If you are considering a trip to Upper Mustang, it is important to know the permit requirements before making any travel plans. Upper Mustang is a protected and restricted area as compared to many parts of Nepal. Before travelling through the region, all international visitors, whether trekking on their own or following an organized tour, need to obtain special permits. Travelers can use the Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026–2027 to plan their budget, avoid any unplanned expenses and ensure that they have appropriately completed the necessary forms before starting on their journey.
Upper Mustang is located in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas, in northwestern Nepal, adjacent to Tibet. It is a dry landscape with centuries old monasteries, traditional villages and the historic walled city of Lo Manthang. The Government of Nepal has implemented a strict permit system for tourism due to the issues of the cultural significance and its border area. All visiting to Upper Mustang are subject to these regulations, including permits from a registered trekking agency.
Foreigners, Indian citizens and SAARC nationals can follow this guide to get in-depth knowledge of Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026–2027. It includes the functions of each permit, who is required to obtain them, how long they last, extra fees to be aware of and some helpful tips to help you in planning your trip without confusion.
Why Does Upper Mustang Require Special Permits?
Until 1992, tourists were prohibited from entering Upper Mustang. The area is still one of the closed trekking areas in Nepal today. The Tibetan Buddhist culture, the ancient settlements, the traditional way of life and the fragile environment of the area are well preserved by the permit system. It also provides the government with the capacity to control tourism in the sensitive border area.
Visitors are not able to just buy a trekking permit and enter the Upper Mustang like trekking to Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp. Rather, they have to get a restricted area permit for the Upper Mustang issued by the Department of Immigration of Nepal from a trekking company.
Another rule is the prohibition of independent trekking in Upper Mustang. The travelers should bring with them a licensed guide of Nepal for their trek along with a registered trekking agency. These are the regulations that will be in effect for the 2026-2027 trekking season.
Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026–2027 at a Glance
The primary factor for the total Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026–2027 is the number of days spent within the restricted area. In addition to the permit for the restricted area, the trekking permit for part of the trekking route, called Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), is also required.
| Permit | Cost |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (First 10 Days) | USD 500 per person |
| Additional Days After 10 Days | USD 50 per person per day |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 22–25 depending on exchange rate) |
These fees are paid to the government and usually are fixed, meaning they don’t vary based on the trekking company that gets your contract. The total cost of the trip may differ, however, as agencies offer several different packages including guide services, transportation, lodging, meals, permits and more.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit Cost for Foreigners
The restricted area permit is the highest percentage of the Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026 – 2027. All foreigners entering the restricted area of Mustang need to have this permit before they start their trek into the region.
The permit is USD 500 for each person for the first 10 days within the restricted area. Even if you stay for less than 10 days, this fee is required. There is no discount for shorter visits to the government.
For trips of more than 10 days, you need to pay USD 50 per person for each additional day. For instance, an eleven-day stay will involve paying an additional USD 50 and a twelve-day stay USD 100, apart from the base permit fee.
A permit for the Upper Mustang has been restricted and is only valid for the dates applied for. Visitors need to carefully plan their trip, as leaving the region with the permit is not always easy and may require extra arrangements with the trekking company.
The limited area starts north of Kagbeni, where permits are checked before those going to Chele, Ghami, Tsarang and Lo Manthang.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
In addition to the restricted permit, all trekkers passing through Upper Mustang must also have an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
The Additional Conservation Permit is included in the Upper Mustang Permit fees, as the trek here has a great portion of the route traversing through the Annapurna Conservation Area. Foreign nationals currently pay NPR 3,000 for a permit. The fee is much lower than the restricted permit, but the fee is still required.
The ACAP assists in the implementation of conservation projects, maintaining trails, protecting the environment, managing visitors and community development across the Annapurna region. This permit must be carried by the trekkers whilst on the trail as it can be inspected at several points along the way.
Upper Mustang Permit Cost for Indians
The most frequently asked question among Indian tourists is about the discounted rates of permits for Upper Mustang. The answer is both yes and no, depending on the type of permit.
Indian citizens are required to pay the same government fee as other foreign nationals for the Upper Mustang restricted area permit (RAP) in Nepal. The restricted permit will be USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 per person per day after the 10th day. There is currently no separate discount on the restricted permit for Indian passport holders.
But Indian citizens get a concession in the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. Indian travellers pay NPR 1,000, as India is a member country of SAARC. This results in slightly reduced Upper Mustang permit fees for Indian visitors as compared to the majority of foreign trekkers.
| Permit | Indian Citizens |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (First 10 Days) | USD 500 |
| Additional Day | USD 50 per day |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 1,000 |
Indian nationals need not obtain a visa to enter Nepal, but they need to comply with all the regulations of the Upper Mustang and are required to get permits from a registered trekking company.
Upper Mustang Permit Cost for SAARC Nationals
SAARC nationals such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Maldives also have permits like Indian citizens.
The Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026-2027 for SAARC nationals is USD 500 for the first ten days and USD 50 for every additional day of the permit. There are only a few discounted government permits, one being the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, which is NPR 1000 per person admission.
| Permit | SAARC Nationals |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (First 10 Days) | USD 500 |
| Additional Day | USD 50 per day |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 1,000 |
This implies that people from SAARC countries are exempted from the conservation permit but not the restricted area permit.
Upper Mustang Permit Cost for Other Foreign Nationals
Foreigners from all over the world, except those from SAARC countries, are charged a government permit fee according to their countries of origin.
These travellers pay permit fees in the Upper Mustang with the following inclusions:
| Permit | Foreign Nationals |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (First 10 Days) | USD 500 |
| Additional Day | USD 50 per day |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 |
The trekking permit fee in Upper Mustang is still one of the highest in Nepal as it is a restricted area of the country.
Do You Need a TIMS Card for Upper Mustang?
A frequent question on the minds of many trekkers is if they need a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.
On the whole, it is no for Upper Mustang. The Upper Mustang restricted area permit is designed to be used with trekking within the restricted area, as an alternative to a TIMS card. Should you be continuing to other trekking routes that do require TIMS, your trekking agency will provide you with advice.
How to Obtain the Upper Mustang Permit
The permits are not available for travelers to apply for at the immigration office. The application must be made through a licensed trekking agency registered in Nepal.
The usual documents needed for processing the Upper Mustang permit for 2026-2027 include a copy of your passport, passport-size photographs, travel dates, Nepal visa information and your itinerary. The agency checks the documents and then submits the application to the Department of Immigration.
Permits are typically drafted before the trek and you can go through the checkpoints without any delays.
How Long Is the Permit Valid?
The dates in a restricted area permit for the Upper Mustang are approved on the application.
The first permit is for up to 10 days in the restricted area. If you have more time in your trip, you will need to buy extra days at USD50/day before you enter the region.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit does not have a daily limit and will be effective during your visit to the conservation area.
Why Is the Upper Mustang Permit So Expensive?
The Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026–2027 is often seen as a surprise by many travelers, particularly those who are considering trekking in Nepal.
This is the government’s policy of restricting the number of visitors to the area, as well as to support its unique culture and environment. Until 1992, Upper Mustang was inaccessible to foreigners and even now, tourist numbers are controlled to minimise impact on the local people and on the historical sites. Permit revenue funds administration and conservation management in this sensitive border area.
Upper Mustang still maintains many elements of its traditional architecture, ancient monasteries and Tibetan-influenced culture as the number of visitors is limited.
Other Expenses Besides Permit Fees
Permits cost a lot of money, but they’re not the only costs.
Additional expenses travelers should expect include a licensed guide, lodging, meals, Kathmandu to Jomsom transport, porter fees (if needed), travel insurance, personal gear, charging fees, Internet access, hot showers, drinking water in bottles and personal spending.
However, the majority of trekking firms provide a full package of these services and it is easier to calculate the total cost of the trip.
Tips to Save Money on Upper Mustang Permits
There is no negotiating room for the permit fee from the government, but the overall cost can be minimized by careful planning.
Avoiding the extra permit charge for each day spent in the restricted area can be achieved by creating an itinerary that is 10 days or less within the area. Group tours may reduce the expenses of guides, transportation and logistics, as they are shared among all the participants.
Also, when traveling with an experienced trekking agency, delays in permit processing and additional last-minute costs can be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a chance to do a trek in Upper Mustang without a permit?
No. All foreign travelers must have the necessary permits before they start the trek in the restricted area north of Kagbeni. There are multiple checkpoints for permit checks.
2. Do Indian people require the Upper Mustang Restricted Permits?
Yes. The citizens of India are required to obtain a restricted area permit, like other foreign visitors to the Upper Mustang. They get a reduced ACAP fee.
3. Will the permit be refundable?
No. The permit fees paid for by the government are not refundable after they have been issued.
4. Is there the possibility of extending the permit once in the Upper Mustang?
They can be extended, but there are extra government fees and paperwork involved and it is through your trekking agency. It is recommended to plan your trip very carefully before the trip.
5. Is the permit fee the same throughout the year?
Yes. The Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026–2027 remains constant throughout the year, unlike some permit areas in Nepal that see variations in price. The same permit fee is charged all year round.
Conclusion
The Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026-2027 is a crucial element in planning a successful trek in one of Nepal’s most culturally rich regions. The Upper Mustang restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit are mandatory for all foreign visitors (Indian and other SAARC nationals) to enter the restricted area.
The government charge for the first 10 days is still the biggest one, at USD 500, followed by USD 50 per day after that. The cost of the conservation permit for Indian nationals and other nationals from SAARC countries is NPR 1,000, which is 1000 NPR less than the amount Indian nationals pay. The conservation permit is NPR 1,000 for Indian nationals and other SAARC nationals, which is NPR 1,000 less than for other foreign nationals.
With this knowledge and careful planning and by booking permits from a licensed trekking company, you can steer clear of delays and have a seamless trip through the villages, monasteries and landscape of the ancient kingdom in the Himalayas of Nepal.
