Know Everything About Upper Mustang Trekking Permit Changes
Here some good news for world wide travelers the Government of Nepal has announced a major change to the Upper Mustang trekking permit, which is also famously known as “Last Forbidden Kingdom”. Upper Mustang trek is one of the most unique restricted regions and rich in culture trekking destinations between both foreigners and locals. The foreign trekkers were required to pay $ 500 per person for 10-day permit, one of the most expensive Nepal trekking fees. Due to its high permit costs and some restricted area rules the region has remained as exclusive area for travelers and one of the most expensive trekking destinations.
Upper Mustang Trek will be more accessible and flexible for foreigner travelers as the government has decided to scrap the old $ 500 permit fee to new $ 50 per person per day permit. This new rules of Nepal tourism news 2026 will implement only after the relevant immigrations are officially amended.
The new Mustang tourism update will help to increase tourism in Nepal and will be benefit for the locals. However still Upper Mustang remains as restricted area trekking zone in Nepal, so you are required to take a licensed guide with you. If anyone is preparing for this trip should the latest Upper Mustang travel guide to understand entry routes, permits, and cultural guidelines.
Why Upper Mustang trek was Expensive: The previous $ 500 Permit
Before this new Mustang tourism update, foreign trekkers were required to pay $ 500 per person for 10-Day permit. Foreign trekkers are strictly required to take a licensed guide with them and follow all the restricted area regulations in this Upper Mustang Trek. This Upper Mustang trekking permit system made the region one of the most expensive trekking destinations among the foreigners.
Due to this Upper Mustang trekking permit system many travelers with limited time or low budget are discouraged from experiencing restricted area trekking, like Upper Mustang.
New Upper Mustang Trekking Permit $50 Daily Per Person
The new policy scraps the old $ 500 with $ 50 per person daily Upper Mustang Trekking permit, providing trekkers flexibility for both short or long itineraries according to their budget, time and interest. However licensed guides are still required and other standard permits like Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), are still applied.
Keep on your mind that this new rules will implement once the relevant immigration regulations are officially amended. Until then trekkers are still need to pay old $ 500 fee.
Why Upper Mustang Trekking Fees Lowered
The government announced this change as part of a broader Mustang tourism update aimed at attracting more tourism in Nepal and encourage the trekkers to go for Upper Mustang. Nepal is making restricted- area trekking mor affordable and flexible, by replacing the old $ 500 Upper Mustang trekking permit with $ 50 daily per person fee.
The main reason behind this idea is to:
- Support local businesses and communities in Mustang as well as porters, guides and homestays.
- Encourage more foreign trekkers to explore Upper Mustang.
- Promote the restricted area trekking among the foreigners.
- Highlight sustainable tourism without harming the region’s culture and environment.
How can this new system make Upper Mustang Trek More Accessible?
The new $ 50 daily Upper Mustang trekking permit brings more accessible for foreign trekkers:
- Provide flexibility for both short or long itineraries that suitable for trekkers according to their time and budget.
- Budget friendly trips for short-duration trekkers
- Explore the restricted area trekking in Nepal
This new update helps more people to explore ancient monasteries, breathtaking landscapes and Tibetan influenced culture of Upper Mustang. Following the new Upper Mustang trekking permit rules will ensures an enjoyable and safe experience in other hand maintaining the rules and regulations for restricted-area trekking.
Note for Visiting Upper Mustang Under the New Permit Rules
Even after updated permit system, trekkers should keep in their mind that Upper Mustang remain a restricted area and all the rules need to follow in order to protect the culture and environment. Below are the important tips for trekkers:
- Confirm whether the new Upper Mustang trekking permit is applied or not.
- For all visitor’s licensed guides are mandatory.
- Due to high altitude we suggest to take time for proper acclimatization.
- Suggest to stay informed about border regulations near the Nepal-China region.
- Respect the local traditions and unique Tibetan-influenced culture.
Taking a reliable Upper Mustang travel guide will helps trekkers to understand permit requirements, route and cultural of locals. This ensures an enjoyable and safe experience during restricted-area trekking in Nepal.
Final Thoughts on the Upper Mustang Permit Fee Change
Nepal's decision to change the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit from $ 500 10-Days to $ 50 per day fee is a positive move towards international travelers. While the new rule is still pending full implementation, it signals as more affordable, tourist-friendly, and flexible future for trekkers.
Once implemented, this change will allow trekkers of all budgets to explore the ancient kingdom of Lo, its desert landscapes, centuries-old monasteries, and Tibetan-influenced culture—benefiting both travelers and local communities.
https://next-higherlimitstrek-com.vercel.app/trip/upper-mustang-trek
