The number of foreign tourists visiting the Manaslu Conservation Area in northern Gorkha reached a record high in the last fiscal year, according to the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). Often described as a hidden gem of the Himalayas, Manaslu is known for its pristine beauty yet remains relatively under explored by global trekkers.
MCAP Chief Santosh Sherchan said that a total of 12,512 foreign tourists visited the region in fiscal year 2024/25, the highest number recorded so far. “This is the highest tourist arrival in the Manaslu region till date. The area's appeal among international visitors is clearly increasing,” he stated.
Among the total, 253 were from SAARC countries, while the remaining 12,248 came from non SAARC nations. Additionally, 11 Nepali citizens visited the area after paying the required entry fees. In the previous fiscal year (FY 2023/24), the region had welcomed 9,783 foreign visitors—marking a year on year increase of 2,729.
Chief Sherchan attributed the growth in tourist numbers to improved trekking infrastructure, growing promotion of the trail, and the availability of better accommodation facilities. “The trekking route is now safer and more accessible. Promotion efforts and improved hotels have made a big difference,” he added.
Read: Manaslu Records Highest-Ever Tourist Influx
Tourists from France topped the list of visitors last year, with 763 male and 644 female French nationals trekking in the region. Other high numbers of visitors came from Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, Israel, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, Russia, and Canada.
Government data shows that 7,750 foreign tourists visited the Manaslu area in fiscal year 2022/23, and only 2,222 in 2021/22, reflecting a strong recovery and steady growth in post pandemic tourism.
More Signposts and Trail Markers Installed to Aid Trekkers
To enhance navigation and safety for trekkers in the Manaslu Conservation Area, MCAP has added new signposts and trail marking poles at multiple locations along the trekking route.
According to MCAP Chief Sherchan, in fiscal year 2024/25, the project installed markers at 53 new locations, including 35 signposts to provide information and 18 marking poles for wayfinding. “The signs help tourists know their current location, altitude, estimated time to the next destination, and even wildlife information,” Sherchan explained.
In the Nubri Valley section—from Larke Bazaar to Bhimtang—the number of marking poles has now reached 124, up from the previous total of 108.
Additional signposts have also been placed in the Chum Valley, including 19 along the route to Ganesh Himal, 14 in Nubri Valley, and 2 in Sirdibas.
Sherchan emphasized the usefulness of the markers during winter months, when snow can obscure the trail: “The poles are especially helpful in snowy conditions when paths may become difficult to trace.”
For the current fiscal year (FY 2025/26), MCAP plans to install 25 more marking poles and 35 additional signposts to further improve the trekking experience in the region. (With inputs from RSS)
Read: Manaslu Conservation Area Collects over Rs 25 Million in Revenue
