The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), Nepal’s most popular trekking destination, welcomed visitors from 169 countries during the fiscal year 2025/26 (July 17, 2025 – July 16, 2026). According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a total of 508,476 international tourists visited the region, marking a remarkable increase in tourism compared to the previous fiscal year.
The significant rise in visitor numbers highlights the Annapurna region’s growing popularity among trekkers, pilgrims, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers from around the world.
During the fiscal year 2025/26, the Annapurna Conservation Area received:
Compared to the previous fiscal year (2024/25), when 278,113 tourists visited the region, visitor arrivals increased by over 82%, making it one of the strongest tourism recovery years in Nepal’s history.
Top 10 Countries Visiting the Annapurna Region
India remained the largest international source market for the Annapurna region, accounting for the overwhelming majority of visitors.
| Rank | Country | Visitors |
| 1 | India | 375,797 |
| 2 | China | 12,539 |
| 3 | United States | 9,884 |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 9,859 |
| 5 | France | 7,939 |
| 6 | Malaysia | 7,848 |
| 7 | Germany | 7,634 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 7,448 |
| 9 | Australia | 7,095 |
| 10 | Israel | 6,398 |
Tourists from another 159 countries also visited the Annapurna Conservation Area during the fiscal year, demonstrating the region’s global appeal.
Why Did Tourist Arrivals Increase?
According to Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Head of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the number of foreign visitors increased dramatically compared to the previous year.
Several factors contributed to this growth:
The largest increase came from Indian tourists, particularly during the Baisakh–Jestha (May–June) travel season, when many visitors traveled to Nepal to escape the intense summer heat in northern India.
Pokhara and Muktinath Continue to Attract Indian Travelers
Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital, experienced exceptionally high hotel occupancy during the peak travel months.
According to ACAP:
The improved accessibility and increasing popularity of Muktinath have made it one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Annapurna region.
The Annapurna Conservation Area is home to some of Nepal’s most iconic trekking trail routes and mountain destinations, including:
These destinations attract trekkers, photographers, mountain lovers, cultural explorers, and pilgrims throughout the year.
About the Annapurna Conservation Area
Established in 1986, the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is Nepal’s largest protected conservation area, covering approximately 7,629 square kilometers across the districts of:
The conservation area encompasses 87 wards within 15 local governments and is internationally recognized for its:
Its well-developed trekking infrastructure, comfortable teahouses, and breathtaking scenery make it one of the world’s premier trekking destinations.
The impressive growth in international arrivals demonstrates that the Annapurna region continues to be Nepal’s most accessible and sought-after trekking destination. Improved infrastructure, diverse trekking routes, cultural richness, and year-round travel opportunities have strengthened its position among the world’s top adventure travel destinations.
With visitors arriving from 169 countries, the Annapurna Conservation Area continues to play a vital role in Nepal’s tourism industry and local economy while showcasing the country’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage.
