Kaski, Oct 5: Tourist arrivals on the world-famous Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek have risen sharply in recent days as weather conditions improve and roads damaged by floods and landslides reopen.
Tourism operators said the end of prolonged rainfall, improved weather and disruptions along trekking routes in Manang and Manaslu have prompted more visitors to choose ABC as an alternative destination.
According to Dilip Gurung, secretary of the Chhomrong Tourism Management Committee, around 300 tourists are currently reaching ABC each day. Six hotels and lodges at the base camp can accommodate about 350 visitors.
“Domestic tourists have not arrived in significant numbers, but foreign and South Asian visitors have increased. All roads leading here have reopened, making trekking easier,” Gurung said.
Tourism in the Annapurna region had suffered after heavy rainfall, floods and landslides damaged roads and trekking trails. Erosion by the Modi River had blocked roads at Birethanti and Syauli Bazaar for an extended period. The rural municipality reopened the road in early Asoj after nearly six weeks of work.
With some routes toward Manang and Manaslu still affected by landslides, tourists who had planned to visit those areas are increasingly choosing ABC, Gurung said. The route to Annapurna Base Camp is comparatively easier.
Road access from Pokhara to the trekking trailheads has also improved. Annapurna Rural Municipality Ward 11 Chairman Him Bahadur Gurung said all routes from Pokhara through Ghandruk to ABC are now open, although temporary arrangements have been made at some damaged sections.
The trekking route across Kimrung Khola has also reopened after a temporary wooden crossing was built to replace a suspension bridge swept away by floods two months ago.
Situated about 4,130 metres above sea level, Annapurna Base Camp is one of the world’s popular trekking destinations. The trail offers close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Annapurna I, along with Himalayan villages, forests, waterfalls and Gurung culture.
With tourist numbers rising, the rural municipality has also opened a first aid centre at Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
The facility will provide immediate treatment to trekkers and local residents suffering from minor illnesses and emergencies, including altitude related problems. Trekkers visiting ABC have previously fallen seriously ill, and some have died from altitude sickness.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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