MUSTANG: The number of tourists visiting Mustang has seen a significant surge, with a remarkable 45 percent increase.

As stated by the Area Conservation Office, Jomsom of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the arrival of tourists in Mustang during the fiscal year 2079/80 BS spiked by an impressive 45.75 percent compared to the preceding fiscal year, 2078/79 BS.

This rise in tourism is evident, with a total of 71,707 foreign tourists exploring Mustang in the fiscal year 2079/80 BS, a sharp contrast to the 38,896 visitors in 2078/79 BS.

ACAP Jomsom In-charge, Ashok Subedi, highlighted that the data showcases a substantial surge in tourist influx both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fiscal year 2079/80 witnessed an influx of 32,811 more tourists compared to the previous year.

Among these, 59,310 tourists arrived from SAARC member countries, and 6,749 from other countries.

Additionally, in the FY 2079/80, a total of 3,388 tourists explored the semi-prohibited area of Upper Mustang.

Several factors contributed to this notable increase in tourism.

Favorable weather conditions, improved road accessibility, comfortable hotel and lodge facilities, and minimal occurrences of natural disasters all played a role in attracting visitors to Mustang.