Tourist influx surges in Mustang despite harsh winter

KATHMANDU: Even amid Mustang’s harsh winter, tourist arrivals have seen a significant increase, with Jan 2026 recording unprecedented numbers compared to previous years.

According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Jomsom, 10,822 foreign tourists visited Mustang in the first month of this year.

ACAP Chief Rajesh Gupta reported that of these, 10,045 were from SAARC countries, while 777 were from other foreign nations.

In comparison, Jan 2025 saw only 4,346 foreign tourists, indicating a sharp rise of 6,476 visitors this year.

SAARC country tourists increased by 6,215, and other foreign visitors by 261, according to ACAP statistics.

From Jan to Dec 2025, a total of 161,142 foreign tourists visited Mustang, with a notable surge in Indian visitors coming for the Muktinath pilgrimage.

Gupta attributed the rising trend to improved infrastructure, especially the national pride Benighat–Jomsom road, which has made travel easier year by year. ACAP projects that tourist arrivals in Mustang could reach 200,000 in 2026.

Tourism operators in Mustang have expressed optimism over the steady flow of tourists even during the off-season.

Suraj Gurung, president of the Muktinath Hotel Association, said that the sustained arrivals have encouraged local businesses, with hotels remaining operational despite the usual seasonal slowdown.

Temperatures in Mustang drop significantly during winter, with upper Mustang experiencing around 20°C and lower Mustang plummeting to minus 12°C.

While the extreme cold partially affects local life, it has not deterred tourists from visiting the region.

The combination of improved road access, growing international interest, and the region’s unique attractions is helping Mustang emerge as a year-round tourism destination despite climatic challenges.