Tourism Info Nepal

Foreign Tourist Arrivals in Mustang Surge by 50% in 2024

Foreign Tourist Arrivals in Mustang Surge by 50% in 2024

Foreign tourist arrivals in Mustang increased by an impressive 50% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Jomsom. The total number of tourists visiting Mustang reached 135,719, a significant rise of 45,363 from 2023.

Key Drivers of Growth

ACAP Jomsom Chief Pramod Raj Regmi highlighted several factors contributing to the surge. These include improved road transportation, the inclusion of the Annapurna Circuit among the world’s top ten trekking destinations, the identification and promotion of new tourist spots, effective digital marketing strategies, and the availability of online permits for trekking routes. Additionally, the establishment of well-equipped hotels has further enhanced the tourism experience.

The visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Muktinath and Mustang has also sparked growing interest among Indian tourists, as noted by Prem Prasad Paudel, Chief of the Industry and Tourism Office in Mustang.

Year-on-Year Tourist Statistics

In 2023, Mustang welcomed 90,356 tourists, while 65,940 visited in 2022. The numbers were notably low during the pandemic, with only 2,300 visitors in 2021 and 2,347 in 2020. Pre-pandemic, Mustang attracted a maximum of 60,000 tourists annually.

Among the 2024 visitors, 109,549 were from SAARC countries, and 26,170 were from other regions. Monthly data reveals May as the busiest month, with 29,773 tourists, followed by April and March, which recorded 17,320 and 14,829 visitors, respectively.

Tourist Attractions and Routes

Mustang’s appeal lies in its barren hills, unique Himalayan climate, rich culture, and iconic landmarks, including Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, Marpha, and Dhumba Lake. Foreign tourists wishing to explore Upper Mustang must pay a $500 fee for a seven-day permit issued by the Department of Immigration. For the Annapurna Conservation Area, SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000 per person, while tourists from other countries pay NPR 3,000.

Tourists reach Mustang via multiple routes, including roadways through Myagdi, air travel from Pokhara, and trekking over the Thorong La Pass from Manang.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The Muktinath area in Mustang is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists worldwide. It holds historical significance as the path through which Buddhist monk Padmasambhava traveled to Tibet to spread Buddhism.

Tourism Rebounds to Pre-Pandemic Levels

The Mustang region, part of the globally renowned Annapurna Circuit, has regained its status as a top destination for both domestic and international tourists. According to the District Police Office, 427,000 tourists traveled to Mustang via road in the fiscal year 2080/81, reflecting a strong recovery in the region’s tourism industry.

Mustang continues to captivate visitors with its extraordinary landscapes, cultural richness, and spiritual allure, solidifying its position as one of Nepal’s premier travel destinations.

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