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Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in Nepal is witnessing a sharp increase in tourist arrivals as weather conditions improve and road access is restored after floods and landslides disrupted travel across the region. Around 300 tourists are currently reaching the famous Himalayan trekking destination each day, with foreign and South Asian visitors accounting for much of the recent increase.
The rise comes as several trekking routes in the Manang and Manaslu regions continue to face disruptions caused by landslides and damaged infrastructure. As a result, some trekkers who had planned to visit those destinations are choosing the Annapurna Base Camp route as an alternative. Tourism operators say the reopening of roads and improving trekking conditions have made ABC more accessible during the autumn travel season.
“There are no domestic tourists, but the arrival of foreign and SAARC tourists has increased. Now that all the roads leading here are open, trekking has become easier,” said Dilip Gurung, Secretary, Chhomrong Tourism Management Committee.
He also noted that approximately 300 tourists are currently reaching ABC each day. Road connectivity has played an important role in the recovery.
Sections around Birethanti and Syauli Bazaar that had been affected by the Modi River were reopened in the first week of October. According to Him Bahadur Gurung, Ward Chairperson, Annapurna Rural Municipality-11, the road network from Pokhara through Ghandruk to Annapurna Base Camp is now operational. Temporary arrangements have also been made along parts of the trekking route where infrastructure was damaged.
Another important improvement has been the restoration of a trekking route affected when the Kimrung River swept away a suspension bridge. A temporary wooden bridge has since been constructed, helping restore access along the route. These improvements are supporting the return of tourist movement after a difficult monsoon period.
Located at approximately 4,130 metres above sea level, Annapurna Base Camp is one of Nepal’s best-known trekking destinations. The route offers trekkers close views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, along with mountain villages, forests, waterfalls and Himalayan landscapes. The trek through Machhapuchhre Base Camp remains one of the major attractions of the region.
The increase in visitors is also bringing renewed activity to local tourism businesses. ABC currently has six hotels and lodges with a combined capacity of about 350 guests, meaning the current daily arrivals are significant for the local hospitality sector. Foreign and SAARC tourist arrivals have particularly increased as travellers look for accessible trekking options following disruptions elsewhere.
Tourist safety is also receiving greater attention. Annapurna Rural Municipality has established a primary health care centre at Machhapuchhre Base Camp to provide immediate medical assistance to trekkers and local visitors. The facility is particularly important because altitude-related health problems can pose serious risks at high elevations.
With October marking a major trekking period in Nepal, the renewed accessibility of Annapurna Base Camp is expected to support tourism activity in the region. The latest surge demonstrates how quickly visitor movement can recover when weather improves and essential road and trail connections are restored.
