The surge in tourist arrivals to Mustang has been staggering, as revealed by the Area Conservation office, Jomsom of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). In the fiscal year 2079/80, there was a remarkable 45.75 percent increase in the number of tourists compared to the previous fiscal year, 2078/79 BS.
According to the ACAP Jomsom In-charge, Ashok Subedi, a total of 71,707 foreign tourists ventured into the enchanting land of Mustang during the fiscal year 2079/80 BS. This number sharply contrasts with the 38,896 tourists who explored the region in the year 2078/79 BS.
Notably, the fiscal year 2079/80 witnessed a staggering influx of 32,811 tourists, showcasing the allure of this captivating destination. Among these visitors, 59,310 hailed from SAARC member countries, while 6,749 came from other countries.
An intriguing aspect of this surge in tourist activity was the visitation to the semi-prohibited area, Upper Mustang, which attracted a total of 3,388 curious travelers.
Various factors have contributed to this remarkable growth in tourism. The favorable weather, improved road access, and the presence of hotels and lodges have all played significant roles in making Mustang an attractive destination for travelers. Furthermore, the region has been fortunate to experience minimal incidents of natural disasters, which further bolstered its appeal.
In conclusion, Mustang’s soaring popularity among tourists before and after the challenges posed by COVID-19 is evident from the striking numbers, making it a destination of immense fascination and allure for visitors from all around the world.