Manang, Nepal — With the monsoon clouds finally gone, life in the trans-Himalayan district of Manang is picking up again. Clear blue skies and fresh mountain air have opened the way for trekkers heading to one of Nepal’s most famous trails — the Annapurna Circuit.
Tourism Rebounds After a Difficult Season
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Manang reports that more than 7,461 foreign visitors have arrived within just the first one and a half months of the season.
According to Bhupendra Gurung, ACAP’s conservation education assistant, the biggest groups came from Israel (1,127), Germany (501), the United Kingdom (466), and Australia (441). Travelers from 87 countries have already visited Manang’s key sites, including Thorong-La Pass, Larke Pass, and Tilicho Lake.
“The new season has given people here hope again,” Gurung said. “After months of quiet, tourism is finally helping the local economy move forward.” The GenZ movement and heavy monsoon rains had slowed down visitor numbers earlier this year.
Many bookings were canceled during the unrest, said Binod Gurung, president of the Manang Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Association. “As peace returns and the weather clears, we’re seeing more trekkers every week,” he shared.
Local hotels are also starting to fill up. Nabin Bikram Singh, who runs a hotel in Manang, said rooms that were empty for weeks are now booked again. “It’s not back to full yet,” he said, “but it’s getting better. The fire at the Hilton Hotel had scared many travelers, but now people are coming back.”
Annapurna Circuit Among the World’s Top Treks
The Annapurna Circuit, often listed among the world’s top ten trekking routes, stretches across Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski districts. Trekkers begin from Besisahar in Lamjung, climb through high passes like Thorong-La, and continue on to Mustang and Pokhara.
New road connections up to Chame and Khangsar have made travel easier. Tourism experts say better coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments is needed to keep routes safe and sustainable as traffic grows.
Domestic Tourism on the Rise
Not only foreigners — more Nepali travelers are also exploring Manang these days. Local homestays and community lodges are welcoming families and young adventurers looking for new experiences in their own country. “People want to see real village life, culture, and nature,” Gurung said. “This is helping small businesses and keeping traditions alive.”
For many visitors, Manang is more than a trekking stop — it’s a place where you feel the soul of the mountains. As one traveler said, “You come for the views, but what stays with you is the warmth of the people and the rhythm of life in the Himalayas.
