Kathmandu: The religious and tourist district of Mustang has recorded a notable increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2025. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Jomsom, foreign tourist numbers rose by 18.71 percent compared to 2024.
ACAP Jomsom chief Rajesh Gupta said a total of 161,122 foreign tourists visited Mustang from January to December 31, 2025, an increase of 25,403 visitors from the previous year. In 2024, the district had welcomed 135,719 foreign tourists.
Among the visitors in 2025, 132,847 were from SAARC countries, while 28,275 came from other regions. This represents an increase of 23,298 tourists from SAARC countries and 2,105 from non-SAARC nations compared to 2024. Tourist arrivals from SAARC countries rose by 17.57 percent, while arrivals from other regions increased by 7.44 percent.
Gupta said both domestic and foreign tourist numbers are on the rise in Mustang, with Indian tourists making up the largest share. According to ACAP, 82 percent of foreign visitors are from SAARC countries, and more than 90 percent of them are Indians.
However, the expected growth in foreign tourist arrivals was affected by the impact of the Gen-Z movement in early September. Gupta said foreign tourist numbers declined by 3,638 in September, 854 in October and 70 in November compared to the same months in 2024. As a result, the projected 30 percent growth in 2025 could not be achieved.
Despite this, tourist arrivals increased steadily from January to August and continued to rise again towards the end of the year, Gupta added.
(RSS)
