Trekkers to Mustang double

Thanks to reduced royalty and Tibet being closed to foreign tourists, the number of trekkers visiting upper Mustang has doubled compared to last year.

Narendra Lama, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), said the beginning of the tourist season has already seen 1,850 visitors entering upper Mustang, whereas the number of foreign tourists permitted by the government is 1,000 individuals per year.

Tourism entrepreneurs estimate tourist arrivals will reach 3,000 individuals by December. The royalty to visit the area has been decreased this year to US$ 500 per person from US$ 700.
Local resident Dev Bahadur Gurung says the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of upper Mustang which reflects ancient Tibetan tradition attracts tourists to this tiny trans-Himalayan district.