Kaski, Oct 5: The number of tourists coming for a trekking to the world-famous Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) has increased significantly over the past few days.
The rise in foreign trekkers follows the reopening of road sections along the route that had previously been blocked by floods and landslides, along with improved weather following the cessation of continuous rainfall. Furthermore, as trekking routes in the Manang and Manaslu regions remain disrupted there is a shift toward ABC.
According to Dilip Gurung, Secretary of the Chhomrong Tourism Management Committee, around 300 tourists are currently reaching Annapurna Base Camp daily. The arrival of foreign tourists including those from SAARC nations has increased. Secretary Gurung stated that with several roads and trekking routes to the Manang and Manaslu regions blocked by landslides, tourists planning to visit those areas have begun choosing the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek as an alternative destination.
Improved road connectivity and the normalization of conditions along the trekking routes have led to an increase in tourist movement. Him Bahadur Gurung, Ward Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality-11, stated that the entire road network from Pokhara through Ghandruk to ABC is currently open.
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,130 meters above sea level. The ABC trek is considered one of the world’s renowned trekking destinations, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna massif and Mount Machhapuchhre from the very foothills of the mountains.
The trekking route leading to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp is a major attraction of the region. Along the trail, trekkers can enjoy close-up views of peaks such as Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Annapurna I.
With the increasing number of domestic and international tourists on the Annapurna trail, the rural municipality has recently established a primary health care center, prioritizing the health and well-being of visitors. –––