Nepal's Annapurna Region Welcomes Record 508,476 Foreign Visitors as Stay Durations Hit Historic 16.34 Days in 2026

SEO Title: Nepal Annapurna Tourism Surge: 508K Visitors in FY 2025–26
Meta Description: Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area recorded 508,476 foreign visitors in FY 2025–26, as average stays reached 16.34 days despite declining daily spending.
Slug: nepal-annapurna-tourism-surge-508k-visitors-2026
Standfirst: Driven by expanding Himalayan trekking demand across 169 nations, Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area welcomed 508,476 international visitors in fiscal year 2025–26, while national average tourist stays reached an all-time record of 16.34 days.

Article

Tourism data for fiscal year 2025–26 (17 July 2025 to 16 July 2026) highlights a surge in international travel across Nepal’s Himalayan corridors. The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) welcomed 508,476 international visitors, nearly doubling the 278,113 arrivals recorded during the previous fiscal year.

National statistics also show that foreign travelers spent an average of 16.34 days in Nepal during 2025, marking the longest average stay duration in the country's recorded tourism history.

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Annapurna Source Market Breakdown and Route Demand

Visitors from 169 countries traveled to the 7,600-square-kilometer conservation area spanning Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang districts. Regional South Asian (SAARC) markets accounted for 384,145 visitors, while non-SAARC international markets contributed 124,331 travelers.

Top source markets visiting the Annapurna region include:

• India: 375,797 visitors
• China: 12,539 visitors
• United States: 9,884 visitors
• United Kingdom: 9,859 visitors
• France: 7,939 visitors
• Malaysia: 7,848 visitors
• Germany: 7,634 visitors
• Bangladesh: 7,448 visitors
• Australia: 7,095 visitors
• Israel: 6,398 visitors

Gateway transit hubs experienced strong economic activity, with hotel occupancy in Pokhara reaching 90 percent during peak trekking seasons, while pilgrimage visits expanded onward to Muktinath.

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The Economic Yield Challenge: Declining Expenditure

Despite longer vacation stays and higher arrival volumes, overall tourist expenditure per day dropped to US$33.09 in 2025. This figure represents a decline from Nepal's historical peak of US$79.10 per day in 2003 and remains well below regional Asian averages of US$100 to US$150 per day.

Tourism planners attribute lower daily spend to competitive budget travel packages, localized accommodation pricing, and transit cost structures.

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Wildlife Tourism Performance at Bardiya National Park

In contrast to mountain trekking growth, wildlife tourism in southern plains reserves saw stable figures. Bardiya National Park recorded 27,025 total visitors in FY 2025–26 (down slightly from 28,068 the previous year), generating Rs 32.6 million in entrance fees.

The park visitor breakdown included 18,907 domestic travelers, 6,901 non-SAARC tourists, and 1,217 SAARC visitors. Bardiya currently protects 125 Bengal tigers, approximately 120 wild elephants, and 38 one-horned rhinoceroses.

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Data Table

Region / Source Market	FY 2025–26 Visitor Volume	Category & Key Operational Details
Annapurna Total Arrivals	508,476 Visitors	Nearly double the 278,113 visitors recorded in FY 2024–25
India	375,797 Visitors	Primary international source market for Annapurna trekking & pilgrimage
China	12,539 Visitors	Second-largest international source market
United States	9,884 Visitors	Top long-haul North American origin market
United Kingdom	9,859 Visitors	Top long-haul European origin market
France	7,939 Visitors	Major European alpine trekking market
Malaysia	7,848 Visitors	Leading Southeast Asian source market
Germany	7,634 Visitors	Key European adventure travel market
Bangladesh	7,448 Visitors	Regional SAARC origin market
Australia	7,095 Visitors	Leading Oceania origin market
Israel	6,398 Visitors	Key long-haul gap-year & trek market
Bardiya National Park	27,025 Total Visitors	18,907 domestic, 6,901 non-SAARC, 1,217 SAARC; Rs 32.6M revenue

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Key Takeaways

• Record Annapurna Arrivals: The Annapurna region hosted 508,476 international visitors in FY 2025–26, up from 278,113 the prior year.
• Historic 16.34-Day Average Stay: Foreign tourists recorded the longest average stay in Nepal's history during 2025.
• Expenditure Drop: Average daily tourist spend fell to $33.09, highlighting an economic challenge to increase per-visitor yield.
• India Leads Market Share: Indian travelers accounted for 375,797 of the 508,476 visitors in the Annapurna area.

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FAQ

How many foreign tourists visited the Annapurna region in FY 2025–26?

The Annapurna Conservation Area recorded 508,476 international visitors between July 17, 2025, and July 16, 2026.

What was the average length of stay for tourists in Nepal in 2025?

Foreign visitors spent an average of 16.34 days in Nepal in 2025, the longest average stay duration ever recorded in the country.

How much do international tourists spend per day in Nepal?

Average daily tourist expenditure dropped to $33.09 per day in 2025, down from a historical peak of $79.10 in 2003.