Tourist Arrivals in Mustang Surge by Nearly 50% in 2081 BS

The trans-Himalayan district of Mustang witnessed a significant rise in foreign tourist arrivals in 2081 BS (2024–25), with the number soaring by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year.

Data from the Jomsom Office of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) shows that a total of 144,745 foreign tourists visited Mustang during the year, up from 96,645 in 2080 BS, marking a 49.76 percent increase.

Office Chief Rajesh Prasad Gupta noted a particularly sharp rise in visitors from SAARC countries, which accounted for 117,614 arrivals, a 53.71 percent increase from the previous year. Of these, 80 percent were from India, with many pilgrims traveling to Mustang to visit the revered Muktinath temple.

In total, tourists from 72 different countries visited the district in 2081 BS.

The growing popularity of Mustang is also attributed to improved road access, particularly the Beni–Jomsom–Korola corridor, which has made travel to this remote mountainous region significantly easier.

Mustang’s blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual significance continues to draw increasing numbers of visitors year after year.