Mustang, Annapurna see surge in tourist arrivals; Trails upgraded, new destinations emerging
Summary
Mustang and Annapurna Conservation Area have seen a significant rise in foreign tourists, with upgrades to trekking trails enhancing visitor experiences. Antu Pokhari in Ilam also emerges as a new popular destination.
Key Points
- Mustang received 83,149 foreign tourists in the first four months of 2026, up from 51,896 in the same period last year.
- Annapurna region saw 251,188 foreign tourist arrivals over nine months, with most visitors from South Asia.
- ACAP allocated over Rs 3.26 million for repairing and upgrading 11 trekking routes in Mustang this fiscal year.
- Eastern Nepal’s Antu Pokhari in Ilam has become a vibrant tourism hub attracting up to 2,000 visitors daily.
