Tourists decreased in Annapurna Circuit

POKHARA, Jan 31:Tourists have decreased on the Annapurna trail, which is one of the most important in the global tourism business. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Tourist Check and Information Centre at Dharapani, onlythis season  two to four foreign tourist this trail each day.

Bhupendra Gurung, the center's manager, stated that the number of tourists has reduced as the weather has become cooler. He stated that until summer arrives, the number of tourists will decline, and the income of tourism business owners will be non-existent. Over 35,000 tourism entrepreneur are on this trail. Most of these entrepreneur rely on tourism as their primary source of income.

Due to the extreme cold, there has been a decrease in tourist arrivals. Entrepreneur who have been operating dozens of hotel enterprises along the trail, targeting tourists who come along the trail, are now in danger. They complained that if the number of tourists drops, there will be no money, making it difficult for the family to make a life.

Pancha Bahadur Gurung of Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-4 in Lamjung stated, 'When there was a flood of tourists, the daily income was up to 30/40 thousand rupees, but today the income has turned zero due to the lack of tourists.' He expressed concern that the frigid weather had discouraged people from visiting the trail.

Khush Bahadur Tamang, another tourism entrepreneur, is experiencing the same problem. The tourism industry, which has been returning to normal after a long hiatus, has suddenly reduced due to a fall in tourist arrivals. He stated that, although earning 30/35 thousand rupees per day, he is concerned about how to support his family due to the lack of income from the amount of tourists on the trail.

Tourists take the Annapurna trail to travel to Mustang or Pokhara from Manang via Thorang pass to see the Himalayas, mountain vistas and natural beauty of the Manang people. The trail connects five districts: Lamjung, Manang, Kaski, Mustang, and Myagdi.

This trail, which is ranked as one of the top 10 in the world, begins in Lamjung Benissahar. As the trail is deserted, not only tourism entrepreneur but also hundreds of hotel employees, porters and guides for tourists are facing problems.