Kathmandu, 29 September (H.S.): Foreign tourists who had reached Manang via the Annapurna Circuit Trek have begun cutting their journeys short and returning due to continuous rainfall and adverse weather conditions in Nepal over the past few days.

Amid deteriorating weather and increasing risks, tourists from various countries who had planned to cross the Thorong La Pass and continue towards Mustang, Pokhara and other destinations are now turning back.

Bhupendra Gurung, in-charge of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project office in Dharapani, said that 246 foreign tourists have returned from Manang to Lamjung over the past week. The group comprises 151 men and 95 women.

Normally, around 100 to 150 foreign tourists would travel towards Manang through Dharapani every day. However, tourist movement has declined sharply following the deterioration in weather conditions. At present, only one or two tourists are heading towards Manang each day, while most are choosing to return rather than continue their journeys.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek begins from Besishahar Municipality-7 in Lamjung and passes through Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski. Thorong La Pass, situated at an altitude of 5,416 metres, is the highest point along the trekking route.

The region’s natural beauty, cultural diversity and rich heritage attract tourists from Nepal and abroad. However, trekking activities in the area have currently been affected by continuous rainfall and adverse weather conditions.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar