KATHMANDU, JULY 11 Altitude sickness claimed the lives of 16 tourists and pilgrims, including 10 Indian nationals, in Mustang during the current fiscal year, underscoring the growing health risks facing visitors to Nepal's high-altitude destinations. According to Provincial Hospital Jomsom, the fatalities recorded between mid-July 2025 and mid-July 2026 included 10 Indians, five Nepalis and one Mexican national. Most victims were aged between 50 and 84 and died after developing complications related to high-altitude illness. Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Samikshya Kandel said deaths were reported throughout the year, with one each in Bhadra and Asoj, three in Kartik, two each in Mangsir and Chaitra, four in Baisakh and three in Jestha. The latest toll marks a sharp increase from the previous fiscal year, when nine people-five Indians, three Nepalis and one American-died from altitude-related complications in Mustang. Health officials attributed the deaths largely to visitors travelling rapidly from low-lying areas to high-altitude destinations without allowing sufficient time for acclimatisation. Elderly travellers, people with chronic illnesses and those with physical vulnerabilities face a significantly higher risk of developing altitude sickness. Authorities have stepped up awareness campaigns through information boards and pamphlets along key routes from Ghasa to Muktinath. Provincial health authorities, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), local governments, security agencies and the Muktinath Development Committee have jointly launched initiatives to educate travellers on altitude-related risks. To strengthen emergency response, the Provincial Hospital Jomsom and the Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality operate a high-altitude treatment centre at the Muktinath temple premises. According to the Muktinath Development Committee, the centre is staffed by two health assistants and equipped with oxygen support. Doctors have urged transport operators, tour companies and travel agencies to ensure visitors receive proper guidance on altitude sickness and acclimatisation before travelling to high-elevation destinations.