KATHMANDU: In the fiscal year 2023/24, Mustang district saw a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with a total of 427,271 visitors traveling via the Beni-Jomsom road. This marked an increase of 47,504 tourists compared to the previous year. Among these, 318,814 were domestic tourists, 99,276 were from SAARC countries, and 9,171 were from other countries. The rise in tourist numbers was attributed to improved road infrastructure, effective publicity campaigns, and Mustang's inclusion in international lists like the Annapurna cycle trail.
Muktinath temple priest Krishna Prasad Subedi cited improved transportation, digital marketing, and new hotel openings as factors contributing to the spike. Mustang's attractions, like the Muktinath temple, unique cultural experiences, Himalayan scenery, and attractive areas like Jomsom and Lo Manthang, continue to attract visitors, notably from India.
Infrastructure development has been pivotal in accommodating this influx. The Tourism and Industry Office of Mustang, utilizing a budget of Rs 8 million from the Gandaki Province government, completed several projects. These include foot trails, cycle paths, and enhancements to tourist sites like Marpha village's stone steps and apple orchard pathways. Additional initiatives such as the construction of tourism information centers and maintenance of cultural landmarks have aimed to enhance visitor experiences throughout Mustang.
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