The Himalayan district of Mustang, renowned for its stark, arid landscapes and ancient Tibetan culture, is cultivating a new, vibrant identity. Beyond the medieval monasteries and cave dwellings, the region is emerging as Nepal’s prime apple-producing hub. In a innovative move to boost agro-tourism, the Temperate Horticulture Development Centre in Marpha has opened its gates to visitors, transforming its lush apple orchards into an immersive experiential destination. This initiative is not only providing a unique experience for tourists but also creating a new revenue stream and highlighting the agricultural significance of the region, demonstrating a successful synergy between agriculture and tourism.
A Taste of the Highlands: The “Pick and Eat” Festival Draws Enthusiastic Crowds
At the heart of this initiative is the “Pick and Eat” festival, a concept that allows visitors to directly engage with the harvest. The program has seen enthusiastic participation from both domestic and international tourists. A recent example highlights this growing interest: Pashupati Dhakal, the Assistant Campus Chief of Magdi Multi Campus, spent nearly an hour enjoying the orchard. He, along with five companions, paid a nominal entry fee of two hundred rupees to experience the orchard firsthand. They wandered among the trees, captured videos and photographs, and ate apples to their heart’s content before departing.
The Centre’s Chief, Padmanath Atreya, explained that while private farms often face challenges in accommodating tourists for apple picking, this government-managed festival has made the experience seamless and accessible. Despite a slower tourist season this year compared to the last—attributed to the Genz movement and blockades on the Beni-Jomsom road—the visitors who did participate were highly impressed. They have requested that the festival continue in the coming days, indicating its potential for long-term success.
Structured Agro-Tourism: Balancing Experience with Conservation
To ensure the sustainability of this venture, the Centre has implemented a clear set of rules designed to protect the orchard while offering a fulfilling experience. Tourists are granted the facility to pick and eat apples directly from the trees within designated areas. However, they must follow specific guidelines and handle the trees with special care. A key rule stipulates that any damage caused to an apple tree will result in a fine of one thousand rupees for the responsible individual. The Centre has reported that, so far, this rule has been effective, and no damage to the trees has occurred.
Furthermore, the Centre offers more than just a fruit-picking excursion. It provides comprehensive information to both internal and external tourists, covering the entire lifecycle of an apple—from planting a sapling to the final stage of fruit harvesting. This educational component adds depth to the visitor experience, transforming it from a simple recreational activity into an informative agro-tourism encounter.
The scale of apple cultivation in Mustang underscores the importance of such initiatives. Apples are cultivated on 830 hectares of land by local farmers, with an additional 60 hectares dedicated to high-density apple farming. This thriving agricultural sector, now coupled with tourism, is painting a new, fruitful picture of Mustang for the world to see.
