The Annapurna Circuit and Manang have been attracting an increasing number of Indian tourists. By October 2026, a total of 5,049 Indian tourists had travelled through Manang to explore the Annapurna Circuit.
Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Area Conservation Office in Manang, said that a total of 30,662 foreign tourists had visited Manang by October. Of them, 19,140 were men, 11,512 women and 10 others.
According to ACAP, the largest number of visitors came from India, with 5,049 tourists, followed by Israel with 2,768, Germany with 1,948, China with 1,899 and France with 1,034.
"By October, people from 119 countries had visited various places in Manang. Of the total visitors, 5,090 were from SAARC countries, while 25,572 came from other countries," Bhujel said.
In the last fiscal year 2025/26, a total of 508,476 foreign tourists visited the Annapurna Circuit, including 375,797 Indian visitors. Tourist arrival figures from the previous year and the current tourist season indicate that the Annapurna Circuit is becoming increasingly popular among Indian tourists.
Bhujel said a significant number of tourists had continued to visit the region even when snowfall occurred in the mountainous areas due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab. "Despite the risks, tourists visited Manang to enjoy its scenic beauty and natural and cultural attractions. Now that the risks have subsided, tourist arrivals have started increasing further," he said.
Tourists visit the Annapurna Circuit to cross the Thorong La Pass, explore Tilicho Lake, regarded as one of the world's highest-altitude lakes, and climb Himlung Himal and Mount Manaslu. The region attracts visitors with its spectacular mountain and hill landscapes, the traditions, culture and customs of the people of Manang, and its natural beauty.
The Annapurna Circuit, considered one of the world's 10 most challenging trekking routes, also offers trekkers the opportunity to cross Thorong La Pass from Manang and proceed through Mustang to Pokhara.
