Tourists Flock to Mustang Despite Early Snowfall

More than 40,000 domestic and international tourists have visited the Himalayan district of Mustang in the first ten days of the Nepali month of Kartik (October–November), despite early snowfall disrupting travel and religious activities in the region.

According to the District Police Office, Mustang, a total of 37,146 Nepali visitors and 3,732 foreign tourists entered the district between October 18 and 27 via the Beni–Jomsom road.

Police reported that 11,808 vehicles passed through the route during the same period.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tshiring Kippa Lama said that a surge in visitors was recorded as both pilgrims and adventure seekers travelled to Mustang during the festive season.

However, heavy snowfall on the night of October 27 left several visitors stranded, particularly those heading towards the sacred Muktinath Temple.

“Tourists and devotees were affected by the snow and rain that began Monday night,” DSP Lama said, noting that the district administration had deployed teams to assist travellers along key routes.

Rabin Subedi, an official from the Muktinath Mandir Development Committee, said the Kagbeni–Muktinath trail was severely impacted by snow, making movement difficult.

“The Muktinath Snankunda (holy pond) and the 108 water taps have frozen due to the sharp drop in temperature,” Subedi told.

Despite the harsh weather, the high-altitude region continues to draw pilgrims and trekkers attracted by Mustang’s rugged landscape and religious significance, though authorities have urged caution as cold conditions persist. RSS