KATHMANDU: Over the past year, 11 tourists have died due to high-altitude sickness in the Himalayan district of Mustang. The victims included nine foreign tourists and two Nepali nationals.

The majority of the deaths involved Indian tourists who were visiting the Muktinath Temple and the Mustang region, said Police Inspector Bishal Adhikari, Information Officer at the District Police Office.

Among the tourists traveling to Mustang for Muktinath, five died in Waragung Muktikshetra-1, Muktinath, five in Gharpajhong-4, Jomsom, and one in Thasang Rural Municipality-2. The deceased ranged in age from 58 to 81 years.

According to data from the District Police Office, the deaths occurred across various months: two in Baisakh 2081 BS, one in Jestha, two in Asoj, five in Kartik, and one in Poush. A 63-year-old American citizen was also among the deceased.

In 2080 BS, 17 individuals died from heatstroke, including 11 foreigners and six Nepali citizens, the police inspector reported.

In response to these incidents, the District Administration Office, security agencies, health departments, local governments, provincial hospitals, and other stakeholders have launched awareness initiatives, including pamphlet distribution and public information campaigns about heatstroke prevention.

Additionally, provincial health offices, along with Gharpajhong and Thasang rural municipalities, have initiated wall paintings and graffiti programs to inform tourists about the dangers of heatstroke.

Heatstroke often occurs when tourists travel directly from the lowlands to the high Himalayan region without proper acclimatization, particularly above 3,800 meters in altitude.

Senior citizens, people with physical disabilities, and those on long-term medication are especially at risk, noted Bhuwan Chhetri, in-charge of the District Traffic Office.