KATHMANDU: More than 700,000 domestic and foreign tourists visited Mustang through the Beni–Jomsom road corridor via Raghuganga and Annapurna rural municipalities in northern Myagdi during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year 2025/26.
According to data maintained by the Border Police Post at Ghasa in Mustang, a total of 705,754 tourists entered the district between Shrawan and Jestha through the only road connecting Mustang to the national highway network.
The figure is nearly equal to the total tourist arrivals recorded throughout the previous fiscal year.
Police stationed at Ghansa record tourists entering Mustang through motor vehicles. According to District Police Office Inspector Santosh Basyal, 151,160 vehicles carried 460,924 domestic and 244,830 foreign tourists into Mustang during the review period.
The highest monthly inflow was recorded in Jestha, when 27,488 vehicles brought 90,939 foreign and 40,838 domestic visitors to the district.
Authorities attribute the rise in arrivals partly to increased movement of Indian tourists during the summer season, influenced by India’s policy of encouraging foreign currency savings. Mustang and Pokhara have emerged as popular travel destinations for Indian visitors during this period.
Domestic tourist numbers also surged during the third week of Jestha due to a four-day public holiday.
The increase in visitor flow has led to high occupancy rates at hotels and lodges in areas along the Beni–Jomsom road, including Beni, Galeshwor, Tatopani, and Dana.
Inspector Basyal said nearly 80 percent of foreign visitors entering Mustang are Indian nationals.
Tourist attractions in Mustang include the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple in Waragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality-1, as well as Kagbeni Dham, the Korala border point, and Lo Manthang.
Mustang continues to attract visitors with its unique geography, biodiversity, ancient culture, traditional lifestyle, Himalayan scenery, and distinctive local heritage.
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