MYAGDI: More than 12,000 domestic tourists visited the Annapurna I Base Camp in Narchyang, Annapurna Rural Municipality–4 of Myagdi, over the past two months.

The area saw a significant rise in internal tourism from mid-September to early November. According to tourism entrepreneur Tej Gurung, who operates a hotel along the Maurice Herzog Trail in Humkhola, between 200 and 500 visitors arrived daily during this period.

He said the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath holidays brought an all-time record number of tourists to the Annapurna Base Camp.

Over the past year, several hotels have opened along the trail at Humkhola, Phutphute Waterfall, Sandhikharka, Guphaphant, Bhusket Mela, and Panchakunda Lake, providing better facilities for trekkers.

With a new road now connecting Narchyang to Humkhola, and trekking paths built beyond, travelers can now complete the journey to the base camp in just two days, making it increasingly popular among domestic tourists.

Tourism entrepreneurs are upbeat as visitor numbers continue to rise. The route’s attractions—such as Panchakunda Lake, Phutphute Waterfall, and scenic views of Mistri Khola—are drawing young travelers from across Nepal.

Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun said that improved promotion, basic infrastructure, and accommodation have boosted tourism.

He credited last year’s “Annapurna Diamond Jubilee Festival”, held to mark 75 years since the first ascent of Annapurna I, for significantly promoting the destination.

Pun added, “The number of visitors exceeded the hotel capacity this season. We are planning to make the area more organized and are coordinating with ACAP to open a new hotel between Bhusket Mela and Panchakunda Lake. Making tourists’ stay comfortable is our top priority.”

The local government has also begun efforts to expand electricity and communication access in the base camp area.

As visitor numbers grow, concerns about waste management have increased. The municipality is preparing to deploy clean-up teams to maintain sanitation around the base camp.

The rural municipality has announced it will continue celebrating Annapurna Ascent Day annually and has allocated Rs 2 million this fiscal year to upgrade infrastructure and improve the trekking trail leading to the base camp.