Tourist arrivals in Mustang have surged following the Dashain festival, with 7,846 domestic and international visitors entering the Himalayan district over two days as travel activity rebounds after months of weather-related disruptions.

According to the District Police Office, Mustang, 3,033 visitors entered the district on Thursday, the first day after Dashain Tika, followed by another 4,813 on Friday.

Tourist arrivals had remained relatively low before Dashain after heavy rainfall, floods and landslides disrupted road access to the popular Himalayan destination. The damage affected the Beni-Jomsom road corridor, a key route connecting Mustang with the rest of the country.

Ishwar Mahat, a police inspector and information officer at the District Police Office, said the number of tourists travelling to Mustang through the Beni-Jomsom route had increased following the festival.

## More Than 5,600 Visitors During Dashain Period
Police records show that 5,663 visitors entered Mustang through the Beni-Jomsom route between Ghatasthapana and Vijaya Dashami this year.

The total included 3,738 male visitors and 1,925 female visitors.

Of the total arrivals during the 10 days, 4,409 were international tourists, accounting for 77.85% of all visitors, according to Inspector Mahat.

The figures indicate that foreign tourists accounted for a substantial share of arrivals during the Dashain period, despite disruptions to transportation and tourism activity.

Floods and Landslides Disrupt Tourism
Mustang’s tourism sector experienced a slowdown following heavy rainfall, floods and landslides that affected road connectivity across several parts of Nepal. The Bhotekoshi flood disaster in Rasuwa and other monsoon-related incidents contributed to wider travel disruptions and uncertainty.

The Beni-Jomsom corridor, the principal road route to Mustang, was obstructed by landslides and riverbank erosion, making travel difficult and affecting the flow of visitors.

The latest increase in arrivals suggests a recovery in travel activity after Dashain, although the sustainability of the rebound will depend partly on road conditions and the reliability of transportation links.

Mustang is a major destination for Himalayan scenery, religious tourism and adventure travel. Improved road access and sustained visitor flows will be important for tourism businesses and local livelihoods as the post-monsoon travel season progresses.