Mustang, Oct 26: Devotee attendance has increased in the post-Dashain period at Muktinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage destination for both Hindu and Buddhist worshippers.
The Muktinath Temple, which experienced minimal visitation prior to Dashain, now accommodates considerable tourist traffic. According to the District Police Office in Mustang, 12,130 devotees visited Muktinath between Thursday and Saturday.
Police Inspector and Information Officer Ishwar Mahat reported that 3,033 individuals visited Muktinath Temple on the day following Dashain, 4,813 on Friday, and 4,284 on Saturday.
The Beni-Jomsom road sustained complete closure for a two-week period following destruction caused by floods and landslides resulting from severe rainfall in August and September.
Thousands of pilgrims typically visit Mustang annually during the Shorshraddha (16 days homage fortnight to ancestors); however, road accessibility challenges prevented tourist arrivals on this occasion.
As visitor numbers to Muktinath have increased, accommodations along the Beni-Jomsom road have begun reaching capacity with tourists. Furthermore, the surge in tourist arrivals in Mustang has correspondingly increased demand for agricultural commodities, including apples, apple-based brandy, and wine.
Sujan Thapamagar, who traveled from Tanahun to visit Muktinath, indicated that he had undertaken the journey to maximize his festival holiday period. Ratna Bahadur Maharjan from Lalitpur similarly noted that his group of seven individuals had journeyed to visit Muktinath and explore Korala.
