KATHMANDU: Mustang has welcomed more than 51,000 domestic and international tourists within the first 20 days of Kartik. After a slowdown in the tourism sector since Bhadra due to natural disasters, the district saw a significant recovery with 51,123 visitors recorded in just under three weeks.

According to Information Officer Santosh Basyal of the District Police Office, Mustang, the arrivals include 41,191 domestic tourists, 8,549 visitors from SAARC nations, and 1,383 tourists from other countries. Basyal noted that tourism has improved and expressed optimism that activity will continue through the winter if weather conditions remain favorable. Data from the police tourist information center shows that among domestic visitors, 29,511 were men and 11,680 were women. Visitors from SAARC countries included 4,900 men and 3,649 women, while 834 men and 549 women arrived from other nations.

The highest daily arrival was 4,104 on Kartik 7, while the lowest was 822 on Kartik 14. Most visitors from SAARC countries, primarily Indian pilgrims, travel to Mustang to visit the Muktinath temple. Earlier this season, tourist numbers had dropped significantly due to rainfall and snowfall caused by the Bhote Koshi and Kali Gandaki rivers and the ‘Arnab’ cyclone.

Raju Lalchan, president of the Mustang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the influx of tourists during the festival holidays and favorable weather has brought renewed enthusiasm to local businesses. Visitor data is collected at checkpoints in Ghasa and Chhusang, while the Lete police station records statistics as tourists depart. Beyond Muktinath, major attractions in the region include ancient caves, monasteries, local art, culture, and the unique landscape of Mustang.