The Mustang district is witnessing a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with popular sites such as Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni, and Jomsom reporting a notable surge in visitor numbers. Recent data indicates that both domestic and foreign tourists are flocking to the region, drawn by its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Pramod Regmi, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) Jomsom Office, confirmed the recent uptick in visitors, stating that domestic tourists are arriving by both road and air. International travelers are increasingly exploring areas such as Thorangla and Upper Mustang. Over the past 15-16 days alone, Mustang has welcomed 20,446 visitors via road, according to police inspector Bishal Adhikari from the District Police Office.
Since mid-September, the Ghansa-based police checkpoint at the border of Myagdi and Mustang has recorded 4,044 vehicles transporting a total of 14,850 domestic tourists and 5,596 foreign visitors. This trend continues to build on previous years, with the district seeing a total of 318,814 domestic tourists during the fiscal year 2080-81 BS (2022-23) via the Beni-Jomsom road, slightly down from 330,800 international visitors in the previous year.
According to ACAP Jomsom data, Mustang received 7,599 tourists between mid-July and mid-September this year, compared to 5,175 during the same period last fiscal year. The district welcomed a total of 121,352 foreign tourists last fiscal year, with figures steadily increasing over the past three years.
Several factors are driving this increased interest in Mustang, including improved road transport, national and international tourism promotions, the influence of social media, high-quality hospitality services, and media coverage that highlights the region’s attractions. Additionally, visits from influential figures in the international community have further enhanced Mustang’s profile as a sought-after travel destination.
