MANANG, Nepal: Persistent rainfall and deteriorating weather conditions have prompted a growing number of foreign tourists trekking the Annapurna Circuit to cut their journeys short and return toward Lamjung.
Many international trekkers who had planned to cross the 5,416-metre Thorong La Pass and continue toward Mustang, Pokhara and other destinations have changed their plans due to increasing weather-related risks.
According to Bhupendra Gurung, in-charge of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Dharapani, 246 foreign tourists returned from Manang to Lamjung over the past week. Among them, 151 were men and 95 were women.
Before the weather deteriorated, around 100 to 150 foreign tourists entered Manang through Dharapani each day. However, tourist movement along the route has dropped significantly in recent days.
“Only one or two tourists are heading toward Manang now, while most have decided to turn back rather than continue their journey,” Gurung said.
The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s well-known trekking routes. The trail begins in Besishahar Municipality-7 of Lamjung and passes through Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski.
Thorong La Pass, located at an elevation of 5,416 metres, is the highest point along the trekking route and a major destination for trekkers completing the circuit.
The route attracts visitors from around the world for its diverse landscapes, mountain scenery and rich natural and cultural heritage. However, the recent spell of adverse weather has disrupted trekking activities and forced many foreign visitors to reconsider their itineraries.
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