In the past year, 11 tourists have died from altitude sickness in Mustang, Nepal, including nine foreign nationals and two Nepalis. Most of the fatalities involved Indian tourists visiting the Muktinath Temple and exploring Mustang.
According to District Police Office spokesperson Inspector Bishal Adhikari, five tourists died in Ward No. 1 of Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality (Muktinath area), five in Ward No. 4 of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality (Jomsom area), and one in Ward No. 2 of Thasang Rural Municipality. The deceased were aged between 58 and 81 years.
Official records show that in 2081 B.S. (April 2024 – March 2025), two deaths occurred in April, one in May, two in October, five in November, and one in January. Among the deceased was a 63-year-old American tourist.
In the previous year, 2080 B.S. (April 2023 – March 2024), 17 people died from altitude sickness in Mustang, including 11 foreigners and six Nepali citizens.
To address the issue, the District Administration Office, local authorities, health offices, and security agencies have been running awareness programs, distributing informational pamphlets, and organizing wall paintings to educate tourists on altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness typically begins at elevations above 3,800 meters, with elderly individuals, physically weak travelers, and those taking long-term medications being more vulnerable. According to Mustang District Traffic Office Chief Bhuwan Kshetri, rapid ascents without proper acclimatization are the primary cause of altitude sickness. Travelers are advised to take necessary precautions when visiting high-altitude areas like Mustang.
