The religious and tourist district of Mustang has witnessed a significant influx of visitors over the past four months, with a total of 202,351 tourists entering the district, according to the District Police Office, Mustang.
Domestic and International Visitors
From Shrawan to the end of Kartik in the current fiscal year, a total of 160,929 domestic and 41,430 international tourists entered Mustang via the Beni–Jomsom road route. Police Inspector Santosh Basyal, the district’s information officer, reported that 19,781 visitors arrived in Shrawan, 23,205 in Bhadra, 75,599 in Ashwin, and 83,766 in Kartik, reflecting a steady month-by-month increase in tourist arrivals.
Year-on-Year Comparison
According to police data, in the previous fiscal year 2081/82, a total of 705,779 domestic and international tourists had entered via the national pride Beni–Jomsom road. Last year, 555,326 domestic and 150,453 foreign tourists visited the district. Data also indicates that in just the first four months of the current fiscal year, Mustang has already received 28.76% of last year’s total tourist arrivals.
Challenges Faced
Despite the rising numbers, the district’s tourism faced partial setbacks in the first quarter due to the Gen-Z movement among youth and unfavorable weather conditions. Nevertheless, improved road accessibility has contributed significantly to the growth in tourism, enabling easier travel to Mustang.
Road Infrastructure Boosts Tourism
Recent developments in the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road, recognized as a national pride project, have eased travel for both domestic and international visitors. Two-thirds of the road from Beni in Myagdi to Muktinath has been paved, facilitating smoother journeys and attracting more tourists to Mustang. Approximately one-third of visitors to Muktinath also venture further into Upper Mustang and the Korala border area.
Upper Mustang: A Cultural and Natural Attraction
Upper Mustang, home to the famous Korala border with China and the Lomanthang Palace, has been drawing tourists for its centuries-old monasteries, chortens, caves, and man-made historical sites. The district also boasts diverse geographical and biological landscapes that appeal to both domestic and foreign visitors. Umesh Paudel, chief of the Lomanthang office under ACAP, emphasized the growing interest in it’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
Growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals
The Ministry of Tourism has recently opened trekking routes to the Himchuchura peaks in Upper Mustang, further increasing the number of foreign visitors. Additionally, domestic tourists visiting Muktinath perform religious rituals such as Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pindadan at Kagbeni Dham in memory of their deceased ancestors, contributing to higher domestic tourism.
Popular Tourist Destinations
Tourists entering Mustang from Lamjung’s Besi town via Manang often return by air from Jomsom. Among the must-visit locations, visitors explore Dumba Tal, Yaruzo View Tower, Jomsom Bazaar, and the Marpha village. The combination of religious significance, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and accessible transport routes continues to make Mustang a top tourist destination in Nepal.
With ongoing infrastructure improvements, open trekking routes, and heightened promotional efforts by local and national authorities, it is expected to continue experiencing steady growth in both domestic and international tourism. The district’s blend of spirituality, history, and adventure is becoming increasingly attractive to a new generation of travelers.
