The Manaslu area in Gorkha district welcomed 10,605 foreign tourists in 2024, marking a notable increase of 1,428 visitors compared to 2023, when the figure stood at 9,177.
Bhuwan Raj Ojha, conservation officer at the Manaslu Conservation Area Project Office, informed the state-owned national news agency RSS that the majority of this year’s visitors were from non-SAARC countries. France topped the list with 1,335 tourists, followed by Germany with 1,181 visitors, the United States with 796, and India with 159. Tourists also arrived from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, China, and other nations, according to RSS.
Visitors to the Manaslu area are drawn to its stunning natural beauty and cultural landmarks, including the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Birendra Lake, Kulchhuman (Kal) Lake, Mt Shringi, and the Tsum Valley, a hidden gem known for its ancient Buddhist monasteries and cultural heritage.
The Manaslu area, located in the Gorkha district of Nepal, is a prominent trekking destination known for its pristine natural beauty and cultural richness. Dominated by Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth-highest peak in the world, the region offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and glacial rivers.
The area is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), established in 1998 to preserve its unique biodiversity, including endangered species such as snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan musk deer. The conservation area spans an area of 1,663 square kilometers and is home to diverse flora and fauna, as well as several traditional villages inhabited by Gurung and Tibetan communities. (With inputs from RSS)
