Upper Mustang New Fee - Only $50/Day

A New Era for Upper Mustang Permits

Under the new permit structure, trekkers to Upper Mustang will be charged $50 per person per day of their trip, eliminating the mandatory $500 fee for a 10-day permit that was previously required.

For example, if you plan a 4-day trek into Upper Mustang, you’ll now pay $200 in permit fees, instead of the previous flat fee of $500. This change will be enacted by amending Schedule 12 of Nepal’s Immigration Regulations. The new daily rate introduces much-needed flexibility for travelers; shorter itineraries will cost less, while longer Upper Mustang Trek expenses are higher.

Previously, Upper Mustang’s trekking fees were among the highest in Nepal’s restricted areas. Foreigners had to pay $500 for a 10-day permit, with any additional days costing $50 each. This one-size-fits-all fee meant even a brief visit to Lo Manthang or the surrounding villages incurred a steep cost.

The policy change scraps the 10-day minimum rule, aligning Upper Mustang’s fees with a pay-as-you-go model. Trekking agencies are hailing the decision as a “game-changer,” noting it lowers the barrier to entry for one of Nepal’s most iconic regions. They view it as a first step and hope that restrictions in other areas, like neighboring Upper Dolpa, will be eased in the future as well.

Why Was Upper Mustang So Restricted?

Upper Mustang, a Trans-Himalayan region bordering Tibet, has long been designated a “restricted area” in Nepal’s trekking regulations. In the 1970s, amid security concerns and to protect its delicate culture and environment, the government barred independent travel to several northern border districts, including Mustang, and imposed special permit requirements. The area was formally opened to foreign trekkers in 1992, but with strict conditions: travelers had to join group treks via authorized agencies and pay the expensive permit fee for a limited period. These rules earned Upper Mustang the nickname “Forbidden Kingdom,” as visitor numbers were tightly controlled.

Local authorities and tourism stakeholders have argued for years that the steep $500 fee was outdated and counterproductive. With a road now connecting Pokhara to Jomsom and up to Lo Manthang near the Chinese border, Mustang is far more accessible than it was decades ago, making the old fee hard to justify in today’s context.

For nearly 15 years, Mustang’s local leaders pushed to cut the steep permit fee, arguing it hindered tourism in a culturally rich area. Lawmakers echoed these calls in Parliament, saying the “prohibited area” label and high costs were stalling the region’s economic potential.

Benefits of the New $50/Day Policy

Local leaders and tour operators see the new permit policy as a win for tourism and local growth. “Our past efforts have finally paid off,” said Tashi Nhurbu Gurung of Lo Manthang, highlighting that trekkers now pay only for their actual stay. The change is expected to ease pressure and unlock key benefits for the region.

The new fee structure is expected to bring several key benefits:

• Greater Cultural Exchange: With easier access, more travelers can now explore Upper Mustang’s rich heritage, from 3-Day anceint Tiji Festival, ancient cave on a red-cliff, monasteries to the walled city of Lo Manthang. Thoughtfully managed tourism can boost cultural exchange and spotlight Mustang’s Tibetan-influenced legacy and historic Buddhist sites.

• More Tourists Venturing Further: The $500 flat fee discouraged most trekkers from entering Upper Mustang. Of the 150,000 foreign visitors to Mustang each year, only 3-4% crossed beyond Kagbeni or Muktinath into the restricted area. With the new $50/day permit, Nepal expects that more trekkers will explore deeper into Upper Mustang’s unique landscapes and communities.

• Boost to Local Economy: More trekkers mean more income for local tea houses, guides, lodges, and shops in Upper Mustang. New hotels and homestays in Jomsom and Lo Manthang have already emerged, anticipating growth. The $50/day permit addresses locals’ concerns that the high $500 fee was keeping tourists away and limiting economic benefits in remote trans-Himalayan villages.

• Shorter Treks Now Feasible: Short treks to Upper Mustang are now more affordable. A 3-5 day trip that once required a $500 permit now costs just $150 to $250. This flexibility makes weekend or cultural treks feasible, appealing to time-limited travelers and new visitor segments previously deterred by the high cost.

Photo: Dance performed by monks during Tiji festival at Lo Manthang of Upper Mustang.

TAAN, which had long advocated for change, welcomed the new $50/day permit. The move is seen as a step toward easing trekking rules in other restricted areas. With the Korala border slowly opening to Tibet, the updated policy encourages more visitors to continue beyond checkpoint towns. The daily fee is viewed as a fair balance, making Upper Mustang more accessible while still supporting conservation of Upper Mustang.

Potential Drawbacks and Concerns

While the policy shift brings clear advantages, experts and officials also urge caution to ensure sustainable tourism in Upper Mustang:

• Overtourism & Environmental Impact: Upper Mustang’s untouched beauty and culture face risks if tourism grows without control. TAAN president Sagar Pandey warned that overtourism could harm its fragile ecosystem and biodiversity. Without proper management, the region may face overcrowding, waste buildup, and strain on limited resources, issues already seen in other Himalayan trekking zones.

• Cultural Preservation: Upper Mustang’s Tibetan Buddhist heritage has endured thanks to limited outside exposure. A tourism surge, however, could lead to over-commercialization, disruption of sacred sites, and uncontrolled construction. Without safeguards, the region risks losing its authenticity, facing threats like heritage damage and artifact theft. Clear rules are needed to protect its cultural landscape.

• Conservation Funding: The old $500 permit helped fund conservation and infrastructure via the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. With the $50/day model, shorter treks may generate less revenue per visitor. Unless overall footfall increases, funding for trail upkeep and preservation could decline. Monitoring this balance will be crucial.

• Remaining Restrictions for Trekkers: Upper Mustang remains a restricted area, so foreign trekkers must still join a group and travel with a licensed guide. Solo permits are not allowed, which continues to frustrate some agencies and independent travelers. While the $50/day fee lowers costs, the group rule adds limitations. For now, all permits must be arranged through authorized trekking companies.

Explore Upper Mustang: A Call to Adventure

Nepal’s new trekking policy opens the doors to Upper Mustang like never before. Once the “forbidden kingdom,” it’s now within reach for both budget travelers and culture seekers. With $50/day permits, exploring Lo Manthang, ancient monasteries, and dramatic red canyons is more accessible, offering a rare blend of Himalayan beauty and living Tibetan heritage.

Now’s the perfect time to plan your Upper Mustang trek. With permits now affordable, you can choose a short cultural visit or a longer expedition across its striking plateaus. Travel with a local guide, explore its hidden wonders, and help uplift Mustang’s remote communities along the way.

Be among the first to experience Upper Mustang under the new $50/day permit. Its dramatic landscapes and deep history are now more accessible than ever. Nepal’s move balances tourism with conservation, so lace up your boots, bring your curiosity, and uncover the magic of this once-forbidden Himalayan gem.

Note: Permits and regulations are subject to change; always check the latest guidelines with the Nepal Tourism Board or a licensed trekking agency like North Nepal Travel & Trek before your trip.