Mustang, Jan 3, 2016: Tourist flow to Lomanthang, one of the major tourist destinations in Mustang witnessed a 35 percent decrease this year as opposed to last year, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) said.
April 25 earthquake, ongoing Tarai protest and Indian border blockade are among the factors attributing to the decline. Data with the ACAP shows that 4,146 tourists visited Lomanthang in 2014, while only 2,686 tourists made it to the area in 2015.
ACAP Chief Santosh Sherchan said that political instability due to the political upheavals is also blamed for the situation. He added that around 1,000 tourists cancelled their trip to the area in 2015 due to political instability.
He said that eight months from April to November are peak season for tourists in the area and that most of tourists visiting here are from the United States of America, Australia and Spain.
“A tourist make up to 15-day stay on average. However, tourist flow has decreased after the devastating quake,†he said, adding that the Royal Palace of former King of Mustang, structures made from mud and natural beauty are major attraction of the area. RSS
