MUSTANG: A rapid rise in tourism and aggressive single-day travel packages have contributed to 59 altitude sickness fatalities in Mustang over the past five fiscal years, with most deaths occurring along the popular Muktinath Temple pilgrimage route.

The victims include 43 foreign nationals—predominantly Indian pilgrims—and 16 Nepali citizens, many of whom were elderly or individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Local medical experts emphasize that traveling abruptly to elevations above 2,500 meters severely depletes oxygen levels, leading to fatal complications if early symptoms like headaches and dizziness are ignored.

Despite the availability of dedicated high-altitude treatment centers and primary care facilities across local municipalities, competitive travel itineraries and visitor negligence continue to hamper safety campaigns conducted at the district entrance in Ghasa.