KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 3
Tourist arrivals in Mustang have increased significantly even during the winter season, with January 2026 recording a sharp rise compared to the same period last year.
According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) under the National Trust for Nature Conservation, a total of 10,822 foreign tourists visited Mustang in January 2026, up from 4,346 in January 2025-an increase of 6,476 visitors. Of the total January arrivals, 10,045 were from SAARC countries, while 777 came from other countries, ACAP Mustang Chief Rajesh Gupta said.
ACAP officials noted that Indian visitors, particularly pilgrims traveling to Muktinath Temple, accounted for a significant share of the increase. Mustang welcomed 161,142 foreign tourists in 2025, and ACAP estimates the number will rise to around 200,000 in 2026, reflecting the district's growing appeal as a year-round destination.
(With inputs from RSS)