More tourists visiting Annapurna circuit

More tourists visiting Annapurna circuit
eKantipur.com, 2-Oct-2007

Locals relying on tourism finally have a reason to smile. The flow of tourists trekking through the Annapurna circuit has jumped, thanks to the end of the 11-year conflict.

Entrepreneurs at Birethati, a locality nestling on the trekking route, said business had begun to revive with marked rise in the number of tourists. They said tourists are increasingly coming to this area which otherwise wore a deserted look some time back.

According to them, around 125 tourists are trekking through the area daily. “We have seen a surge in tourist arrivals this year,” said Krishna Gauchan, president of Hotel Operators Committee. He said tourists prefer the route due to less expensive prices and its natural beauty. Normally, tourists come here for trekking for three days to 15 days. They also visit Ghandruk, Ghorepani and the Annapurna base camp.

Local porters and other traders have also benefited from the jump in tourist arrivals. Porters said their earning had gone up while more people were getting employment opportunities.