Photo Feature: Muktinath sees surge in religious tourists

Mustang, November 16 — The Muktinath Temple, known as a shared pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, has recently witnessed a significant increase in the number of visitors. Following major festivals, the area now sees around 4,000 religious tourists arriving daily.

Rabindra Subedi, the manager of the Muktinath Development Committee, explained that the number of tourists visiting Muktinath and other tourist destinations in Mustang has notably risen with the clear weather. According to Subedi, in the past week alone, more than 4,000 religious tourists have been visiting the Muktinath Temple daily.

For most tourists entering Mustang, Muktinath remains the primary attraction. In the nearby Ranipauwa market area, 35 well-equipped hotels are operating, and all of them are reportedly filled with religious tourists daily.

According to the local police office, about 80% of the tourists coming to Muktinath are domestic visitors, with the majority of foreign tourists coming from neighboring India. Tourists from third countries also visit Muktinath after trekking the Annapurna Circuit, particularly via Thorong La Pass.

There is a popular belief that visiting Muktinath fulfills one's wishes and brings peace and happiness. Pilgrims traditionally bathe in the 108 taps and the pond located in front of the temple before offering prayers, as explained by Subedi.

Due to the influx of religious tourists, hotels in Mustang's Kagbeni, Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha, and Lete, as well as those in the nearby Myagdi, are becoming fully booked. Local business owners share an increase in earnings as a result of the growing number of visitors.