Kathmandu [Nepal], August 15 – Muktinath Temple in Nepal’s Mustang district has recorded a significant rise in both pilgrim arrivals and offerings with funds deposited in its five bank accounts reaching Rs 110.76 million by mid-July.
The Muktinath Development Committee which manages the accounts, reported the combined balance of Rs 110.76 million as the number of visitors to the renowned Hindu pilgrimage site has surged in recent months.
Daily pilgrim arrivals have increased sharply from the usual 4,000 to more than 15,000 reflecting a major rise in religious and leisure travel to the high-altitude destination.
The increase has been driven largely by Indian visitors looking for relief from intense summer heatwaves in their home regions. School holidays have also encouraged more Indian families to travel to Mustang while domestic tourists have added to the growing crowds.
Muktinath located at a high altitude in Mustang is one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage destinations and attracts devotees from Nepal, India and other countries.
The recent surge in visitors has also increased economic activity around the pilgrimage site benefiting local businesses and tourism operators.
The rise in offerings comes alongside the sharp increase in pilgrim numbers, highlighting the growing religious tourism activity at Muktinath.
The temple committee’s reported balance provides an indication of the scale of offerings being generated as the famous shrine experiences one of its busiest periods in recent times.
