Big Update! Upper Mustang Permit fee is now $50 Per Day

Introduction: Upper Mustang Permit Fee Now Flexible

The Government of Nepal has declared a significant policy change for foreign visitors visiting Upper Mustang, the area which borders the northern Korala Pass of China. Henceforth, the cost of a daily Upper Mustang Permit fee paid by foreigners entering Upper Mustang will be USD 50 instead of the previous compulsory flat rate. 

This update was authenticated by the Government Spokesperson and Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Jagdish Kharel, when he announced the latest Cabinet decision. He said that it has been changed through the amendment of Schedule 12 of the Immigration Regulation, 2051.

Under this new rule, the long-standing rule of having to pay a non-refundable USD 500 to get a mandatory 10-day permit has now been eliminated. Tourists will only pay for the number of days they spend in Upper Mustang. To date, visitors were required to buy the entire 10-day permit, and in case they exceeded 10 days, they would be levied an extra USD 50 per head per day.

Local leaders have received the announcement. This decision fulfilled part of their expectations, although this was not their primary intention at that time, because Lopsang Chomphel Bista, the Chair of Lho-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, said that they wanted Upper Mustang to be taken off the list of restricted and controlled areas. Similarly, the chairman of the Lo-Manthang Rural Municipality, Tseenerbu Gurung, described the new rule as a positive move for the region.

The Upper Mustang, which belongs to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), has long been on the list of restricted and controlled areas. As a result of the high cost of the permit, many international tourists would stop their journey at Kagbeni or Muktinath rather than entering Upper Mustang. Although approximately 150,000 foreign tourists flew into Mustang each year, only an approximate of 3-4 percent made it onto Upper Mustang.

It is believed that this change in policy will make short visits and rapid itineraries cheaper than ever before and bring more travelers to this culturally rich and historically significant region.

Recommended Trip

Upper Mustang Trek

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Decoding the New Permit Structure: Flexibility is Freedom

The Old Regime (The 10-Day Minimum Trap):

For many years, the Upper Mustang has operated under a strict and expensive permit rule. Every foreign traveler had to pay a minimum of US$500, which covered 10 days, even if their trip was much shorter. Whether someone wanted to explore Upper Mustang for 5 days, 7 days, or 10 days, the cost was the same.

This old system was impractical for the short tips. Foreigners were forced to pay for the days even if they did not visit. For this reason, fast Upper Mustang itineraries, weekend visits, or shorter cultural tours were discouraged. To avoid the heavy permit cost, foreign citizens used to visit Kagbeni or Muktinath and avoid entering the Upper Mustang, even if they wish to visit.

B. The Daily Rate Revolution:

The new rule has changed everything. The Government of Nepal has replaced the old Upper Mustang Permit fee with a simple and flexible daily rate of US$50 per person per day.

The biggest benefit is clear:

???? You only pay for the exact number of days you spend inside the Restricted Area.

With this positive change in the Upper Mustang permit fee system, now foreigners who want to spend the short days, who want quick visits, or those who have limited time for their itinerary can take full benefit from this new permit rule. 

Show Me the Money: Real Savings for the Traveler

• The Classic Example: The 7-Day Jeep Tour:

One of the most popular ways to explore the Upper Mustang is by using the 5-day or 7-day Jeep tour.  Under the old Upper Mustang permit rule, foreigners had no choice but to pay the flat US$500 fee, even if their journey was shorter.

With the new daily rate, the cost looks very different:

• Old Cost: US$500 (fixed, non-negotiable)
• New Cost: 7 days × US$50/day = US$350
• Total Savings: US$150

Foreign citizens will get financial benefits from this new Upper Mustang Permit policy. Now you have to spend less on the permit, which makes your Upper Mustang journey more affordable.

• Incentivizing Ultra-Short Excursions:

Under the new permit rule now it is now open for the short Mustang tour adventure. A 3–4 day trip—such as a quick journey from Jomsom or Kagbeni to Lo Manthang and back—is now completely realistic and budget-friendly. You are welcome for the quick 3 to 4 days bike tour to Upper Mustang without paying a $500 per person permit only!

• 3 days × $50 = $150
• 4 days × $50 = $200

Those foreign travellers who used to return from the lower Mustang, Kagbeni, or Muktinath can now extend their trip north, explore the walled city of Lo Manthang, and return without overspending.

Increased Accessibility and Aligning with Modern Travel

In recent years, Upper Mustang has seen rapid road development, with new paved roads expanding deeper into the region every year by the Nepal Government. Due to this reason, locals and foreign nationals are now using the Jeep tour instead of doing the traditional Upper Mustang Trek, which takes around 12-16 days to complete. The new Upper Mustang permit policy finally matches this modern reality. Now, with the help of a Jeep, you can reach 

Lo Manthang in just a few days and explore its beauty without paying a high cost.

These new Upper Mustang permit rules can be a game-changer for local tourism. We hope that there will be rapid growth in short tours in this region. Local agencies, guides, drivers, homestays, and teahouses are all expected to benefit from the increased number of visitors.

The Fine Print: Essential Restrictions That Remain

Crucial reminder: Even with the change in the Upper Mustang Permit policy, this area is still restricted. All the travellers who will visit here must follow the rules and regulations that are set by the Nepal government, Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), and TAAN (Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN).

The Upper Mustang Permit Cost has changed, but make sure to follow these rules:

Guide & Agency Mandate:

Solo travelling remains strictly prohibited in Upper Mustang. Travellers need to hire a licensed guide with them, whether they are visiting for trekking or taking a jeep tour. Travellers must book the trek and tour with the local tour agency and be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide at all times. This rule ensures travellers’ safety, environmental protection, and proper monitoring in the restricted zone.

ACAP Permit Requirement:

All tourists must purchase the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit, which is required for entering the greater Mustang region. Even if you are travelling in the lower Mustang or Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Ghami, this ACAP is mandatory. 

Let’s see the cost of the ACAP permit fees:

• Foreign Nationals: NRs. 3,000
• SAARC Nationals: NRs. 1,000
• Children (under 10): Free

Other Logistics:

All standard entry rules are expected to remain the same. Travelers must still check in at designated entry and exit checkpoints, such as Kagbeni or Chhusang, and provide necessary documents like passport copies, valid visas, and agency paperwork. These procedures help maintain records and regulate movement within the restricted area.

Conclusion: Time to Book Your Upper Mustang Adventure

The Upper Mustang Permit Policy change is a big advantage for the foreign travellers who are planning to visit in the coming days for a short time. With the shift to a daily fee, visitors can enjoy the short Upper Mustang Trip by making huge savings. Now pay only for how many days you spend in Upper Mustang.

Upper Mustang’s dramatic desert landscapes, thousand-year-old ancient Buddhist culture, religion, monastery, lifestyle, and the main highlights of Upper Mustang – Lo Manthang are waiting for you to get explored.

Whether you are planning to explore through the traditional Upper Mustang trekking method or a short Jeep tour, you can contact Namaste Nepal Trekking. Book the Upper Mustang Trip with a new permit cost.  Book now and enjoy big savings!

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