Upper Mustang Permit Fee 2025: From $500 Flat to $50 Per Day – What It Means for Your Trek

The Upper Mustang Permit fee underwent a revolutionary transformation in 2025, shocking trekking enthusiasts globally as Nepal replaced the $500 flat permit policy with a game-changing $50-per-day rate. These bold moves open the door wider for the mystical kingdom of Upper Mustang than before.

It will make this restricted Himalayan region dramatically more accessible to those who enjoy exploring secluded regions, windswept deserts, and ancient cave monasteries. This permit fee revolution marks the beginning of a more flexible and affordable policy for foreigners to witness the culture and landscapes of the fabled walled city of Lo Manthang.

The trekking agencies’ urge for changes to this permit fee surely boosts the tourism outflow in the restricted regions. If you are curious about the details of the new permit policy changes in Upper Mustang, then you are in the right place. Continue reading the blog:

Reforms on Fee Structure on Upper Mustang Permit

The old system required the need of $500 fee for a 10-day permit, even if you were planning for a short duration in the Upper Mustang region. But this policy was replaced by $50 per person per day for a restricted area, Korala, which is a restricted Nepal-China Border.

Under the new regulation, the trekkers and adventurers will only pay $150 if they are planning a day visit, which will save them an extra $350. This means they don’t have to spend their extra dollar on visiting the hidden kingdom, Upper Mustang. This marks a ray of hope for the registered trekking agencies that similar rules will be implemented for the other restricted areas also.

Statement From The Government

Jagadish Kharel, the government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, said that these types of rules will likely be implemented in other restrictions on the decisions of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. These changes will only be implemented after making certain changes in the regulations of Immigration.

Besides this, there are many restricted regions where independent foreigners are strictly forbidden to explore areas like  Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Rasuwa, Gorkha, upper Mustang, Manang, upper Dolpa, lower Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, Bajhang, and Darchula districts that border Tibet. These places were declared as restricted for foreign adventurers in the 1970s.

TAAN Responses and Suggestions

The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal is in favor of these new rules of the Upper Mustang Permit fee. They had also requested that the government ease restrictions earlier and suggested that these new rules would surely make the world’s most iconic places overcrowded. This will cause damage to the biodiversity of the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal.

TAAN also requested a similar policy for foreigners in the Upper Dolpa region. They also demanded the permission of a single foreign trekker to wander in the restricted areas of Nepal. Permit holders to be in a group of more than two people is illogical, as they will be exploring these secluded places with a guide, which is mandatory in all trekking areas except Everest. So, they urge the removal of permit holders to be in groups of more than two people.

Trekking Permit Fee in Other Restricted Areas

• Upper Dolpa:$500 per person for the first 10 days and $50 per person per day beyond 10 days.
• Bajhang and Darchula: $90 per person per week and $15 per person per day beyond a week.
• Restricted areas of Humla: $50 per person per week and $10 per person per day beyond a week.
• Restricted areas in Taplejung, lower Dolpa, Dolakha, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, and Rasuwa: $20 per person per week.

• Restricted Gorkha-Manaslu area, Manang and Mugu: $100 per person per week and $15 per person per day beyond a week (in Autumn).                                                                                                                                                       : $75 a person per week and $10 a person per day beyond a week (December to August).
• Restricted areas in the Tsum Valley in Gorkha: $40 per person per week and $7 per person per day beyond a week (Autumn).                                                                                                                                                               : $30 per person per week and $7 per person per day beyond a week(December-August).

Application Requirement

The Upper Mustang visitors must have a valid passport with a Nepal tourist visa. They should travel in a group of more than two people and must be guided by a government-registered agency and licensed guide.

You must have a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a Trekker Information Management System (TIMS) card to enter the restricted area. The application for the Upper Mustang permit is processed in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit costs NPR 3000 per person, while the Restricted Area Permit costs USD $50 per person, per day.  You have to pay USD $20 for a TIMS card. A TIMS card is not required in case if you fly in and out of Jomsom.

Places to Visit in Upper Mustang

Here are the most popular places you should visit while you are on an Upper Mustang trip:

Lo Manthang (The Walled City)

Lo Manthang was the former Kingdom of Lo and is popular as a historic walled city. The specialty of this city is whitewashed mud-brick houses, a royal palace, and centuries-old monasteries like Jampa, Thupchen, and Chode. If you want to explore the Tibetan kingdom while living in Nepal, Lo Manthang is the perfect place to visit.

Chhoser Cave (Jhong Cave)

Chhoser cave, also known as Jhong cave, is a thousand-year-old cave. The cave is a massive, multi-level complex carved into a cliffside, which gives a stunning view of the canyon beyond.

Kagbeni

Kagbeni is a medieval village and is a gateway to the Upper Mustang. You can explore the narrow alley, the ancient monasteries named Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Kaligandaki River.

Samar Village

Samar village is famous for its red cliff, hidden monasteries, and several scenic trails. The desert-like landscapes are perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Dhamkar (Dhakmar) and Chooser Monastery

Dhamkar is popular for its striking red cliffs created by natural mineral deposits. It is located between Yara and Lo Manthang.  Chooser Monastery is a small spiritual monastery that gives a quiet, spiritual retreat with a perfect view of the Mustang plateau.

Tsarang (Charang) and Ghami

Tsarang is a village in the Upper Mustang region. The large white-and-red monastery and the iconic Charang Palace are the unique attractions of this place, and it sits in a broad and windswept valley.

Ghami is one of the oldest villages of this region. The long Mani (prayer) walls and rugged canyon landscapes make it a unique destination for collecting memories.

Yara and Luri Gompa

The Yara village is famous for its white, beige, and red cliffs, followed by traditional stone-built houses. It is a gateway to Luri Gompa, a serene, mystical atmosphere untouched by time, with a hidden cave monastery.

Jhong (Jhong Khola Valley)

Jhong Valley is famous for its deep gorges, eroded cliffs, and multicolored canyon walls. It is quieter and more remote, best for those seeking solitude and raw Himalayan nature.

Muktinath Temple

It is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath temple is famous for its 108 water spouts, which are supposed to wash away all your sins. The eternal flame and spiritual atmosphere attract pilgrims from all around the globe.

Impact of New Rules on the Upper Mustang

Tourism Boost

The lower cost for the permit and easy access will attract more foreign adventurers to the Upper Mustang. This will surely help local lodges and hotels to grow, followed by benefiting the local guides of Lo Manthang.

Economic Uplift

Increased visitors will bring more income to the local people. Their lodging, guiding, services, and transportation business will flourish compared to the previous one.

Risk of Over Tourism

There may be extra pressure with the increased flow of tourism. The cultural site, environment, and infrastructure are overcrowded under the new rules.

Things to do for Planning A Trek in Upper Mustang

Plan Duration

While planning for the Upper Mustang trek, allocate the money wisely. It only costs US$50 per day for the permit, and you will get the best experience at a lower cost.

Permit

Make sure to get the permit beforehand from you applied agency. Check the daily rate of permit through the Department of Immigration and obtain all the necessary passes.

Go with the Registered Agency

You cannot explore the restricted areas like Upper Mustang on your own. Make sure to book a reliable licensed guide from a valid trekking and tour agency.

Stay Updated

Always double-check the new rules, as this new policy of lower permit cost was updated recently in November 2025.

Begin your Upper Mustang Journey

The change in the long-standing $500 flat fee for a 10-day permit to $50 per day for the Upper Mustang Trek will give foreigners more freedom, which will extend their journey and make it more hassle-free. Upper Mustang is one of the most mysterious restricted areas, and with proper permits and a licensed guide, you are only allowed to visit this region.

The new permit price will surely boost tourism and help local communities grow financially, and people will become more independent. The legendary landscape of Lo Manthang will be more open to a large group of people. These updated policies will allow foreigners to immerse themselves in the unique cultural and natural treasures of Nepal.

Traverse through the hidden lands!