The arrival of foreign tourists in Mustang has shown an encouraging trend. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Jomsom office under the National Nature Conservation Trust, the number of foreign tourists visiting the region in 2081 B.S. increased by nearly 50 percent compared to 2080 B.S.
In 2080 B.S., a total of 96,645 foreign tourists visited Mustang. This figure rose by 49.76 percent in 2081 B.S., reaching 144,745 visitors, according to ACAP Jomsom Chief Rajesh Prasad Gupta. As per ACAP data, the number of tourists from SAARC countries alone increased by 53.71 percent compared to the previous year.
Last year, 117,614 tourists came from SAARC countries, while 27,131 visitors were from other countries. Monthly data from the office shows that 20,809 tourists arrived in Baisakh, 28,856 in Jestha, 8,187 in Ashar, 3,558 in Shrawan, 6,679 in Bhadra, 13,216 in Ashoj, 14,578 in Kartik, and 7,553 in Mangsir. Similarly, 6,975 visited in Poush, 3,517 in Magh, 9,326 in Falgun, and 21,491 in Chaitra. Overall, tourists from 72 different countries visited Mustang in 2081 B.S.
According to Gupta, 80 percent of SAARC visitors to Mustang were Indian tourists, who primarily came for religious visits to Muktinath.
In 2080 B.S., 76,516 SAARC tourists and 20,129 from other countries had visited Mustang, making a total of 96,645.
In recent years, the improvement of the national pride project road (Beni–Jomsom–Korala) has contributed significantly to the rise in both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals. One-fourth of the foreign tourists arrive via the Annapurna Circuit Trek, while the number of tourists entering Mustang via Besisahar in Lamjung through Manang has also been increasing.
Tourists are drawn to Mustang by the breathtaking views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains, as well as the region’s unique natural and biological diversity. The Kaligandaki River corridor, distinct geography, and scenic beauty are major attractions. Monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and stupas also add to the region’s appeal.
Upper Mustang features numerous historical and religious attractions such as the royal palace of the Mustang King, Loghekar (Ghar) Monastery, Chhoser Caves, Chiusi Cave, Luri Monastery, and the sacred Damodar Kunda. Other major destinations include the famous Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni Dham, Dhumba Lake, the apple capital and cultural village Marpha, Gurusangbo Cave, Titi Lake, and Sekung Lake—all of which have contributed to the growing influx of tourists in Mustang.
