Mustang sees 50 pc rise in tourist arrivals in 2081 BS as road access improves

MUSTANG: Tourist arrivals in the trans-Himalayan district of Mustang were encouraging in 2081 BS (2024-25) compared to the previous year.  

According to the Jomsom Office of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the number of tourists increased by approximately 50% in 2081 BS compared to the previous year. In 2080 BS (2023-24), the district welcomed a total of 96,645 foreign tourists, while this figure surged to 144,745 in 2081 BS (April 13, 2024, to April 13, 2025), marking a rise of 49.76%.  

Office Chief Rajesh Prasad Gupta stated that tourist arrivals from SAARC nations increased by 53.71% in 2081 BS compared to the previous year. A total of 117,614 visitors were from SAARC nations, while remaining 27,131 came from various other countries. In 2081 BS, tourists from 72 countries visited Mustang.  

Among visitors from SAARC nations, 80% were from neighbouring India. Many of them travelled to the district to pay homage to famous Muktinath temple. According to the office, in 2080 BS, tourists from the SAARC region numbered 76,516.  

In recent years, Mustang has continued to attract increasing numbers of tourists, primarily due to its improved accessibility by road. The construction of the Beni-Jomsom-Korola road has significantly eased travel to the mountainous district.  

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