The Upper Mustang Trek takes travellers into one of Nepal’s most distinctive Himalayan regions, including the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, historic monasteries, cave settlements and a high-altitude desert landscape shaped by centuries of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Upper Mustang remains a restricted trekking area. Foreign trekkers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), travel through a Government-registered trekking agency, use a licensed trekking guide and follow the current TIMS requirements for the Upper Mustang route.
Important 2026 update: the Department of Immigration’s current trekking permit schedule, updated on 10 September 2026, lists the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit at USD 50 per person per day. The older structure of USD 500 for the first 10 days plus USD 50 per additional day should no longer be presented as the current fee structure.
This guide explains the current Upper Mustang permit cost, requirements for Indian and other SAARC travellers, non-SAARC foreign travellers and Nepali citizens, along with ACAP, TIMS, application documents, processing time and the main rules you need to know before travelling.
Quick Summary: Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: USD 50 per foreign traveller per day.
- 10-day RAP example: USD 500 per foreign traveller.
- Indian and other SAARC travellers: RAP USD 50 per day + ACAP NPR 1,000 + TIMS NPR 1,000.
- Other foreign travellers: RAP USD 50 per day + ACAP NPR 3,000 + TIMS NPR 2,000.
- Nepali citizens: the foreign Restricted Area Permit fee does not apply; the current Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee is NPR 100 per person per entry.
- Solo independent trekking: not permitted in restricted trekking areas.
- Restricted permit application: must be arranged through an authorised trekking agency.
- Guide requirement: Upper Mustang is on Nepal Tourism Board’s current route list requiring a licensed trekking guide and agency-issued TIMS Card for foreign trekkers.
What Is the Upper Mustang Permit?
The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is a Government-issued trekking permit for foreign tourists entering the legally designated restricted areas of Mustang. It is issued by Nepal’s Department of Immigration through authorised trekking agencies.
The current Department of Immigration schedule defines Upper Mustang in terms of specific administrative areas rather than simply describing the entire region as “north of Kagbeni”.
Restricted Areas Covered by the Current Upper Mustang Permit
- Lo Manthang Rural Municipality: wards 1–5
- Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality: wards 1–5
- Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality: ward 3 and Satang village in ward 5
Popular Upper Mustang trekking destinations such as Lo Manthang, Tsarang/Charang, Ghami and Chhoser fall within or around the restricted Upper Mustang travel area. Your authorised agency should confirm the exact route and permit coverage before departure.
Upper Mustang vs Lower Mustang Permits
The permit rules for Upper and Lower Mustang are different. A standard Lower Mustang trip around Jomsom, Marpha, Kagbeni and Muktinath mainly requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), while entering the legally designated Upper Mustang restricted area requires the additional Restricted Area Permit for foreign travellers.
If you are only planning Lower Mustang, read Hop Nepal’s Lower Mustang Permit and Cost Guide 2026 before paying for any restricted-area permit.
Why Independent Trekking Is Not Allowed in Upper Mustang
The Department of Immigration states that individual restricted-area trekking permits are not issued directly to trekkers. Foreign travellers must arrange the permit through an authorised trekking agency, and solo trekking in restricted trekking areas is not permitted.
In addition, Nepal Tourism Board currently lists the Upper Mustang Trek among the routes where foreign trekkers must arrange a licensed trekking guide and TIMS Card through a Government-registered trekking agency.
Who Needs an Upper Mustang Permit?
Upper Mustang Permit for Foreign Travellers
Foreign tourists entering the designated Upper Mustang restricted area need a Restricted Area Permit. This applies to both SAARC and non-SAARC foreign travellers under the current Department of Immigration fee schedule.
The permit must be arranged through a registered trekking agency. Trekkers should also carry their passport and valid Nepal visa throughout the journey and present the permit when requested by immigration officials or police.
Upper Mustang Permit for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens are SAARC travellers. Under the current 2026 Department of Immigration schedule, the Upper Mustang RAP is USD 50 per person per day; it does not publish a separate discounted rate for SAARC nationals.
Indian travellers also pay the current SAARC ACAP rate of NPR 1,000 and, because Upper Mustang is on the mandatory TIMS route list, the current SAARC TIMS fee of NPR 1,000.
Upper Mustang Permit for Other SAARC Citizens
Other SAARC foreign travellers follow the same current Upper Mustang RAP rate of USD 50 per person per day. They also pay NPR 1,000 for ACAP and NPR 1,000 for TIMS.
The older USD 75 for 10 days / USD 7.50 per extra day SAARC structure should be removed from current 2026 content because it is not shown in the Department of Immigration’s latest Upper Mustang fee schedule.
Upper Mustang Permit for Nepali Citizens
The Department of Immigration’s restricted trekking permit requirement is written for foreign tourists. Nepali citizens are therefore not charged the foreign Upper Mustang RAP fee.
For travel within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the current protected-area fee for Nepali citizens is NPR 100 per person per entry, with children below 10 years exempt from the conservation-area fee. Nepali travellers should carry valid citizenship or other accepted identification and follow any local access or administrative instructions applicable to their route.
Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026
The current Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit fee is straightforward:
USD 50 per foreign traveller per day.
There is no longer a current official 10-day base fee followed by an extension rate. The permit cost is calculated according to the number of days approved for the restricted area.
Upper Mustang RAP Cost Examples
Upper Mustang Permit Cost by Nationality
Traveller Type Restricted Area Permit ACAP TIMS Nepali citizen Foreign RAP fee not applicable NPR 100 Not listed under the foreign TIMS fee categories Indian / other SAARC foreign traveller USD 50 per person per day NPR 1,000 NPR 1,000 Non-SAARC foreign traveller USD 50 per person per day NPR 3,000 NPR 2,000Example for a 10-day restricted-area stay: an Indian or other SAARC foreign traveller pays USD 500 for the RAP plus NPR 2,000 for ACAP and TIMS. A non-SAARC foreign traveller pays USD 500 for the RAP plus NPR 5,000 for ACAP and TIMS. Agency, guide, insurance, transport and other trek costs are separate.
ACAP Permit for Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so ACAP is required in addition to the restricted permit for foreign trekkers.
- Nepali citizens: NPR 100 per person per entry
- SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 per person per entry
- Other foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 per person per entry
- Children below 10: exempt from the conservation-area entry fee
TIMS Card for Upper Mustang
Nepal Tourism Board currently lists the Upper Mustang Trek under the Mustang Region routes covered by the revised TIMS system.
- SAARC foreign trekkers: NPR 1,000
- Other foreign trekkers: NPR 2,000
For covered routes, the TIMS Card is arranged through a Government-registered trekking agency together with a licensed trekking guide.
Where and How to Get the Upper Mustang Permit
Upper Mustang restricted permits are issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. However, the Department’s current FAQ states that restricted trekking permits are not issued individually to trekkers; they must be processed through an authorised trekking agency.
If you are booking an Upper Mustang Trek or an Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, your trekking agency can coordinate the required restricted permit, TIMS, guide documentation and route paperwork.
Documents Commonly Required from the Traveller
- Passport copy and valid Nepal visa
- Traveller details required for the permit application
- Travel insurance details
- Detailed trekking itinerary/agency booking information
- Photograph if required by the permit application system or agency
The trekking agency is responsible for submitting the additional agency documents required by the Department of Immigration, including the official itinerary, agency guarantee and relevant insurance information for guides and staff.
How Long Does the Upper Mustang Permit Take?
The Department of Immigration currently states that complete restricted-area permit applications received with the required payment up to one hour before the end of office hours can be processed the same day. Applications received later are processed on the next working day.
This means the older advice that Upper Mustang permits always require two to three business days should not be presented as the current official processing time. Travellers should still send documents to their agency in advance so any missing information can be corrected before the trekking date.
Upper Mustang Permit Application Process
- Book with a Government-registered trekking agency.
- Send the required passport, visa, insurance and traveller details.
- Confirm the detailed Upper Mustang itinerary and restricted-area dates.
- The agency submits the permit application and supporting documents to the Department of Immigration.
- The required RAP fee is paid for the approved number of restricted-area days.
- The agency receives the permit and provides the trekker with the required permit documentation before departure.
Important Upper Mustang Permit Rules
Solo Trekking Is Not Permitted
The Department of Immigration states that solo trekking is not allowed in restricted trekking areas. Do not plan to enter Upper Mustang independently without an authorised agency arrangement.
Licensed Guide and Registered Agency
Upper Mustang is currently on Nepal Tourism Board’s route list requiring a licensed trekking guide and agency-issued TIMS Card for foreign trekkers. Your restricted permit is also arranged through an authorised agency.
Carry Your Passport and Permit
The Department of Immigration advises trekkers to carry their passport and trekking permit throughout the journey and to show them when requested.
Stay on the Approved Route
Travelling outside the route or locations stated on the restricted trekking permit is not permitted. If your itinerary changes, discuss the change with your trekking agency before entering another restricted location.
Permit Duration
The current RAP fee is charged per day. If you need additional days in the restricted area, your trekking agency should update or extend the permit arrangements before the approved period expires. Each additional day in the Upper Mustang restricted area is currently charged at USD 50 per person.
Best Time to Visit Upper Mustang
The most popular periods for an Upper Mustang trek are generally March to May and September to November. Upper Mustang lies in a rain-shadow region, so parts of the summer monsoon period can also be suitable for travel, although road and flight conditions elsewhere in Nepal can still affect the journey.
Winter travel is possible but can involve very cold temperatures, snow and reduced services in remote settlements.
Why Is Upper Mustang a Restricted Area?
Upper Mustang lies close to the Nepal–Tibet border and contains culturally and environmentally sensitive settlements, monasteries, archaeological sites and traditional communities. Nepal controls trekking access through a restricted-area permit system that regulates routes, tracks foreign visitors and requires agency-supported travel.
Conclusion
The most important Upper Mustang permit update for 2026 is the current Department of Immigration fee of USD 50 per foreign traveller per day. This replaces the previously published structure, commonly described as USD 500 for the first 10 days plus USD 50 per additional day.
Foreign travellers also need ACAP and, because Upper Mustang is listed under the current TIMS route system, a TIMS Card and a licensed guide arranged through a Government-registered trekking agency.
Indian and other SAARC travellers no longer have a separate discounted RAP rate in the current Upper Mustang fee schedule; they pay the same USD 50-per-day RAP rate as other foreign travellers, while retaining the lower SAARC rates for ACAP and TIMS.
Before departure, confirm your exact route and current restricted-area dates with your trekking agency. Hop Nepal can help arrange the Upper Mustang Trek, restricted permit, ACAP, TIMS, licensed guide and ground logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is the Upper Mustang permit in 2026?
The current Department of Immigration fee is USD 50 per foreign traveller per day for the Upper Mustang restricted area.
Is the Upper Mustang permit still USD 500 for 10 days?
A 10-day stay in a restricted area still totals USD 500 because the current rate is USD 50 per day. However, the current official schedule lists a daily fee rather than a fixed first 10-day package.
What is the cost of the Upper Mustang permit for an Indian citizen?
An Indian traveller currently pays the Upper Mustang RAP at USD 50 per day, plus NPR 1,000 for ACAP and NPR 1,000 for TIMS.
Do SAARC nationals receive a discounted Upper Mustang RAP?
The current Department of Immigration Upper Mustang fee schedule does not list a separate SAARC discount. It lists the RAP as USD 50 per person per day. SAARC travellers still receive the lower SAARC rates for ACAP and TIMS.
Can I trek Upper Mustang without a permit?
No. Foreign tourists entering the designated Upper Mustang restricted area must have a valid restricted trekking permit issued through an authorised trekking agency.
Can I trek Upper Mustang solo?
No. The Department of Immigration states that solo trekking is not permitted in restricted trekking areas.
Can I apply for the Upper Mustang permit myself?
The Department of Immigration’s current FAQ states that restricted trekking permits are not issued directly to individual trekkers. Use an authorised trekking agency.
How long does Upper Mustang permit processing take?
The Department of Immigration currently states that complete applications received with payment up to one hour before office closing can be processed on the same working day.
Do Nepali citizens pay the USD 50-per-day Upper Mustang RAP?
No. The Department of Immigration restricted trekking permit requirement applies to foreign tourists. Nepali citizens are not charged the foreign RAP fee. The current Annapurna Conservation Area fee for Nepali citizens is NPR 100 per person per entry.
Do children need an Upper Mustang permit?
Children below 10 years are exempt from the ACAP conservation-area fee. The current Department of Immigration Upper Mustang RAP schedule does not publish a separate child discount, so foreign families should confirm the applicable RAP charge with their authorised trekking agency before travel.
Can the Upper Mustang permit be extended?
Yes. Because the current fee is calculated per day, additional restricted-area days are charged at USD 50 per person per day. The agency should arrange any change before the existing approved period expires.
Is Upper Mustang open all year?
Permit services operate year-round, but weather, road conditions, accommodation availability, and local services vary by season. Spring and autumn are the most popular trekking periods.
Related Hop Nepal Guides
- Lower Mustang Permit and Cost Guide 2026
- Nepal Trekking and Climbing Permit Guides
- Upper Mustang Trek
- Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
