Mustang, September 20
Tourism in Mustang has witnessed a slowdown in the aftermath of the floods that struck the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system on August 26.
The District Police Office, Mustang, said the district saw a significant decline in arrivals of both domestic and foreign tourists in the month of Bhadra (August 17 to September 16) compared to the corresponding period last year.
The district welcomed a total of 31,989 tourists in Bhadra, a decline of 29,274 from the corresponding period last year and a 47.78 per cent drop from the previous month.
The ongoing challenges posed by blocked roads along the Kaligandaki Corridor due to flooding and river erosion have further worsened the situation.
In the month of Saun, Mustang welcomed 61,263 tourists, including 30,655 domestic tourists, 31,575 from SAARC countries and 193 from other countries.
However, the number dropped to 31,989 in Bhadra, including 16,503 domestic visitors, 15,138 from SAARC countries and 348 from other countries.
Tourist arrivals have declined following the Rasuwa floods, with the number of domestic tourists dropping by 46.16 per cent and arrivals from the SAARC region decreasing by 52.05 per cent.
However, the number of tourists from other countries increased, with 348 tourists visiting the district this year compared to 193 in the previous season, an increase of 155.
Overall, the District Police Office reported that 93,252 tourists have so far visited Mustang this year, including 47,158 domestic tourists, 46,713 from SAARC countries and 441 from other countries.
