Mustang District has witnessed a significant rise in foreign tourist arrivals in the first four months of 2026, with a total of 83,149 international visitors entering the region. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Jomsom office, this marks a substantial increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Data shared by ACAP Jomsom Chief Rajesh Gupta shows a steady monthly growth in tourist inflow. In January 2026, Mustang welcomed 10,803 foreign tourists, followed by 9,004 in February, 23,204 in March, and a sharp rise to 40,138 visitors in April, indicating peak season momentum.
Significant Growth Compared to 2025
The increase becomes more evident when compared to 2025 figures. During the same four-month period last year, Mustang received 51,896 foreign tourists. The monthly breakdown for 2025 included 4,346 visitors in January, 5,303 in February, 19,095 in March, and 23,152 in April. This reflects an overall increase of 31,253 additional tourists in 2026 compared to the previous year, highlighting Mustang’s growing popularity among international travelers.
Indian Tourists Dominate Visitor Numbers
According to ACAP officials, more than 80 percent of the total foreign visitors to the Annapurna area in 2026 are Indian tourists. The ease of access and religious significance of the region continue to attract large numbers of visitors from India. A majority of these tourists travel to the Annapurna area primarily for pilgrimage, especially to visit the revered Muktinath Temple, one of the most important religious destinations in the Himalayas.
Upper Mustang Attracts International Trekkers
While Indian pilgrims dominate overall numbers, third-country tourists, particularly from outside the SAARC region, are more inclined toward trekking and exploration of Upper Mustang. These travelers typically enter via the Pokhara–Jomsom air route or road network and then proceed toward Upper Mustang, known for its unique cultural landscapes and restricted trekking routes.
Mustang Emerging as a Key Tourism Hub
The sharp increase in tourist arrivals reflects Mustang’s rising status as a major tourism places in Nepal. Improved connectivity, growing global interest in Himalayan destinations, and the region’s blend of religious, cultural, and adventure tourism continue to draw visitors. Authorities believe that if this trend continues, 2026 could become a record-breaking year for tourism in the Annapurna area, further boosting the local economy and hospitality sector.
With the peak tourism season underway, officials from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project expect visitor numbers to rise even further in the coming months. The combination of pilgrimage tourism and adventure trekking is likely to sustain the upward momentum, positioning Mustang District as one of Nepal’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
