Mustang: Eleven tourists have tragically lost their lives due to altitude sickness in the Mustang district over the past year. This includes nine foreign backpackers and two Nepalis who succumbed to the condition from April 13, 2024, until now.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Police Inspector Bishal Adhikari, reported that a majority of the affected individuals were Indian tourists visiting the Muktinath temple and other sites in the district. The fatalities occurred among tourists who came to worship at the Muktinath temple and to trek in surrounding areas. Specifically, five deaths were recorded in Muktinath of Waragung Muktikshetra-1, another five in Jomsom of Gharpajhong-4, and one in Thasang rural municipality-2.
The deceased tourists were aged between 58 and 81 years. The District Police Office provided further details, noting that two tourists died in the month of Baisakh, one in Jeth, two in Asoj, five in Kattik, and one in Push. Among the victims was a 63-year-old American citizen, as confirmed by police inspector Adhikari.
In the year 2080 BS, a total of 17 people died due to altitude sickness, comprising 11 foreigners and six Nepali nationals, Adhikari added.