Upper Mustang Permit Fee Now Flexible
The Government of Nepal has announced one of the most important tourism policy changes in recent years, especially for those planning to visit the culturally rich and remote Upper Mustang. From now on, foreign visitors will pay USD 50 per day to enter Upper Mustang—ending the long-standing requirement of paying a compulsory flat permit fee of USD 500 for 10 days.
This decision was officially confirmed by Government Spokesperson and Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Jagdish Kharel, who revealed the latest Cabinet update. The change was implemented through an amendment to Schedule 12 of the Immigration Regulation, 2051.
With this update, the non-refundable 10-day USD 500 permit rule has been fully removed. Tourists will now pay only for the number of days they actually spend in Upper Mustang. Previously, even those who wished to visit for just 3–5 days were forced to purchase the entire 10-day permit, with an additional USD 50 charged for each day beyond the first ten.
Local leaders have responded positively. Although their main expectation was to remove Upper Mustang completely from Nepal’s restricted zone list, this fee change still fulfills an important part of their demands. Lopsang Chomphel Bista, Chair of Lho-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, and Tseenerbu Gurung, Chair of Lo-Manthang Rural Municipality, both described this policy shift as a progressive and beneficial step for the region.
Upper Mustang, classified under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), has long been designated as a restricted and controlled region. Due to the high permit cost, many international tourists used to stop their journey at Kagbeni or Muktinath rather than entering Upper Mustang. While Mustang receives nearly 150,000 foreign visitors annually, only 3–4% made it beyond the restricted-entry point.
With the new flexible daily permit, short trips, weekend adventures, and rapid itineraries have become more affordable than ever—and this change is expected to significantly increase foreign visitor traffic into Upper Mustang.
Decoding the New Permit Structure: Flexibility is Freedom
A. The Old Regime: The 10-Day Minimum Trap
For decades, Upper Mustang’s permit rule was both strict and expensive. Every foreign traveler had to purchase a non-refundable USD 500 permit, which covered 10 days—even if they planned a shorter visit. Whether someone wanted to stay for 5, 7, or 10 days, the cost remained the same.
This made short trips impractical. Quick Upper Mustang itineraries, jeep tours, weekend visits, and focused cultural trips were effectively discouraged. As a result, thousands of tourists who wished to visit Lo Manthang simply stayed in lower Mustang to avoid the heavy permit cost.
B. The Daily Rate Revolution
The newly implemented USD 50 per day system has changed everything. The Government of Nepal has replaced the outdated 10-day minimum fee with a simple, flexible daily structure.
The biggest benefit?
You only pay for the exact number of days you spend inside the Restricted Area.
This means travelers with limited time, short leave, or tight schedules can still enjoy Upper Mustang without overspending. Whether it’s a 3-day bike ride or a 7-day jeep tour, the cost now matches the duration.
Show Me the Money: Real Savings for Travelers
The Classic Example – 7-Day Jeep Tour
The 5–7 day Jeep tour is one of the most popular ways to explore Upper Mustang today.
- Old Cost: USD 500 (fixed, unavoidable)
- New Cost: 7 days × USD 50 = USD 350
- You Save: USD 150
This direct savings makes Upper Mustang substantially more accessible than before.
Ultra-Short Adventures Are Now Possible
With the new rule, short Upper Mustang trips have finally become realistic and affordable. A 3–4 day journey—previously impossible due to the $500 rule—is now completely within budget.
- 3 days × USD 50 = USD 150
- 4 days × USD 50 = USD 200
Foreign travelers who once stopped at Kagbeni or Muktinath can now extend their journey north, visit Lo Manthang, and return without financial strain.
Increased Accessibility & Alignment With Modern Travel
Road development in recent years has dramatically transformed travel inside Upper Mustang. Newly built roads allow jeeps and motorbikes to reach deep into the region—sometimes even reaching Lo Manthang in just a few days.
Because of this, many travelers prefer jeep tours over the longer 12–16 day Upper Mustang Trek. The new permit policy finally aligns with this modern travel reality.
With affordable daily permits, short jeep tours, bike rides, and quick cultural visits are expected to boom—bringing more income to local guides, drivers, homestays, teahouses, and tourism agencies.
The Fine Print: Important Restrictions That Still Apply
Despite the permit fee change, Upper Mustang remains a restricted area. Travelers must still follow all government regulations.
1. Guide & Agency Requirement
Solo travel is still strictly prohibited.
All visitors must:
- Hire a licensed trekking guide
- Book through a registered travel or trekking agency
- Travel in an organized group (even if small)
This rule ensures safety, environmental preservation, and proper monitoring.
2. Mandatory ACAP Permit
All tourists visiting Mustang—both lower and upper regions—must obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.
ACAP Fees:
- Foreign Nationals: NRs. 3,000
- SAARC Nationals: NRs. 1,000
- Children under 10: Free
This permit is required even if travelers only visit Lower Mustang areas like Jomsom, Kagbeni, or Ghami.
3. Checkpoints & Documentation
Travelers must check in at official entry points such as Kagbeni or Chhusang, carrying:
- Passport copies
- Valid Nepal visa
- Agency-issued permit and paperwork
This ensures accurate tracking and controlled entry, as required in restricted zones.
Time to Book Your Upper Mustang Adventure
The new Upper Mustang Permit Policy marks a major win for travelers. By shifting to a daily USD 50 permit, Nepal has opened the doors for shorter, more flexible, and more affordable Upper Mustang adventures.
Now, visitors only pay for the days they actually spend—making the region accessible to a wider range of travelers, from quick explorers to road-trip lovers.
With its dramatic desert landscapes, ancient monasteries, Tibetan-influenced culture, thousand-year-old caves, and the iconic walled city of Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang is more inviting than ever.
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