Manang Attracts Over 30,000 Foreign Tourists in 2026, Indians Lead Arrivals

Tourist arrivals in Manang have continued to rise, with Indian travelers showing growing interest in the Annapurna Circuit and the Himalayan district. A total of 30,662 foreign tourists visited Manang by October 2026, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Manang Unit. ACAP Manang Chief Dhak Bahadur Bhujel said the visitors included 19,140 men, 11,512 women, and 10 tourists categorized as others. Among the international visitors, Indians accounted for the largest group, with 5,049 arrivals. They were followed by 2,768 tourists from Israel, 1,948 from Germany, 1,899 from China, and 1,034 from France. According to Bhujel, tourists from 119 countries had visited different parts of Manang by October. Of the total visitors, 5,090 were from SAARC countries, while 25,572 came from other nations. Despite snowfall in the Himalayan region due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab, Manang continued to receive a significant number of tourists. Bhujel said visitors remained interested in exploring the district's natural beauty and cultural heritage, even during challenging weather conditions. Tourist movement has since improved as the risks have subsided. Manang is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers visiting Thorong La Pass, located along the Annapurna Circuit on the border of Manang and Mustang, as well as Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest-altitude lakes. The region also attracts climbers attempting peaks such as Himlung Himal and Manaslu. The Annapurna Circuit is among the world's challenging trekking routes, connecting five districts: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski. Trekkers typically begin their journey from Manange Chautara in Besisahar Municipality-7, Lamjung, before heading towards Manang and crossing Thorong La Pass to reach Mustang and eventually Pokhara. Tourists generally travel by road from Kathmandu to Besisahar. In recent years, improved road access has also allowed visitors to reach Chame and Khangsar by vehicle before beginning their trekking journey.