4,136 foreign tourists visit Mustang in 2081

MUSTANG: A total of 4,136 foreign tourists visited Mustang in 2081, according to Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Lomanthang. Among these, 230 were from SAARC countries, while 3,906 were from other nations.

ACAP office chief, Umesh Poudel, reported that tourists from 72 countries visited Upper Mustang over the past year.

The month of Asoj saw the highest number of tourist arrivals, with 734 visitors, while Magh recorded the lowest number, with only 30 tourists. In comparison, during 2080 BS, a total of 3,613 foreign tourists visited Upper Mustang, including 52 from SAARC countries and 3,561 from other nations.

Poudel noted an increase of 513 tourists in 2081 BS compared to 2080 BS, representing a growth of 12.64%. He attributed the rise in tourist numbers to improved road access in Upper Mustang.

Despite this growth, only about 4% of the total foreign tourists entering Mustang District reached Upper Mustang, Poudel added. Revenue collected from tourist royalty fees in Upper Mustang amounted to over Rs 270 million, totalling Rs 272.9 million last year.

Upper Mustang, which borders China, has been designated a prohibited and controlled area by the government. The classification is intended to address concerns over potential unwanted activities in the border area, resulting in restricted access and a limited number of tourists visiting Upper Mustang.

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