With the improved condition of the Benibazaar–Jomsom–Korala Road, recognized as a National Pride Project, tourism in the trans-Himalayan district of Mustang has witnessed a significant surge. Smooth transportation along the Myagdi and Mustang sections of the Korala road has dramatically enhanced accessibility, drawing a growing number of domestic and international tourists to the region.
Mustang Emerging as a Premier Religious and Adventure Tourism Hub
Mustang is steadily evolving into one of Nepal’s most sought-after religious and adventure tourism destinations. Home to several sacred sites, the district boasts the renowned Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni Dham, and Damodar Kunda, attracting pilgrims and spiritual seekers throughout the year.
Additionally, the cultural richness of Upper Mustang, including the Lomanthang Palace, Korala border region, Dhumba Lake, Ghiling Monastery, Marpha Village, and the vibrant Jomsom Bazaar, continues to draw travelers interested in Tibetan-influenced heritage, ancient monasteries, and unique Himalayan landscapes.
A Magnet for Culture, Nature, and Heritage Lovers
What sets Mustang apart is its distinct geography, diverse ecology, ancient Buddhist traditions, and ethnic heritage. From breathtaking mountainscapes to serene monasteries and traditional Thakali villages, Mustang presents an unmatched blend of natural beauty, spiritual ambiance, and cultural legacy. These features have collectively turned the district into a “must-visit” destination for domestic and foreign tourists alike.
Mustang’s rich religious, cultural, and geographical assets continue to attract travelers who seek immersive experiences beyond mainstream tourism. As the road infrastructure has improved, reaching Mustang is now easier than ever, fueling its tourism growth.
Tourist Numbers Double Over Five Years
According to a comparative study of tourism data from the past five years, tourist arrivals in Mustang have doubled, highlighting the region’s growing popularity. From adventure seekers to religious pilgrims, Mustang is now drawing attention from diverse travel segments.
The District Police Office in Mustang reports that 678,536 tourists visited Mustang in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year (FY 2081/82). This includes both domestic and international travelers. In contrast, the previous fiscal year (FY 2080/81) saw 454,326 tourist arrivals, showing a 33% increase year-on-year.
Breakdown: Domestic and International Tourist Trends
Police Deputy Superintendent Chiring Kippa Lama shared the detailed figures: Between Shrawan and Jestha of FY 2081/82, 539,872 domestic tourists and 138,664 foreign tourists visited Mustang. In comparison, FY 2080/81 recorded 354,927 domestic and 99,399 international visitors.
This data reflects a 34.25% rise in domestic tourists and a 28.31% increase in foreign tourists within the first 11 months alone. These figures underscore the growing appeal of Mustang among both Nepali travelers and the global tourism community.
Peak Tourist Months
Mustang’s peak domestic tourist traffic was recorded in Kartik and Chaitra, with 99,176 and 89,344 domestic travelers, respectively, according to the district police’s monthly breakdown. As for international arrivals, the most active months were Jestha and Baisakh, with 28,372 and 26,029 visitors, respectively. The pleasant climate and clearer mountain views during these months likely contributed to the higher influx of foreign tourists.
Pilgrimage and Ritual Tourism Lead Domestic Demand
A large segment of domestic tourists visit Mustang primarily for pilgrimage purposes. The sacred Muktinath Temple remains the central religious attraction. Many travelers also visit Kagbeni to perform ancestral rites such as Shraddha, Pinddaan, and Tarpan for their deceased family members. Among these religious travelers, nearly one-fourth extend their journey to include Upper Mustang and the Korala border, exploring the rugged and serene Himalayan wilderness that lies beyond the temple circuit.
India Dominates Foreign Tourist Numbers
International tourism in Mustang is largely driven by Indian visitors, who account for nearly 80% of all foreign tourists. Their primary motivation is spiritual, visiting the sacred Muktinath Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams revered in Hinduism. The remaining 20% of foreign tourists hail from 72 different countries, according to the District Police Office. These travelers are often drawn to Mustang’s remote landscapes, Buddhist heritage sites, and off-the-beaten-track adventure experiences.
Korala Border Route Boosts Upper Mustang Tourism
The Korala road corridor, which connects Upper Mustang to China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, has been instrumental in opening up the northern reaches of Mustang to tourists. As road improvements continue, accessibility to remote villages like Lomanthang, Chhoser, and Ghiling is becoming smoother, leading to increased interest in cultural tourism and cross-border exploration. With this development, even short-duration tourists are now able to include Upper Mustang in their itinerary, thereby extending their stays and contributing more to the local economy.
The Road Ahead for Mustang’s Tourism Sector
As tourist arrivals continue to grow, local authorities, tourism entrepreneurs, and community leaders in Mustang are focusing on sustainable tourism development, emphasizing the need to balance infrastructure growth with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
From eco-lodges to guided treks, the emphasis is on providing authentic experiences while safeguarding Mustang’s unique heritage. Improved connectivity through the National Pride Road project has certainly laid the groundwork, but future tourism growth will hinge on responsible practices.
Mustang Rising as a Himalayan Gem
The remarkable surge in visitors this year reflects Mustang’s emergence as a major destination in Nepal’s tourism landscape. Whether it’s the call of the Himalayas, spiritual yearning, or cultural curiosity, Mustang now offers a compelling reason for every traveler to make the journey north.
With the ongoing upgrades in infrastructure, increasing national and international interest, and a collective push for sustainable tourism, Mustang is well on its way to becoming a global Himalayan tourism hotspot.
