The trans-Himalayan district of Mustang saw a significant rise in tourist arrivals in the Nepali year 2081 BS, which ended in mid-April.

During the review year, the number of tourists increased by nearly 50% compared to the previous year.

According to the Jomsom Office of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the district welcomed 144,745 foreign tourists during the review year—up from 96,645 in 2080 BS—marking a 49.76% increase.

Rajesh Prasad Gupta, Chief of the Jomsom Office of ACAP, said tourist arrivals from SAARC countries grew by 53.71% during the year. Of the total visitors, 117,614 were from SAARC nations, with the remaining 27,131 from 72 other countries.

India accounted for about 80% of the SAARC tourists, many of whom visited Mustang to pay homage at the sacred Muktinath temple. In 2080 BS, the number of SAARC tourists stood at 76,516.

Tourist numbers in Mustang have been on the rise in recent years, largely due to improved accessibility by road. The construction of the Beni–Jomsom–Korola road has made travel to the remote mountainous district much easier.  -- RSS