Tourism Info Nepal

Tourist Arrival in Upper Mustang Sees Notable Growth in 2024, Despite Challenges

Tourist Arrival in Upper Mustang Sees Notable Growth in 2024, Despite Challenges

As of December 2024, a total of 4,061 foreign tourists have visited Upper Mustang, a significant increase from the 3,484 tourists in 2023. While the overall number of tourists has grown by 14.20% compared to last year, the average percentage increase for 2024 remains lower by 0.71%.

In 2023, 90,356 foreign tourists visited Mustang, with only 3,484 reaching Upper Mustang, accounting for just 3.85% of the total tourist arrivals in the region. This year, from January to November, 128,991 foreign visitors came to Mustang, with 4,061 tourists visiting Upper Mustang, making up 3.14% of the total. The number of tourists from both South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries and foreign nationals has increased, with 226 SAARC nationals and 3,835 foreign nationals visiting in 2024 compared to 139 SAARC nationals and 3,345 foreign nationals in 2023. This shows an increase of 87 SAARC nationals and 490 foreign nationals compared to last year.

Umesh Poudel, the head of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Lo Manthang, noted that despite the slight decrease in the percentage of tourist arrivals, there has been a clear increase in the number of visitors, both from SAARC nations and foreign countries. He attributed this growth to various factors, including the end of COVID-19 risks, the introduction of online ticketing for visitors to the Annapurna Conservation Area, and increased promotion of Upper Mustang as a must-visit destination in international media. Additionally, the region’s religious, cultural heritage, and vibrant local traditions have also drawn more visitors.

Despite the growth in tourist arrivals, only a small percentage, about 3%, of the tourists entering Mustang make it to Upper Mustang. The region’s unique geography, rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, and the mesmerizing landscape continue to attract a niche group of tourists. Key attractions include the 1,400-year-old palaces, monasteries, chortens, and stupas, as well as the Lo Manthang Palace, Zong Cave, and Korala, which is near the northern border with China.

However, the high tourist royalty fee remains a major hurdle. After the escape of Tibetan monk Karmapa Lama in 2000 through the Korala border, China imposed stringent surveillance, with fences and advanced CCTV cameras at border checkpoints. Due to its geopolitical sensitivity, Upper Mustang is considered a high-security zone, and only VIP tourists, mostly foreign nationals, can visit without restrictions. The Nepal government charges $500 for a 10-day entry permit for foreign tourists, with additional penalties for stays beyond the stipulated time.

In response to these challenges, local representatives from Lo Manthang and other municipalities recently submitted a petition to Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to lift the restricted area designation. The petition called for a reduction in fees or the removal of restrictions, arguing that the current setup is damaging the tourism industry and the local economy. Despite the plea, no action has been taken by the government, leading local leaders to urge the authorities to seriously consider the wishes of the people and the potential for economic growth through tourism in Upper Mustang.

As Upper Mustang continues to attract a growing number of tourists, its future as a key destination in Nepal’s tourism sector remains dependent on addressing these challenges and creating a more accessible and sustainable tourism model.

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