Myagdi (Beni). More than 12,000 domestic tourists have visited the Annapurna I Base Camp in Narchyang of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Myagdi, over the past two months. The area has seen a significant surge in internal tourism from mid-September to the third week of November, especially during the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals.
According to Tej Gurung, a tourism entrepreneur operating a hotel in Humkhola along the ‘Maurice Herzog Trail’ leading to the Annapurna I Base Camp, the route witnessed an average of 200 to 500 tourists daily during the festive period. He noted that this is the highest number of domestic tourists seen so far at the base camp.
Since last year, several hotels have begun operating along key points of the trail such as Humkhola, Futfute Waterfall, Sandhikharka, Gufafant, Bhusket Mela, and Panchakunda Lake. With road access now extending up to Humkhola and newly built trekking trails leading toward the base camp, the journey has been shortened to a two-day trek—making it a popular choice for internal travelers.
Local tourism entrepreneurs are encouraged by the sharp rise in visitors within such a short span. The scenic Panchakunda Lake near the base camp, waterfalls like Futfute, and the picturesque Mistri Khola valley have been among the major attractions drawing young people from across the country.
Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun highlighted that infrastructure improvements and better hospitality services have contributed greatly to this surge in tourism. He also credited last year’s ‘Annapurna Diamond Jubilee Festival,’ organized to mark the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Annapurna, for successfully promoting the region.
“We’ve witnessed more tourists than the local hotels can currently accommodate,” said Chairperson Pun. “We are planning to manage this better and, in coordination with ACAP, are working to add a new hotel between Bhusket Mela and Panchakunda Lake to ease lodging pressure. Ensuring comfortable stays for visitors is our priority.”
The rural municipality has also initiated efforts to improve communication and electricity access in the base camp area. Additionally, with the rise in visitor numbers, waste management has emerged as a concern. Plans are underway to deploy clean-up teams to maintain the trail and base camp area.
To further support tourism growth, the local government has allocated NPR 2 million in the current fiscal year to upgrade trails and other necessary infrastructure, and has committed to annually marking Annapurna Climbing Day.
