Beni (Myagdi): The number of tourists visiting the base camp of Annapurna I Himal in Narchyang, Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, has seen a significant rise thanks to recent improvements in infrastructure, accommodation, and overall management along the trekking route.

Annapurna I Himal, historically important as the first mountain over 8,000 meters to be climbed—by French mountaineer Maurice Herzog and his team on June 3, 1950—had long been under-promoted despite its immense tourism potential. Now, 75 years after its first ascent, locals have taken the initiative to publicize and develop the trekking trail to its base camp.

The Annapurna Rural Municipality and Ward Office have jointly initiated efforts to build trekking paths, rest shelters, tea shops (Tsops), and hotels, resulting in a growing number of domestic and international visitors, said Tej Gurung, a trekking route engineer and tourism entrepreneur.

According to Gurung, the area welcomed nearly 10,000 tourists last year, and that number is expected to rise this year. For the first time, even climbers who once accessed the base camp by helicopter are now opting to trek. Events like the Annapurna Diamond Festival have also played a key role in promoting the region.

Temporary lodging facilities with capacities ranging from 40 to 80 tourists have been established in areas such as Humkhola, Sandhikharka, Gufaphant, Bhusket Mela, and Panchkundtal, while T-shops in Phutphute Jharna are catering to trekkers' needs. This convenience has attracted more domestic tourists, with over 6,000 Nepali trekkers visiting the route this season alone.

Michael Pariyar, a hotel operator in Sandhikharka, highlighted that the burden of carrying food and tents has now been lifted thanks to these new accommodations. Road expansion from Pokharebgar to Humkhola (20 km) and the construction of a 16 km trekking route from Humkhola have further improved accessibility.

In Narchyang village, the entry point to the base camp, homestays offer additional accommodation options. Hotels have been built every two hours along the route, ensuring that trekkers no longer face challenges in finding food and shelter. According to Ajit Century, a hotel operator in the Panchkundtal area, these facilities were built with collective local investment aimed at solving tourist problems and boosting the local economy.

Tourism entrepreneurs say the Maurice Herzog Trek and the Annapurna I Base Camp are now being recognized as safe, adventurous, and rewarding destinations, thanks to ongoing development. Natural attractions like the serene Panchkundtal lake, dozens of waterfalls, and panoramic Himalayan views are making this trek increasingly popular.

Locals believe that with infrastructure expansion and sustained promotion, the Annapurna I Base Camp will emerge as a premier trekking destination in Nepal’s growing tourism sector.