Muktinath records rise in visitors after Dashain
MUSTANG: The pilgrimage site of Muktinath in Mustang district has recorded a rise in visitor numbers following the conclusion of Dashain festival.
Data from the District Police Office in Mustang shows 12,130 devotees visited the temple between Thursday and Saturday. Police Inspector and Information Officer Ishwar Mahat said 3,033 people visited Muktinath Temple on the day after Dashain, rising to 4,813 on Friday and 4,284 on Saturday.
The increase in number follows a period of travel disruption in the region. The Beni-Jomsom road was closed for two weeks after heavy rainfall in August and September caused flooding and landslides that damaged transport links, preventing many pilgrims from reaching Mustang during the Sohra Shraddha period.
With roads reopened, local businesses report strong demand. Accommodation along the Beni-Jomsom highway is operating at capacity, and traders say tourist arrivals have driven up sales of local agricultural produce and speciality goods such as fresh apples, apple brandy and apple wine.
Visitors said they were taking advantage of the post-festival period to travel. Sujan Thapamagar, who travelled from Tanahun, said, "I undertook the journey to maximise my festival holiday period." Ratna Bahadur Maharjan from Lalitpur added, "Our group of seven individuals journeyed to visit Muktinath and explore Korala."
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