MUSTANG: The number of devotees visiting Muktinath Temple, a major pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, has increased following the Dashain festival.
Visitor numbers had remained low before Dashain, but the temple has recently witnessed a significant rise in pilgrim arrivals. According to the District Police Office in Mustang, 12,130 devotees visited Muktinath between Thursday and Saturday.
Police Inspector and Information Officer Ishwar Mahat said 3,033 people visited the temple on Thursday, the day after Dashain, followed by 4,813 on Friday and 4,284 on Saturday.
The Beni-Jomsom road remained completely blocked for around two weeks after floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in August and September damaged the route, disrupting travel to Mustang.
Thousands of pilgrims usually visit Mustang during Shorha Shraddha, the 16-day period dedicated to paying homage to ancestors. However, transportation disruptions prevented many visitors from reaching the district during this year’s observance.
With the recent increase in arrivals, hotels and other accommodation facilities along the Beni-Jomsom road have begun filling up. The growing number of tourists has also boosted demand for local agricultural products, including apples, apple brandy and wine.
Sujan Thapamagar, who travelled from Tanahun to visit Muktinath, said he had taken advantage of the festival holidays to make the pilgrimage.
Similarly, Ratna Bahadur Maharjan from Lalitpur said he had travelled with a group of seven people to visit Muktinath and explore the Korala area.
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