A new Tourist Information Center has been inaugurated in Lomanthang, Mustang, within the premises of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office. The center aims to provide tourists with essential information on the area’s historical, cultural, and natural attractions.
Madan Paudel, Ranger of ACAP Lomanthang, shared that the center was established to assist tourists visiting Lomanthang by offering insights into the region’s history, religious sites, cultural landmarks, biodiversity, wildlife, birds, and geographical diversity. “The center aims to make it easier for tourists to learn about the diverse aspects of Lomanthang. We will also provide advice on destinations and accommodation options,” Paudel explained.
The Tourist Information Center is staffed by ACAP personnel and features maps of Lomanthang and surrounding areas, along with informative boards highlighting historical and religious landmarks, caves, monasteries, and local art and culture. The center also provides key details on the significance of these sites, their locations, the time required to reach them, and available food and lodging services. Staff will assist tourists with trekking-related inquiries and offer consultations, guidance, and coordination for their trips.
Lomanthang, known for its historical settlements, palaces, monasteries, and cultural heritage, is a major attraction for tourists. The village, enclosed by mud walls and consisting of about 200 households, is over 600 years old, according to Ward Chairperson Dhudhuke Bisht.
One of the highlights of Lomanthang is the five-story Lomanthang Palace, built by Mustang King Ame Pal in 1440, which remains within the village’s mud walls. Cultural kings still hold significance in both Lomanthang and the Lo Ghekar Damodarkund Rural Municipality. The 15th-century Thubten, Chyode, and Jhyampa Monasteries are key historical and religious sites in Lomanthang, housing artistic Thangka paintings and sculptures crafted from wood, stone, and mud.
According to ACAP Lomanthang, a total of 2,011 foreign tourists visited Upper Mustang, including Lomanthang, between April and September 2024. In 2023, the region attracted 3,484 foreign visitors from 70 countries. The number of foreign tourists to Upper Mustang has fluctuated over the years, with 3,112 visitors in 2022, 332 in 2021, 62 in 2020 due to the pandemic, and 3,918 in 2019. The highest recorded number of visitors was in 2017, with 4,115 tourists exploring the region.
The government has regulated foreign tourist access to Upper Mustang since 1992, requiring a special permit and fee. Restricted areas in Upper Mustang include Lomanthang, Lo Ghekar Damodarkund, and parts of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, among others. Foreign visitors must pay a $500 fee for a 10-day permit, with an additional charge of $50 per day for stays beyond the initial 10 days. Nepali citizens are exempt from this fee.
The opening of the Tourist Information Center is expected to further enhance the visitor experience by providing comprehensive support and ensuring a more informed and enjoyable exploration of Lomanthang and its surrounding attractions.
