Nepal’s Annapurna Tourism Roars Back as 21,048 International Visitors Arrive in September 2026, Marking 8.6% Growth

Nepal’s Annapurna welcomed 21,048 foreign visitors in September 2026, up 8.6%, driven by stronger South Asian demand.
Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area saw a surge in international tourists during September 2026, with 21,048 foreign visitors flocking to the region – an 8.6% increase from the same period last year. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (A CAP) reported that Nepal’s second-highest mountain range had seen a significant rebound in visitor numbers, with the majority of the increase driven by South Asian demand. International visitors continue to flock to the area for trekking, adventure tourism and natural attractions, which have seen a surge in popularity in recent years.

Of the total arrivals, 10,705 visitors came from countries outside the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), while 10,343 arrived from SAARC member nations. Non-SAARC visitors accounted for approximately 50.9% of total arrivals, compared with 49.1% from South Asian countries.

The September figures represent an increase of 1,662 international visitors over the 19,386 recorded during September 2025. Although arrivals remain below the September 2024 peak, the latest performance shows improving tourism demand across the Annapurna region.

Annapurna Tourism Witnesses Strong Recovery as International Arrivals Climb 8.6%

The Annapurna Conservation Area experienced a noticeable improvement in international tourism during September 2026. Foreign visitor arrivals increased from 19,386 in September 2025 to 21,048 in September 2026, representing year-on-year growth of approximately 8.6%.

The recovery reflects stronger regional tourism demand, particularly among travellers from SAARC countries. Annapurna continues to attract international visitors through its established trekking routes, Himalayan landscapes and mountain tourism experiences.

Key highlights of Annapurna tourism in September 2026:

• Total international arrivals: 21,048 visitors.
• Annual tourism growth: 8.6% compared with September 2025.
• Additional visitors: 1,662 more than the previous year.
• Non-SAARC arrivals: 10,705 visitors.
• SAARC arrivals: 10,343 visitors.
• Non-SAARC market share: 50.9%.
• SAARC market share: 49.1%.

These figures demonstrate that regional travel demand supported Annapurna’s latest tourism recovery, despite a slight decline in visitor numbers from countries outside South Asia.

South Asian Tourism Demand Surges as SAARC Arrivals Increase by 21.1%

One of the most significant developments in September 2026 was the sharp increase in visitors from SAARC member nations. Regional arrivals reached 10,343, compared with 8,542 in September 2025.

This represents an increase of 1,801 visitors, equivalent to approximately 21.1% year-on-year growth. South Asian travellers accounted for 49.1% of total international arrivals, compared with approximately 44.1% during September 2025.

Meanwhile, non-SAARC arrivals declined from 10,844 to 10,705, representing a decrease of approximately 1.3%.

International Visitor Breakdown for September 2026

Important developments:

• South Asian visitor numbers increased by 1,801.
• Non-SAARC arrivals declined by 139.
• Regional travellers generated the entire net increase in visitor arrivals.
• Non-SAARC countries continued to account for a slightly larger share of total visitors.

The figures reveal the growing importance of South Asian markets in sustaining tourism activity across Nepal’s Annapurna region.

Annapurna Tourism Remains Below Its 2024 Peak Despite September Recovery

Although September 2026 delivered encouraging growth, total foreign arrivals remained below the levels achieved during September 2024.

The conservation area welcomed 23,088 international visitors in September 2024, including 12,017 from non-SAARC countries and 11,071 from SAARC member nations.

Visitor numbers subsequently declined to 19,386 in September 2025 before recovering to 21,048 in September 2026.

Despite this improvement, arrivals remain 2,040 visitors below the September 2024 total, representing a difference of approximately 8.8%.

Comparison with September 2024:

• 2024 international arrivals: 23,088.
• 2026 international arrivals: 21,048.
• Difference: 2,040 fewer visitors.
• Percentage below 2024: Approximately 8.8%.
• Tourism position: Recovering, but still below the five-year September peak.

The comparison shows that Annapurna has regained some of the visitor volume lost during 2025. However, sustained growth across both regional and wider international markets will be needed to exceed its previous peak.

Five-Year Visitor Statistics Reveal Annapurna’s Changing Tourism Performance

Historical tourism figures demonstrate how international arrivals across the Annapurna Conservation Area have changed over the past five years.

In September 2022, the region welcomed 16,297 international visitors. Arrivals increased to 19,181 in September 2023 before reaching 23,088 in September 2024.

September 2025 brought a decline to 19,386 visitors, followed by the recovery recorded in September 2026.

Annapurna International Tourism Arrivals from 2022 to 2026

Major findings from the five-year comparison:

• 2022: Annapurna welcomed 16,297 international visitors.
• 2023: Arrivals increased by approximately 17.7%.
• 2024: Visitor numbers reached a five-year September high of 23,088.
• 2025: International arrivals declined by approximately 16%.
• 2026: Tourism recovered, recording 21,048 visitors.

Compared with September 2022, international arrivals increased by approximately 29.2% in September 2026. The latest total also represents the second-highest September visitor figure recorded during the five-year period.

Nepal’s Annapurna Region Strengthens Its Appeal as a Mountain Tourism Destination

The Annapurna Conservation Area remains an important destination for international trekking, adventure travel and nature-based tourism.

Covering approximately 7,629 square kilometres, the protected area includes Himalayan landscapes, mountain valleys, traditional settlements, forests and established trekking routes.

Among its major tourism attractions are Annapurna Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake, the Kali Gandaki Gorge and destinations around Manang and Mustang.

Major tourism attractions across Annapurna include:

• Annapurna Circuit: A major trekking route through mountain landscapes and settlements.
• Annapurna Base Camp: A popular destination offering views of the Annapurna mountain range.
• Tilicho Lake: A high-altitude lake attracting adventure travellers.
• Kali Gandaki Gorge: A remarkable natural landscape within the wider Annapurna region.
• Manang and Mustang: Mountain destinations known for trekking routes, landscapes and local heritage.

These attractions support Nepal’s wider mountain tourism industry and create opportunities for travellers seeking outdoor activities and natural experiences.

Rising International Visitor Numbers Create Opportunities for Local Tourism Businesses

The recovery in September arrivals creates potential opportunities for communities and businesses connected to tourism across the Annapurna region.

An increase in visitors can generate additional demand for accommodation, trekking services, transport, guiding and travel-related facilities.

Local tourism operators and communities along trekking routes may benefit from higher visitor activity, especially during established travel seasons.

Tourism-related sectors that may benefit include:

• Accommodation: Greater demand for guesthouses, lodges and other visitor facilities.
• Trekking services: Opportunities for licensed guides and trekking support services.
• Transport: Increased demand for travel connections to trekking destinations.
• Local businesses: Additional opportunities for shops and tourism service providers.
• Adventure tourism: Potential growth in demand for organised mountain activities.

However, the available September statistics do not include visitor spending, tourism revenue, average length of stay or accommodation occupancy. Consequently, the increase in arrivals cannot be used to calculate an equivalent increase in tourism earnings.

Annapurna Tourism Outlook Improves as Nepal Enters the Autumn Travel Season

The September 2026 recovery provides an encouraging indication for Nepal’s mountain tourism industry as the country moves further into the autumn travel period.

The increase to 21,048 international visitors highlights stronger regional demand and renewed interest in Annapurna’s tourism attractions.

However, the figures also show that visitor numbers have not completely returned to their September 2024 level. Continued improvements in tourism infrastructure, visitor safety, environmental conservation and destination accessibility could help support further growth.

The latest tourism performance highlights three important developments:

• Annapurna recorded an 8.6% increase in international arrivals during September 2026.
• Stronger demand from South Asian countries was the principal driver of the recovery.
• Total arrivals remained below the September 2024 peak, leaving opportunities for further growth.

The region’s future tourism performance will depend on whether visitor demand continues increasing across both regional and non-regional markets.

Nepal’s Annapurna tourism rebounded in September 2026, welcoming 21,048 international visitors, up 8.6% year on year, driven by a strong surge in South Asian arrivals and growing regional demand for mountain tourism.

With 21,048 international arrivals in September 2026, Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area has demonstrated renewed tourism momentum. The latest figures reinforce the region’s importance within Nepal’s international trekking and mountain tourism industry while highlighting the potential for continued recovery and sustainable tourism development.