Weather change warning prompts tourist to leave early

By Hari Krishna Sharma, Jomsom (Muktintah), Oct.29: The advance weather warning has led to a decline in tourists and pilgrims visiting the Mustang district. 

The number of tourists and pilgrims entering Mustang has started to decrease due to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology's advance warning of rain and snowfall in the high mountainous regions.

With the adverse weather forecast for Mustang, which is already packed with domestic tourists, the number of people returning has increased rather than entering Mustang via Pokhara-Beni.

According to the statistics from the Ghansa Checkpost of the District Police Office, 4,380 people, including 4,231 people via the road network and 149 people via Thorangla Pass via Manang District, entered Mustang on Tuesday, October 29.

As many as 4,985 tourists have left via the road. A total of 697 vehicles have entered the district, while 747 vehicles left through Ghansa. Similarly, 11 vehicles entered and 155 left through Upper Mustang.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Tshering Kippa Lama said that the heavy snowfall at Lomanthang Rural Municipality-1 has led to difficulty in commuting, even at the trading center located Chinese Customs Office crossing the Nechung Customs and Korala checkpoint. 

 Lama said, "Many tourists who went to visit Upper Mustang are returning due to the weather warning.  No reports of tourists being stranded have been received."

After the District Administration Office, Mustang issued a notice, on October 27, 8,749 people entered Mustang by road, footpath, and air, while 9,875 people left.

Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal said that many tourists at Mustang have been safely accommodated in the hotel after being requested to remain vigilant until next Friday.

"Tourists have not faced any difficulty by adhering to the weather warning. once the weather clears, we will put out the information and open ur arms to tourists."