Adverse weather forces foreign tourists to cut short Manang trek

Lamjung, Sept 29: Adverse weather and incessant rainfall have forced foreign tourists trekking the Annapurna Circuit to cut short their journey and return from Manang to Lamjung.

Tourists from various countries who had planned to cross the 5,416-metre-high Thorangla Pass and continue towards Mustang, Pokhara and other destinations have started returning due to increasing risks caused by the bad weather.

According to Bhupendra Gurung, in-charge of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) at Dharapani, 246 foreign tourists returned from Manang to Lamjung over the past week.

Of the tourists who returned midway, 151 are men and 95 are women.

Normally, around 100 to 150 foreign tourists enter Manang through Dharapani each day. However, tourist movement has declined significantly due to the worsening weather. Gurung said only one or two tourists are currently heading towards Manang, while most have opted to return.

The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s popular trekking routes, beginning from Besishahar Municipality-7 of Lamjung and passing through Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski.

Thorangla Pass, situated at an altitude of 5,416 metres, is the highest point along the trekking route. The region attracts visitors with its diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.