MUSTANG: A total of 80,253 foreign tourists entered Mustang in June 2026, according to the National Trust for Nature Conservation, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Jomsom.

Of the total arrivals, 78,670 were from SAARC countries and 1,583 from other nations. ACAP Jomsom Office Chief Rajesh Gupta said that SAARC nationals accounted for 98.02% of total arrivals, while 1.97% came from other countries. He added that more than 95% of foreign visitors in June were Indian nationals.

In May 2026, Mustang recorded 65,994 foreign arrivals, including 61,798 from SAARC nations and 4,196 from other countries. In June 2025, the district welcomed 20,868 foreign tourists, including 19,649 from SAARC countries and 1,209 from other nations.

ACAP data shows foreign arrivals increased by 59,395 in June 2026 compared to the same month in 2025. During the January–June 2026 period, 222,992 foreign tourists visited Mustang, up from 98,481 in the same period in 2025—an increase of 124,511 visitors.

ACAP also reported that a total of 161,142 foreign tourists visited Mustang in 2025.

Officials said Indian tourist arrivals have surged sharply in 2026, with more than 95% of foreign visitors coming from India, largely for pilgrimage to the Muktinath Temple.

Around 50% of Indian tourists travel in private vehicles directly from India, and most return shortly after visiting the shrine.

ACAP noted that Indian tourist inflows have also boosted hotel occupancy in Mustang as well as in Myagdi, Baglung, and Pokhara.

Other foreign tourists typically enter Mustang via the Manang route as part of the Annapurna Circuit trek, while some arrive through the Pokhara–Jomsom air route and the Beni–Jomsom road. ACAP officials in Lo Manthang said only about 3% of visitors travel to Upper Mustang.