MUSTANG, Oct 26: The number of devotees visiting Muktinath Temple, a major pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, has increased in the post-Dashain period.
The temple, which saw relatively few visitors before Dashain, is now receiving a significant influx of pilgrims and tourists.
According to the District Police Office in Mustang, 12,130 devotees visited Muktinath between Thursday and Saturday.
Police Inspector and Information Officer Ishwar Mahat said 3,033 people visited the temple on the day after Dashain, followed by 4,813 on Friday and 4,284 on Saturday.
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The Beni-Jomsom road remained completely closed for two weeks after floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in August and September damaged the route.
Thousands of pilgrims usually visit Mustang during Shorashraddha, a period of 16 days dedicated to paying homage to ancestors. However, road access problems prevented tourists from visiting the region during this period this year.
With visitor numbers rising, hotels and other accommodation facilities along the Beni-Jomsom road are beginning to fill up.
The influx of tourists has also increased demand for local agricultural products, including apples, apple brandy and wine.
Sujan Thapamagar, who travelled from Tanahun to visit Muktinath, said he had made the trip to make the most of his festival holiday.
Similarly, Ratna Bahadur Maharjan of Lalitpur said his group of seven had travelled to visit Muktinath and explore Korala.
