The local authorities of Lomanthang have installed signposts, information boards, and hoarding boards at key tourist locations for the convenience of tourists.
These signposts help identify foot trails, the information boards highlight the significance of touristic, religious, and historical sites, and the hoarding boards display messages about wildlife conservation.
Lomanthang-based Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)’s ranger Madan Paudel stated that 48 locations in Chusang, Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda, Lomanthang, and Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipalities have been equipped with these features.
“Signposts have been installed to ensure that tourists can easily find their destinations without getting lost or experiencing difficulties,” he added.
A hoarding board has been set up with information on local wildlife, such as snow leopards, red pandas, Tibetan argali, a species of wild sheep native to the Tibetan plateau, and other rare species. It aims to raise awareness among tourists to minimize human-wildlife conflicts and promote the protection of these animals.
To address the issue of tourists getting lost or taking unnecessary detours while navigating human settlements and visiting the various touristic, religious, and natural sites scattered across the rugged mountains, "ranging poles" and signposts have been placed along roads and foot trails, according to Regmi.
Ganesh Gurung of Annapurna Rural Municipality-5, Myagdi, who recently visited Damodarkunda in Upper Mustang, shared that the information boards and signposts detailing height, distance, travel time, and key features of the destination were very helpful. He suggested that more of these signs should be installed in additional locations.
Upper Mustang boasts many attractions, including the walled Lomanthang settlement, historical palaces in every village, monasteries, caves, and Damodarkunda. The region's unique culture, lifestyle, and remote geography further draw visitors.
In 2023, a total of 3,484 foreign tourists visited Upper Mustang. Alongside foreign visitors, the number of domestic tourists to the region has also been on the rise.
Foreign tourists are required to pay a fee of USD 500 for a 10-day visit to Lomanthang, the Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, and Upper Mustang in Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality-3, which is designated as a restricted area. For stays exceeding 10 days, an additional fee of Rs 50 per day is applicable.
Tasinarbu Gurung, chairman of Lomanthang Rural Municipality, noted that there has been a demand to lift the restricted area status, as the high fees have discouraged more tourists from visiting, thereby impacting the livelihoods and economic activities of the local population. -- RSS