Nepal Introduces New $50 Daily Permit for Upper Mustang

Nepal Introduces New $50 Daily Permit for Upper Mustang: Major Policy Shift for Foreign Trekkers

Latest Update on Fees, Rules & Regulations for the Restricted Himalayan Region

Nepal has officially announced a major reform to the trekking regulations in Upper Mustang, replacing the long-standing flat US$ 500 Restricted Area Permit (RAP) with a far more flexible US$ 50 per day system. This marks one of the most significant policy changes in Nepal’s restricted-area tourism in decades and is expected to reshape how travelers access the remote kingdom of Mustang.

What Has Changed? – New Upper Mustang Permit Structure

The previous rule forced all foreign trekkers to pay a mandatory US$ 500 for the first 10 days, even if they stayed fewer days.
Under the new system:

• US$ 50 per day RAP fee
• No minimum number of days required
• Travellers pay only for the exact number of days they spend inside Upper Mustang

Examples of New Permit Costs

• 3 days → US$ 150
• 5 days → US$ 250
• 7 days → US$ 350
• 10 days → US$ 500 (same as old rate, but now optional)

This “pay-as-you-go” format gives trekkers full itinerary freedom, especially for short jeep tours, cultural visits, or limited-time travellers.

Permit Requirements That Remain Unchanged

Even with the new fee model, several rules still apply:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Now calculated daily
• ACAP Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit remains mandatory (NRs 3,000 for foreigners)
• Licensed Guide Required: Solo or independent travel is still prohibited
• Entry/Exit Checkpoints: Must be followed as per immigration rules
• Permit via Licensed Agency Only: Travellers cannot apply for the RAP independently

Why the Government Changed the System

According to Nepal’s Immigration Regulation amendments, this reform modernises the permit structure to match current travel trends. With growing road access and rising jeep tourism, many travellers previously found the 10-day mandatory permit outdated and financially restrictive.

Key Reasons Behind the Policy Shift

• Encourage more visitors to the restricted region
• Boost local economies (guides, jeep operators, lodges, homestays)
• Allow short-duration trips without heavy fees
• Align Mustang tourism with modern travel behaviour

Local authorities and trekking operators, who have long advocated for change, have widely welcomed the reform as a step toward increasing access without removing restricted-area protections.

Important Rules for Travellers Under the New Policy

To enter Upper Mustang, foreign visitors must follow these regulations:

• RAP Fee: US$ 50 per day per person
• ACAP Fee: Mandatory as per the Annapurna region guidelines
• Guided Tours Only: Travel must be arranged through a registered trekking agency
• Passport Validity: At least 6 months required
• Accurate Itinerary: Days must match permit paperwork
• Vehicle Permits: Required for jeep or overland travel
• Additional Permissions: Needed for festival visits or specific cultural sites

Best for Short-Term Explorers, Bikers, and Self-Drive Enthusiasts

The new $50 daily permit system is particularly advantageous for travellers who want to explore Upper Mustang for a short duration. Bikers and self-drive enthusiasts now have the flexibility to plan Upper Mustang Motorbike Tours or Upper Mustang Self-Drive Jeep Tours without committing to a full 10-day itinerary. This means adventure seekers can enjoy the rugged landscapes, remote villages, and cultural highlights at their own pace, paying only for the days they actually spend in the region—making short road trips, photography tours, and adrenaline-filled journeys more affordable and accessible than ever before.

Impact on Travellers and Local Communities

The new system offers significant cost savings for short-term visitors. A quick 3–5 day journey into Lo Manthang, once too expensive for many, is now affordable. This is expected to increase short visits, photography tours, cultural trips, and jeep expeditions.

For local communities across Upper Mustang, increased visitor flow may support economic growth through:

• More homestay occupancy
• More demand for guides and porters
• Greater use of local jeeps and services
• Higher business for tea houses and village shops

Conclusion:

Nepal’s move to shift the Upper Mustang permit from a fixed US$ 500 / 10-day model to a US$ 50 daily system is a historic tourism reform. It makes the restricted Himalayan kingdom significantly more accessible while still retaining controlled entry for cultural and environmental protection. Foreign trekkers now have freedom, flexibility, and reduced financial burden, marking a new era for tourism in Upper Mustang with 50 US$ per person per day.