Nepal has officially removed USD 500 Upper Mustang trekking fee, replacing it with a more affordable and flexible USD 50-per-day- permit fee for tourists visiting Upper Mustang. This major policy change is expected to make the Upper Mustang region far more accessible and affordable while boosting tourism in one of the most culturally rich and restricted regions in the country. 

This update marks a significant shift in Nepal’s tourism strategy  and is great news for travelers planning to explore the Upper Mustang Region in 2025 and beyond. 

What Has Changed in the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit?

Until the policy changed recently, tourists visiting the restricted Upper Mustang for the purpose of trekking or tour were required to pay a flat USD 500 per person as a restricted-area permit fee. However, this fee would only allow them to stay in and explore the Upper Mustang area for 10 days. Those willing to extend their stay or were on a 10+ day trip had to pay extra USD 50 per person per day beyond 10 days. 

However, now the fixed USD 500 entry fee has been discontinued (decades after the charge was imposed) and superseded by revised permit structure of USD 50 per person per day. This implies that the travelers now pay exactly for the number of days they spend inside Upper Mustang. The region still remains restricted but more flexible for itinerary planning. 

Is Upper Mustang the only region in Nepal where travelers are required to obtain a restricted-area permit?

Definitely not! 

Indeed, there are other regions in Nepal, extending from Far Western Nepal to Eastern Nepal, such as Darchula and Bajhang in Sudurpaschim Province, Humla, Mugu and Dolpa (Upper and Lower) in Karnali Province, Mustang, Manang and Gorkha (Manaslu and Tsum Valley Area) in Gandaki Province, Rasuwa and Dokha in Bagmati Province and Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung in Koshi Province – that can be visited by foreign travelers only after obtaining restricted-area permit. Out of these regions Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Dolkha, Rasuwa, Gorkha, Mustang, Manang, Dolpa, Mugu and Humla, all that border Tibet were also declared out of bounds for foreign visitors in 1970. 

Why were these areas declared out of bounds for foreign visitors in 1970?

These regions were restricted after Tibetan Khampa rebels resisting Chinese rule used Nepali territory as a base for incursions into China. While Nepali Army successfully disarmed the rebels in 1974, the travel restrictions were nonetheless retained. 

Where can foreigners obtain permits to travel to these areas?

Foreigners can obtain these special permits from the Department of Immigration located in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. However, the permits are not issued to individual trekkers. It is only issued to those travelling in a group of minimum 2 pax through government-authorized trekking agencies like Amigo Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd.

What is the cost of a restricted-area trekking permit in Nepal?

The restricted-area trekking permit cost is not the same for all restricted regions. Trekking in some restricted areas is costlier than the others. For example, trekking in the restricted areas in the Upper Dolpa costs USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per person per day beyond 10 days.  

In some restricted areas, such as Gorkha-Manslu area, Manang and Mugu, the restricted area trekking permit charge for the month of September, October and November is different from December to August period. This means if you are planning treks in these regions from September to November the permit fee will be USD 100 per person per week and USD 15 Per person per day beyond a week. However, from December to August, the cost will just be USD 75 per person per week and USD 10 per person per day beyond a week. 

Similarly, in the restricted areas of Humla, the charge is USD 50 per person per week and USD 10 per person per day beyond a week. 

In Tsum Valley, Gorkha, the charge is USD 40 per person per week and USD 7 per person per day beyond a week during autumn (September to November). For the period of December to August, the fee is USD 10 less than autumn season, that is, USD 30 per person per week and USD 7 per person per day beyond a week. 

Likewise, the permit fee of the restricted areas in Taplejung, lower Dolpo, Dolakha, Sankhuwasabha, Solokhumbu and Rasuwa is only USD 20 per person per week. 

For more details and updated information and permit fees, please visit https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/trekking-permit