The religious and tourist district of Mustang witnessed a massive influx of visitors on the first day after Bhai Tika, with a total of 6,859 tourists entering the region, according to the District Police Office, Mustang. The visitors arrived via the national pride Beni–Jomsom highway, marking one of the busiest travel days in recent months.
Tourist Flow Surges on Beni–Jomsom Highway
Following Tihar, traffic on the Beni–Jomsom highway surged as vehicles transporting tourists traversed the route to Mustang. Authorities noted that a large number of visitors came to see the sacred Muktinath Temple and the district’s scenic natural landscapes immediately after the festival.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Chhiring Kippa Lama reported that out of the total, 6,506 were domestic tourists while 353 were international visitors. On the same day, 2,168 passenger vehicles passed through the Beni–Mustang route, illustrating the sharp rise in tourist traffic.
Weekly Tourist Figures Continue to Climb
During the first week of Kartik (mid-October to early November), 20,509 domestic and foreign tourists visited Mustang. Lama stated that from Kartik 1 to 7, 17,129 domestic tourists and 3,380 foreign visitors entered the district. During this period, 6,736 vehicles traversed the Beni–Jomsom highway. According to police statistics, from Shrawan to Ashwin in the current fiscal year, 118,589 tourists visited Mustang, including 91,125 domestic and 27,464 foreign tourists.
Muktinath Temple Sees Record Crowds
The Muktinath Development Committee’s Treasurer, Pramesh Gurung, stated that the number of visitors at Muktinath increased significantly immediately after Tihar. He reported that as early as the morning, the temple complex was completely crowded with devotees.
To ensure smooth operations, security personnel and volunteers managed the queues, while health workers and a high-altitude treatment center were on standby to address any altitude-related health issues, given the rising cold during the early winter season. Additionally, CCTV cameras installed around the temple premises have enhanced visitor security and monitoring.
Tourist Pressure Challenges Local Infrastructure
The post-Tihar surge in domestic tourists has posed traffic management challenges. Hundreds of vehicles traveled simultaneously along the Beni–Jomsom highway, causing traffic jams in multiple stretches. Local hotels faced capacity issues, with approximately 300 hotels from Ghansa to Muktinath unable to accommodate all visitors.
Raju Prasad Lalchan, President of the Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mustang, confirmed that hotels along the highway were fully occupied on Friday. He noted that the district has grown as a major religious and tourist hub, particularly during festivals, resulting in unprecedented numbers of visitors.
Family Visits and Holiday Travel Drive Tourism
Lalchan further explained that the surge in tourists is largely driven by family visits, students, office employees, and Nepalis returning from abroad to celebrate festivals. The combination of long government holidays during Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath has turned Mustang into a popular destination for youth and families alike.
Beni–Jomsom–Korala Highway Boosts Tourism
The relatively smooth operation of the Beni–Jomsom–Korala national highway has provided a significant boost to tourism in Mustang. The improved road network has facilitated easier access for both domestic and international travelers, enhancing the region’s tourism business prospects.
Authorities have urged tourists planning to visit Mustang during peak festival periods to book hotels in advance to avoid accommodation shortages. The growing trend highlights Mustang’s emergence as a key religious, cultural, and adventure tourism destination in Nepal.
