Tourist arrivals to the trans-Himalayan district of Mustang have been steadily rising, thanks to improved road access along the Beni–Jomsom–Korala section of the Kaligandaki Corridor, a strategic road that connects India and China. The easier connectivity is drawing more visitors eager to experience Mustang’s picturesque landscapes, ancient structures, local culture, and spiritual sites.
Much of the highway’s Myagdi and Mustang sections have now been blacktopped, making travel easier for the visitors, many of them Indian pilgrims. The district is fast developing as one of Nepal’s key religious and tourist destinations.
Mustang’s main religious sites include the famed Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni shrine, and the Damodar Kunda. The district’s appeal is further enhanced by attractions such as Lo Manthang Palace in Upper Mustang, the Korala border pass, Dhumba Lake, centuries-old monasteries and stupas, the charming village of Marpha, and the bustling Jomsom market.
With its unique geography, natural beauty, biodiversity, and ancient cultural and religious heritage, Mustang has increasingly positioned itself as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travellers.
According to local authorities, an increasing number of visitors — Nepali and foreigners alike — are drawn to the district to experience its distinctive landscapes and rich cultural traditions. Compared to five years ago, the annual number of visitors to Mustang has more than doubled.
Data from the District Police Office show that in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year 2024/25 (mid-July 2024 to mid-June 2025), a total of 678,536 domestic and foreign tourists visited Mustang. This marks a 33% rise from the previous fiscal year, when 454,326 visitors were recorded.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Chhiring Lama said that from mid-July to mid-June this fiscal year, 539,872 Nepali and 138,664 foreign tourists travelled to Mustang. In the previous year, the figures stood at 354,927 domestic and 99,399 foreign tourists.
This year, domestic tourism grew by 34.25%, while foreign tourist numbers rose by 28.31%, according to police data.
Among domestic tourists, the highest numbers were recorded during the months of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November), with 99,176 visitors, and Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April), with 89,344 visitors.
Among foreign tourists, the peak months were mid-May to mid-June (Jestha), with 28,372 visitors, followed by mid-April to mid-May (Baisakh), with 26,029 visitors.
Most visitors to Mustang travel for religious purposes, especially to offer prayers at Muktinath Temple or perform rites for departed ancestors at Kagbeni. Roughly a quarter of domestic pilgrims to Muktinath also visit Upper Mustang and the Korala border area during their trip.
Among foreign tourists, nearly 80% are Indian, the vast majority of whom travel to Mustang for Muktinath Temple pilgrimages. The remaining 20% come from other countries — with visitors from 72 different nations recorded this fiscal year, according to the District Police Office. -- RSS
