KATHMANDU: The Annapurna Conservation Area has received 508,476 international visitors from more than 165 countries and territories in the last fiscal year drawing trekkers and nature enthusiasts from every inhabited continent, according to data released by the National Trust for Nature Conservation's Annapurna Conservation Area Project.

India topped the list of source countries by a wide margin, with 375,797 visitors, accounting for the bulk of total arrivals and reflecting the strong cross-border tourism flow into the region. China was the second-largest source with 12,539 visitors, followed by the United States with 9,884 and the United Kingdom with 8,859.

France sent 7,939 visitors, Malaysia 7,848, Germany 7,634 and Bangladesh 7,484. Australia and Israel rounded out the top ten with 7,095 and 6,398 visitors respectively.

NTNC said the figures demonstrate Annapurna's standing as a truly global destination, with visitors arriving from neighbouring India as well as distant markets including Iceland, Australia and Argentina. The conservation area spans an area of over 7,600 square kilometres in the Gandaki Province and encompasses some of Nepal's most celebrated trekking circuits, including the Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Base Camp trail.

The data underscore the conservation area's growing international appeal across all major regions — Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Oceania — and its role as one of Nepal's most significant tourism assets.