Significant increase in tourist arrivals in Mustang district

KATHMANDU: The district of Mustang, known for its religious and tourist significance, has witnessed a remarkable influx of tourists.

According to police records, a total of 396,901 tourists have visited Mustang from the start of Sawan to the 18th of Chait.

This number includes both domestic and international visitors.

Out of the total number, 333,845 were Nepali internal tourists and 63,056 were foreign tourists, as shared by Police Inspector Vishal Adhikari, a spokesperson for the District Police Office.

He further stated that from Sawan to the present day, 238,354 male and 95,491 female internal Nepali tourists visited Mustang.

Meanwhile, 35,618 male and 27,438 female foreign tourists also made their way to the district.

As of now, there are still three months left in the fiscal year.

The arrival numbers for internal Nepali tourists from Sawan to Chait 18 are as follows: 10,983 in Sawan, 17,492 in Bhadau, 47,293 in Asar, 99,176 in Kartik, 58,443 in Mangsir, 28,722 in Poush, 24,802 in Magh, 46,934 in Phagun, and 44,806 tourists up until the 18th of Chait.

For foreign tourists, the arrival figures from Sawan to Chait 18 are: 3,054 in Sawan, 6,347 in Bhadau, 12,538 in Asar, 14,124 in Kartik, 7,464 in Mangsir, 6,835 in Poush, 3,456 in Magh, 9,238 in Phagun, and 13,405 visitors up to Chait 18.

As per the District Police Office, out of the total tourist arrivals in Mustang, 81% were Nepali internal tourists and 19% were foreign visitors.

The majority of international tourists, about 80%, came from India, with the remaining 20% from other countries.

In the fiscal year 2080/81, a total of 454,326 tourists visited Mustang, including 354,927 internal Nepali tourists and 99,399 foreign visitors.

The steady improvement in the road network has led to a significant increase in the number of both internal and external tourists.

The district’s sacred religious sites, such as the Muktinath Temple and Kagbeni Shrine, attract numerous Nepali tourists.

Internal visitors often travel to Muktinath for religious purposes and further explore areas up to Korlanaka, which borders the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China.

Mustang’s unique geographical features, along with its rich religious and cultural heritage, have contributed to an annual increase in tourist arrivals.

The development of the national pride Korla Road has made it easier for domestic tourists to visit up to Korlanaka. Tashinirbu Gurung, the chairman of Lo Manthang Municipality, highlighted that the number of visitors has grown as a result of easier access.

Mustang’s ancient monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and historical and archaeological sites are attracting increasing numbers of tourists every year.

The district’s religious and cultural wealth, including the 700-year-old Mustang Palace and numerous monasteries associated with Guru Padmasambhava, is becoming a focal point for research and exploration.

Lopsang Chomphal Bist, chairman of Lodhekar Dhamodarkund Municipality, noted that the district’s traditional way of life, local festivals, and distinct culture are drawing more and more visitors each year.