MYAGDI: Recent weeks have seen a notable rise in tourist arrivals in Mustang, with popular destinations such as Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni, Korola Point, Lomanthang, Sinja Jong Cave, Jomsom, Dhumwa Lake, Thini, Marfa, and Lete reporting increased visitor traffic.
Pramod Regmi, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) Jomsom Office, confirmed the surge in both domestic and international tourists in the area.
Domestic visitors are arriving by road and air, while more international travelers are exploring Thorangla, Upper Mustang, and the Jomsom vicinity.
In just the past 15-16 days, 20,446 visitors have entered Mustang via road, according to police inspector Bishal Adhikari from the District Police Office.
Since mid-September, the Ghansa-based police checkpoint along the Myagdi-Mustang border has recorded 4,044 vehicles carrying a total of 14,850 domestic and 5,596 foreign tourists.
During the fiscal year 2080-81 BS (2022-23), the district welcomed 318,814 domestic tourists through the Beni-Jomsom road, while the previous fiscal year (2079-80 BS or 2021-22) saw 330,800 international visitors.
Data from the ACAP Jomsom office indicates that 7,599 tourists visited the district from mid-July to mid-September (Saun and Bhadau months), a significant increase from 5,175 during the same period last fiscal year.
Last fiscal year, Mustang hosted 121,352 foreign tourists, compared to 71,707 and 38,896 in the two preceding years.
Several factors are contributing to this growing interest in visiting Mustang, including improved road access, effective tourism promotion at both national and international levels, the influence of social media, quality hospitality services, and increased media coverage showcasing Mustang’s appeal.
Additionally, visits from influential figures in the international community have further enhanced the region’s attractiveness to tourists.
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