Muktinath: Over 6,000 domestic tourists have visited the Korala checkpoint in just two days, marking a significant rise in the number of visitors to this high-altitude destination. The checkpoint, situated at 4,610 meters above sea level, has been developed as a tourist attraction in recent years, largely due to improved access via the national pride project, the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the influx of domestic tourists has been notable this year, with 50 percent of those visiting Muktinath and Mustang extending their journey to the Korala checkpoint. This surge is attributed to smooth vehicular movement along the new road. However, foreign tourists, despite paying a fee of 500 US dollars to visit Upper Mustang, are not permitted to reach the border point due to security concerns, as enforced by the APF’s Border Outpost at Lomanthang-2.
Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Tshering Kippa Lama, reported that the total number of tourists entering Mustang on October 3 and 4 was 6,173 domestic and 688 foreign tourists. This increase occurred despite adverse weather forecasts. Likewise, 2,217 vehicles were recorded entering Mustang during this period. Police Inspector Bishnu Hari Thapa, in charge of the APF Border Out Post at Nhechung, confirmed that 1,500 domestic tourists visited the Korala checkpoint daily on October 3 and 4, with the number rising to 1,702 on October 5. The check post also saw 126 four-wheelers and 224 two-wheelers.
Visitors to the Korala checkpoint face health challenges due to the cold and high altitude. Consequently, new regulations require vehicles to enter the checkpoint at 7:00 am and exit by 4:00 pm starting today, to ensure visitor safety.