MUSTANG: Sixteen people, including 10 Indian nationals, have died from high-altitude sickness in Mustang district during the current fiscal year 2025/26.
According to Provincial Hospital Jomsom, the victims included 10 Indians, five Nepalis and one Mexican national who died after suffering from altitude-related complications while visiting the Himalayan district from July 2025 to July 2026.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Samiksha Kandel said one death each was recorded in Bhadra and Ashoj, three in Kartik, two in Mangsir, two in Chaitra, four in Baisakh and three in Jestha. The victims were tourists and pilgrims aged between 50 and 84 years.
In the previous fiscal year 2024/25, nine people had died due to altitude sickness in Mustang, including five Indians, three Nepalis and one American citizen.
Doctors said visitors traveling from low-altitude areas to Himalayan regions often face altitude sickness due to reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. Elderly visitors, people with physical weakness and those taking regular medication for chronic illnesses are considered more vulnerable.
Authorities have been conducting awareness campaigns to reduce altitude-related risks through signboards, pamphlets and other information materials in coordination with the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, provincial health offices, hospitals, local governments, the Muktinath Development Committee and security agencies.
Awareness boards have been placed at several locations including Ghasa, Lete, Khanti, Marpha, Jomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath along the route from Myagdi to Mustang.
Hospital officials have stressed the need for transport operators, tourism entrepreneurs and travel agencies to provide timely information about high-altitude risks to tourists and pilgrims.
To provide emergency care, Provincial Hospital Jomsom and Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality have established a high-altitude treatment center at the Muktinath temple premises. According to Muktinath Development Committee Manager Dinesh Bhusal, two health assistants equipped with oxygen support have been deployed at the temple area.
Comment