MYAGDI: In a bid to enhance tourist arrivals and prolong their stay, three new trekking routes have been identified in Mustang.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has earmarked these routes as alternatives to those affected by road construction.

The newly identified routes connect Lupra-Muktinath, Thini-Tilichotaal, and Kokhethati-Sirkung-Sauru-Chokhopani-Chimang-Dhumbatal, informed ACAP Ranger Sanjok Thakali.

Infrastructure construction, along with publicity and promotion initiatives, have already commenced to develop these routes.

The construction of roads, particularly Beni-Jomsom and Jomsom-Kagbeni-Muktinath routes, has displaced old trekking paths. Dust and disturbance caused by vehicular traffic have prompted tourists to seek new routes to enjoy nature without hindrance.

Trekking Guide Hari Nepali from Leyte, Mustang, noted a decline in foreign tourist numbers post-road construction. However, there has been an increase in domestic and Indian tourist arrivals.

According to ACAP Jomsom, foreign tourist visits to Mustang decreased from 29.12 percent in 2022 to 19.20 percent in 2023. In 2023, a total of 90,365 tourists visited, including 18,166 from third-world countries and 72,190 from SAARC nations, revealed Pramodraj Regmi, head of ACAP Jomsom.

An entry fee of Rs 1,000 per person for SAARC countries and Rs 3,000 per person for other countries visiting the ACAP area, spanning Lamjung, Kaski, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi districts of Gandaki province, has been set.