MYAGDI, March 3: Three new trekking routes have been identified in Mustang to increase tourist arrivals as well as to prolong their stay. 

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has identified the new trekking routes as an alternative to the routes which have been displaced due to the construction of roads. 

The trekking routes identified as those connecting Lupra-Muktinath, Thini-Tilichotaa and Kokhethati Sirkung-Sauru-Chokhopani-Chimang-Dhumbatal, said ACAP Ranger Sanjok Thakali Accordingly, infrastructure construction, publicity and promotion have been started.

The old trekking routes have been displaced due to Beni-Jomsom and Jomsom-Kagbeni-Muktinath roads. As dust makes it difficult to trek on the usual routes, tourists have demanded a route where they can enjoy nature without any disturbance. 

Trekking Guide Hari Nepali from Leyte, Mustang, said that the number of foreign tourists coming for trekking in Mustang has decreased after the construction of the road in the district. However, the arrival of domestic and Indian tourists has increased. 

According to ACAP Jomsom, 29.12 percent of foreign tourists visited Mustang in 2022, but in 2023 that decreased to 19.20 percent. In 2023, a total of 90,365 tourists came which included 18,166 from third world countries and 72,190 from SAARC countries, said Pramodraj Regmi, head of ACAP Jomsom.

An entry fee of Rs 1,000 per person has been set for SAARC countries and Rs 3,000 per person for other countries visiting the ACAP area, which includes Lamjung, Kaski, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi districts of Gandaki province.