MUSTANG, March 23: 11 tourists died due to altitude sickness in Mustang over the past year, with the highest number of fatalities recorded in the Nepali month of Kartik.
Since Baisakh 2081 BS (mid-April 2024), altitude-related complications claimed the lives of nine foreigners and two Nepali tourists, according to the District Police Office.
Information Officer Bishal Adhikari stated that Indian tourists visiting Muktinath Temple and exploring Mustang suffered the highest number of fatalities. Altitude sickness killed five tourists in Ward No. 1 of Baragung Muktikshetra, five in Ward No. 4 of Gharpajhong (Jomsom), and one in Ward No. 2 of Thasang Rural Municipality. The victims ranged in age from 58 to 81 years.
Indian tourist dies of altitude sickness while visiting Muktina...
Police records show that altitude sickness killed two tourists in Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May), one in Jestha (mid-May to mid-June), two in Asoj (mid-September to mid-October), five in Kartik (mid-October to mid-November), and one in Poush (mid-December to mid-January). Among the deceased was a 63-year-old American citizen, Adhikari confirmed.
In 2080 BS, altitude sickness claimed 17 lives, including 11 foreigners and six Nepali nationals. To prevent such fatalities, the District Administration, security agencies, the Health Office, local governments, and the Provincial Hospital have launched awareness campaigns, promotional programs, and pamphlet distributions.
The Provincial Health Office, along with Gharpajhong and Thasang rural municipalities, has also used wall paintings and murals to educate tourists.
District Traffic Office Incharge Bhuwan Chhetri emphasized the dangers of rapid altitude gain. "Tourists develop altitude sickness when they rush from lowland plains to high-altitude Himalayan areas without proper rest," he said.
"This problem generally starts at an altitude of 3,800 meters above sea level. Elderly tourists, physically weak individuals, and those taking medication for chronic illnesses face a higher risk."
