KATHMANDU: The number of both domestic and international tourists visiting Mustang has surged significantly following road upgrades under the Beni–Jomsom–Korala national pride project.
The newly blacktopped stretches between Myagdi and Mustang have made travel to this high Himalayan district more accessible than ever, attracting a steady stream of visitors.
Home to a blend of religious, cultural, and natural treasures, Mustang is rapidly evolving into one of Nepal’s major tourism hubs. Religious landmarks such as Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni Dham, and Damodar Kunda draw thousands of spiritual travelers annually.
Meanwhile, places like Lo Manthang Palace, Korala Pass, Dhumba Lake, Ghar Gumba, Marpha, and Jomsom captivate tourists seeking scenic beauty and rich cultural experiences.
According to the District Police Office, 678,536 tourists visited Mustang in the first eleven months of the current fiscal year—a 33% increase from 454,326 visitors recorded during the same period last year.
This year, 539,872 were Nepali visitors and 138,664 were foreign nationals. In the previous fiscal year, the district welcomed 354,927 domestic and 99,399 foreign tourists.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Chhiring Kippa Lama confirmed a 34.25% rise in domestic tourist numbers and a 28.31% increase in foreign arrivals. The busiest months for Nepali tourists were November (99,176) and March (89,344), while international arrivals peaked in May (28,372) and April (26,029).
Most visitors, especially domestic pilgrims, travel to Mustang to worship at the revered Muktinath Temple and conduct ancestral rituals at Kagbeni. Officials estimate that about 25% of these pilgrims continue further north to explore Upper Mustang and the Korala border region.
A significant 80% of international tourists visiting Mustang this year were Indian nationals, primarily arriving for religious purposes. The remaining 20% came from 72 other countries, underscoring Mustang’s growing global appeal.
As road connectivity improves and awareness of Mustang’s diverse offerings spreads, the region is expected to solidify its status as a premier destination in Nepal’s tourism landscape.
