Lamjung, Feb. 11 -- The number of trekkers on the world-renowned Annapurna Circuit hit an all-time high last year, as they all hired guides as required under Nepal's 2023 ban on solo trekking except in the Everest region. The ruling had initially shocked many adventurers.

When the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) started keeping records in 1996, only 8,309 trekkers had traversed the route. In 2024, the number reached 30,866.

The Annapurna Conservation Area, home to several world-class treks-including the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Circuit-welcomes more than 200,000 trekkers annually.

The circuit is typically explored by those with time and money to undertake the challenging journey.

Despite the government's ban on sol...