking route have begun to rebound after floods, landslides, and snowfall disrupted travel. The number of visitors had dropped sharply after incessant rain and snowfall blocked roads and trails from September 24 to 27. However, arrivals are now increasing as the trail to Thorong La Pass has become accessible again.

According to Bhupendra Gurung, in-charge of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) tourist check and information center in Dharapani, between 150 and 200 tourists are currently arriving daily. He said clearing accumulated snow from the trail leading to Thorong La Pass, which lies at an altitude of 5,416 meters above sea level, has made travel easier for trekkers heading from Manang to Mustang.

Tourist arrivals had begun to increase in mid-August, marking the start of the peak trekking season, but adverse weather conditions caused the numbers to plummet to just one or two visitors a day. Arrivals have now recovered to their previous levels, Gurung said.