11 tourists lose their lives in Mustang

MUSTANG, MARCH 23: Eleven tourists have died due to altitude sickness in Mustang district in the last year. Nine foreign backpackers and two Nepalis died due to altitude sickness from April 13, 2024 till date. Information Officer at the District Police Office, Police Inspector Bishal Adhikari, said that most of the Indian tourists died while visiting the Muktinath temple and other places in the district.

According to Adhikari, among those who came to Mustang for worshipping at Muktinath temple and for trek in other places, five died in Muktinath of Waragung Muktikshetra-1, five in Jomsom of Gharpajhong-4 and one in Thasang rural municipality-2. Among the dead are tourists aged between 58 and 81 years.

The District Police Office said two tourists died in the month of Baisakh (mid-March to mid-April), one in Jeth (mid-April to mid-May), two in Asoj (mid-August to mid-September), five in Kartik(mid-September to mid-October) and one in Push (mid-January to mid-February). A 63-year-old American citizen was among those who died from altitude sickness, police inspector Adhikari said. In 2080 BS, 17 people lost their lives due to altitude sickness. The deceased include 11 foreigners and six Nepali nationals, Adhikari added. ---