The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has established a tourist information centre at its office in Lo Manthang, Mustang.

The centre aims to provide tourists with information on historical, religious, and cultural sites, as well as details about the area's biodiversity, wildlife, birds, and geographical features, said ACAP Lo Manthang Ranger Madan Poudel.

“The centre was created to make it easier for tourists visiting Lo Manthang to learn about its diverse attractions,” Poudel explained. “We also offer guidance on destinations and accommodation options.”

Staff at the centre will assist tourists with maps of Lo Manthang and its surrounding areas, and offer information on historical, religious, and tourist sites, including caves, monasteries, artworks, and cultural significance. The information centre also displays details of travel times, available lodging, and other relevant information. Staff will further provide advice on trekking routes, helping to clarify uncertainties and coordinate tourist activities.

Lo Manthang's key attractions include its ancient walled settlement, palace, monasteries, and traditional headman system, which closely mirrors Tibetan culture. The town, home to around 200 households, is approximately 600 years old, according to Ward Chairman Dhuduke Bista.

King Ame Pal constructed the five-storey Lo Manthang Palace in 1440 AD, which still stands within the walled settlement. Ceremonial kings remain in Lo Manthang and Lho-Ghekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality. Additionally, the Thubten, Chodey, and Jampa monasteries, built in the 15th century, are significant cultural and religious landmarks, housing intricate thangkas and sculptures.

According to ACAP Lo Manthang, 2,011 foreign tourists visited Upper Mustang, including Lo Manthang, between April and August 2024. In 2023, a total of 3,484 tourists from 70 countries visited the area. Previous years saw 3,112 visitors in 2022, 332 in 2021, 62 in 2020, and 3,918 in 2019. The highest recorded number of foreign visitors was in 2017, with 4,115 tourists.

Since 1992, the government has required foreign nationals to obtain special permits and pay fees to visit Upper Mustang for a limited time. Lo Manthang, Lho-Ghekar Damodar Kunda, and parts of Baragung Mukti Kshetra Rural Municipality-3 and Chhusang VDC are designated restricted areas. Foreign nationals, except for Nepalis, must pay a $500 fee to the Department of Immigration for a 10-day permit, with an additional $50 fee per day for visits exceeding 10 days. -- RSS