Tourist Arrivals Surge at Annapurna Base Camp and Maurice Herzog Trail

Tourist arrivals are rising once again at the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and along the Maurice Herzog Trail in Myagdi district as the trekking season gets underway. Local authorities reported that around 40 trekkers have already reached the base camp in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, with numbers expected to climb further during the Dashain holidays.

Once overlooked despite its rich potential, the trail is now drawing increasing attention thanks to new promotional efforts, better trekking infrastructure, and improved hospitality services. The base camp, located on the banks of the Mistrikhola stream and surrounded by rare flora and fauna, can be reached in two days from Narchyang and returned in three. The route also offers attractions such as Panchkunda Lake, Futphute Lake, caves, and waterfalls, which have made the journey even more appealing for domestic trekkers.

With support from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), local youths have opened eateries and camping facilities, while entrepreneurs have invested collectively in hotels along key points of the trail. The area now has the capacity to host up to 50 trekkers a day. However, visitors have raised concerns about inadequate waste management and sanitation, issues locals say must be addressed as tourism continues to grow.