The Mustang district, renowned for its religious and tourist significance, is witnessing a sharp decline in tourist activity as extreme winter cold sets in. Hotels in Jomsom, the district headquarters, and along the national highways have begun to remain largely empty, reflecting the impact of the frigid conditions on the local tourism economy.
During the peak winter season, tourism activity in Mustang traditionally slows down, with many businesses entering what is locally referred to as the “off-season.” However, this year, improved road connectivity between Beni and Jomsom has led some tourism operators to keep their establishments open, hoping for visitor arrivals. Despite this, with temperatures plunging and the Pokhara–Jomsom air service having suspended flights nearly a month ago, traffic along the national highway has also decreased considerably.
Severe Weather Conditions Affect Daily Life
Upper Mustang experienced its first snowfall in Kartik (October-November), while the lower regions have yet to see significant snow. However, the combined effect of extreme cold and strong northern winds has disrupted daily life. In Poush (mid-December to mid-January), morning and evening temperatures in Upper Mustang drop to as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, while Lower Mustang experiences temperatures around minus 10 degrees Celsius.
The icy northern winds have made it difficult for residents to venture outdoors. Even when the sun comes out at midday, the cold gusts significantly affect daily routines. In Lomanthang, hotels and private homes remain shut, with many locals relocating to lower-altitude areas to escape the harsh cold. Umesh Paudel, head of Lomanthang’s administrative office, confirmed that the upper Mustang region has become almost deserted as residents take refuge elsewhere.
Even in Muktinath, where hotels remain technically open, tourist activity has dwindled, leaving businesses largely inactive. Most locals and hotel operators temporarily move to lower regions during the winter, reopening only after the season passes. In contrast, residents of upper Mustang typically descend to lower areas as early as Kartik and return only around Vaisakh (April-May).
Frozen Rivers and Infrastructure Pose Additional Challenges
The extreme cold has caused rivers, irrigation channels, household taps, and water tanks to freeze, further affecting daily life in Upper Mustang. Locals who remain in their villages to wait out the winter are at risk of cold-related health issues. In Lower Mustang, farmers continue to manage apple orchards despite the harsh conditions, demonstrating resilience in the face of severe weather.
The District Police Office reported a sharp decrease in tourist activity as the winter cold intensified. Police Inspector Santosh Basnyal noted that while foreign tourist arrivals in Poush have increased compared to Mangsir (November-December), domestic tourism has seen a steep decline. The number of domestic visitors dropped by 56.66 percent, from 24,010 in Mangsir to a significantly lower figure in Poush.
Tourist Arrivals Show Seasonal Trends
Meanwhile, foreign tourist arrivals rose by 54 percent in Poush compared to Mangsir, totaling 5,559 visitors. Despite the off-season, about 100–150 tourists continue to reach Mustang daily via the Beni–Jomsom highway. Police records indicate that from the start of the current fiscal year (Shrawan) to Poush 21, a total of 280,929 domestic and foreign tourists visited Mustang, down 10.05 percent from the same period last year, which recorded 312,471 visitors.
Breaking down arrivals this fiscal year:
- Domestic tourists: 221,653
- Foreign tourists: 60,347
Monthly domestic tourist arrivals were as follows: Shrawan (11,831), Bhadra (13,550), Ashwin (65,740), Kartik (79,800), Mangsir (42,371), and Poush 21 (18,361). Monthly foreign arrivals: Shrawan (7,950), Bhadra (9,655), Ashwin (9,859), Kartik (13,966), Mangsir (6,679), and Poush 21 (12,238).
Off-Season Resilience
Although tourism activity is far below peak-season levels, some tourists continue to visit, reflecting the region’s enduring appeal even during extreme weather. Police Inspector Basnyal emphasized that despite off-season challenges, tourism persists, and operators maintain partial services to accommodate those who brave the cold.
With winter temperatures expected to persist through Poush and Magh, Mustang’s tourism sector faces significant seasonal challenges. Yet the district remains a sought-after destination for both domestic and international travelers, offering spiritual, cultural, and natural attractions even in the harshest of winters.
