Myagdi, June 24: Number of tourists visiting the Annapurna I Base Camp, located in Narchyang of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 in Myagdi district, has been increasing. The growth is attributed to improved hotel facilities and better management along the trekking route.
Annapurna I, historically recognized as the first mountain over 8,000 meters to be successfully climbed, was summited on June 3, 1950, by a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog, along with Louis Lachenal and two Nepali Sherpas. Despite its historical significance, the trekking route to the base camp had remained under-promoted. Recently, however, local residents of Narchyang have launched initiatives to identify and promote the trail.
The Annapurna Rural Municipality and the local ward office have initiated infrastructure development and tourism promotion activities along the route. With the construction of trails, rest areas, tea shops, hotels, and promotional campaigns, the number of visitors has increased, according to tourism entrepreneur Tej Gurung.
Gurung reported that about 10,000 Nepali and foreign tourists visited the Annapurna I Base Camp last year. “This year, the number of visitors is rising. In previous years, most mountaineers reached the base camp by helicopter, but this year, more climbers are trekking,” he added. The celebration of the Annapurna Diamond Jubilee at the base camp also helped in promoting the area.
Several small hotels have opened along the route in places like Humkhola, Sandhikharka, Gufafant, Bhusketmela, and Panchakundatal, making it easier for tourists to access food and shelter. Gurung mentioned that these temporary accommodations can host 40 to 80 guests, encouraging more domestic tourists to visit. Around 6,000 internal tourists have visited the area this season alone.
Michael Pariyar, who runs a hotel in Sandhikharka, said the days of tourists carrying their own food and supplies are over thanks to the new hotel services. “After two days of walking, tourists can reach the base camp. A 20-kilometer road now connects Pokharebagar to Humkhola, and from there, a 16-kilometer trail leads to the base camp. Once considered one of the toughest mountains to climb, Annapurna I is now more accessible,” he added.
Ajit Century, who operates a hotel near Panchakundatal, said that homestays are available in Narchyang village—the entry point to the trail—and tourists can now find hotels every 2–3 hours along the route. This has solved food and lodging problems for trekkers. Local entrepreneurs have invested collectively in establishing hotels at key locations to boost tourism and generate income.
Local tourism operators say the campaign to develop Annapurna I Base Camp into a safe, adventurous, and premium destination is yielding results. The natural beauty of Panchakundatal Lake, dozens of waterfalls, and the stunning Himalayan landscape are major attractions along the trail.
Although the Annapurna I Base Camp and Maurice Herzog Trail had long remained in obscurity despite their tourism potential, recent promotion, infrastructure development, and hospitality improvements are drawing increasing numbers of visitors to the region. #nepal #annapurna
