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Dharmendra Jha / The historic settlement of Lomanthang in Mustang, nestled along the Kali Gandaki River approximately 180 kilometers from Beni, remains an untapped gem of religious, cultural, and natural tourism. Despite its immense potential, local representatives say restrictive government policies have hindered its development as a major tourist destination.
While nearby locations such as Marpha, Jomsom, Kagbeni, and the revered Muktinath Temple attract thousands of visitors annually, Lomanthang-located just 75 kilometers from Mustang’s district headquarters in Jomsom-continues to see comparatively low tourist footfall.
Tasi Nharbu Gurung, Chairman of Lomanthang Rural Municipality, attributes this shortfall to the government’s restrictive tourism policy, particularly the high entry fee for foreign tourists. “Visitors must pay USD 500 for a 10-day permit to enter Lomanthang and the Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda area. This fee has deterred many potential tourists,” Gurung said.
He emphasized that easing such restrictions could dramatically boost the local economy. “We could significantly uplift the living standards here if we welcomed thousands of foreign tourists each year,” he added.
Lomanthang also borders China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, offering significant potential for cross-border trade and tourism. Although the government inaugurated an Immigration Office at the Korola point in October 2024, alongside a Border Outpost (BOP) of the Armed Police Force, the office has yet to become operational.
“The Immigration Office at Korola remains largely inactive, and we’ve missed out on economic opportunities that come with cross-border access,” Gurung lamented. He also stressed the need for food and livestock quarantine facilities to fully operationalize the immigration point.
Historically, Lomanthang served as a vital trilateral trade route linking India, Nepal, and Tibet from the 15th to the 20th century. However, with trade now at a near standstill, residents face economic hardships due to the lack of commercial activity.
Gurung also raised concerns about emergency medical evacuations. “Rescuing patients by helicopter requires approval from the Home Ministry, which often causes fatal delays. There have been tragic cases of patients dying due to bureaucratic hold-ups,” he said.
Although a hospital has been constructed at the local level, it remains underutilized due to a shortage of trained staff and medical equipment. Repeated appeals for support from the provincial and federal governments have reportedly gone unheard.
Lomanthang, home to around 2,000 people, is a 600-year-old settlement surrounded by ancient mud walls. Situated at an altitude of 3,850 meters, it serves as a gateway to Upper Mustang and stands out for its untouched natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The village is steeped in history, once serving as the capital of the ancient Lo Kingdom. Despite Nepal’s unification in the 18th century, the region continued to function as a Buddhist kingdom until the establishment of the republic. Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista was the last monarch to reign here.
Cultural treasures such as the royal palace, centuries-old monasteries, traditional Tibetan architecture, and the Mukhiya governance system remain key attractions. One of the area’s most remarkable landmarks is a 2,000-year-old cave carved into a hillside, reportedly featuring nearly 60 rooms.
“Lomanthang is a living museum of Tibetan Buddhist culture. It holds tremendous historical and spiritual significance that can appeal to global travelers,” Gurung said, calling for greater support to realize the region’s tourism potential.
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