KATHMANDU, MARCH 23

Eleven tourists have died due to altitude sickness in Mustang district over the past year, including nine foreign backpackers and two Nepali nationals, from April 13, 2024, to date.

According to Police Inspector Bishal Adhikari, Information Officer at the District Police Office, most of the fatalities involved Indian tourists visiting Muktinath Temple and other locations within the district.

'Among those who traveled to Mustang for pilgrimage at Muktinath and trekking in surrounding areas, five died in Muktinath (Waragung Muktikshetra-1), five in Jomsom (Gharpajhong-4), and one in Thasang Rural Municipality-2,' Adhikari stated.

The victims ranged in age from 58 to 81 years.

The District Police Office reported that two deaths occurred in Baisakh, one in Jeth, two in Asoj, five in Kattik, and one in Push. Among them was a 63-year-old American citizen, who also succumbed to altitude sickness, Inspector Adhikari confirmed.

In 2080 BS (2023-24), 17 individuals lost their lives to altitude sickness, including 11 foreigners and six Nepali nationals, Adhikari added.