Mustang recorded a significant rise in foreign tourist arrivals during the first ten months of 2026, welcoming a reported 285,616 visitors between January and October. The figure represents a 77.62 percent increase compared with the total number of foreign tourists recorded throughout 2025, highlighting the growing appeal of Mustang as a destination for religious, cultural and adventure tourism.
According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Jomsom, the growth was largely driven by visitors from SAARC countries, particularly Indian pilgrims travelling to the sacred Muktinath Temple. The latest figures indicate that Mustang continues to attract a growing number of regional visitors, while also drawing international trekkers travelling through the Annapurna Circuit.
SAARC Tourist Arrivals Drive Mustang Tourism Growth
Tourist arrivals from SAARC countries recorded particularly strong growth in 2026. ACAP Jomsom reported 262,012 visitors from SAARC countries during the January–October period, representing an increase of approximately 97 percent compared with the corresponding figure for 2025.ACAP Jomsom Chief Rajesh Gupta said that 129,146 additional visitors from SAARC countries had arrived in Mustang compared with the previous year. The rise has been largely attributed to the increasing number of Indian tourists visiting Muktinath Temple, one of the most significant religious destinations in the Himalayan region.
The increasing arrival of Indian pilgrims has further strengthened Mustang’s position as one of Nepal’s prominent destinations for religious tourism. Muktinath Temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, remains a major attraction for domestic and international visitors seeking spiritual fulfilment. Beyond its religious significance, the temple’s location amid the spectacular Himalayan landscape adds to its appeal, drawing pilgrims and travellers eager to experience the region’s unique blend of spirituality, natural beauty and cultural heritage.
International Visitors and Annapurna Circuit Trekking
The number of tourists from countries outside the SAARC region followed a different trend. According to ACAP Jomsom, Mustang welcomed 23,604 visitors from other countries in 2025. However, the 2026 report indicates that arrivals from this category remained 4,671 lower than the previous year’s total, representing a decline of 16.5 percent. Despite this decrease, the overall growth in tourist arrivals was largely supported by the substantial rise in visitors from SAARC countries, particularly Indian pilgrims visiting Muktinath Temple.
ACAP Jomsom stated that many international visitors enter Mustang through the Annapurna Circuit trekking route, travelling from Manang across the Thorong La Pass before reaching the Mustang region. This trekking connection continues to make Mustang an important part of Nepal’s wider adventure tourism network. The route offers trekkers opportunities to experience high-altitude landscapes, mountain communities and the distinctive natural and cultural heritage of the Annapurna region. The movement of international trekkers through Thorong La also contributes to tourism activities in Mustang beyond religious travel.
Tourism Growth Despite Travel Challenges
Mustang’s tourism sector experienced several challenges during 2026, including the devastating flood at Rasuwagadhi, disruptions along the Jomsom–Korala road, suspension of air services and unfavourable weather conditions. These factors affected travel activities in parts of the region and created difficulties for visitors and tourism-related businesses. Despite these challenges, the overall number of foreign visitors recorded during the first ten months of 2026 was reported to be significantly higher than the total arrivals in 2025.
ACAP Chief Rajesh Gupta expressed optimism about the tourism outlook, stating that Mustang could continue to record strong visitor numbers as November and December remained in the 2026 tourism calendar. The significant rise in Indian pilgrims visiting Muktinath, alongside international trekkers entering the district through the Annapurna Circuit and Thorong La Pass, is expected to continue supporting tourism activities in the region. With tourist arrivals already exceeding the previous year’s total, the latest figures highlight Mustang’s growing appeal as a destination for religious and adventure tourism.
