Upper Mustang is a restricted trekking area, so you cannot simply walk in. You need several permits, and everything must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.
Restricted area permit
The fee supplied to us by the operator is USD 50 per person per day. It covers the local units of Lomanthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda, plus ward 3 of Baragung Muktichetra and the village of Satang in ward 5. The total depends on the number of days you spend inside the restricted zone, so a longer itinerary costs more. Rates can change, so please confirm the current figure before you book.
TIMS card and guide
The Upper Mustang trek and the Sarebung pass are on the list of routes where a licensed trekking guide and an agency-issued TIMS card are mandatory. The TIMS fee is NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, including Indians, and NPR 2,000 for other nationalities, paid online by the agency, which generates an eCard with a QR code for each trekker.
Conservation area entry
The route also passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which has its own entry fee: NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 3,000 for others, per entry. Children under ten are free. Check at booking whether the same entry applies to your itinerary.
What you will need to provide
- A scan of your passport, with a few months of validity left.
- A passport photo.
- Your travel dates and entry and exit points.
- Your insurance details.
Timing the paperwork
Apply early, especially in peak months. Permits are issued in Kathmandu or Pokhara through your agency, not at the trailhead.
Send us your dates and we will confirm the total permit cost for your itinerary.
Why Upper Mustang is restricted
Upper Mustang was closed to outsiders until the early 1990s and remains a restricted area to protect its culture, fragile environment and border position. The permit system limits the number of visitors and channels fees into local and national programmes. Understanding this background helps explain why the fees are higher than for most other treks and why the permit must be arranged through a registered agency.
The order in which things are done
Your operator collects passport copies, photos and dates, applies for the restricted-area permit in Kathmandu and arranges the TIMS card and conservation area entry. You should receive the documents or confirmation before you travel to Jomsom, since the permits are checked at Kagbeni and at other points. Allow time for the process, particularly in the busy season or near festivals.
Group size and permits
Restricted-area permits are typically issued to groups of at least two foreign trekkers travelling together with a guide. If you travel alone, ask your operator how this is handled, because some agencies pair solo travellers with others or charge a different rate. Make sure that the number of days on your permit covers your itinerary, including any buffer days if you expect weather delays.
Questions to ask your operator
- How many days does the permit cover, and what if I need extra days?
- Are all fees included in your quote, or are some paid separately?
- What is the cancellation policy if the permit has already been issued?
Understanding the daily fee
The restricted-area permit is charged per person for a set number of days, with an additional daily fee beyond that. Rates are set by the authorities and can change, so confirm the current figure with your operator. The fee supports local communities and heritage conservation in a sensitive border region.
Joining a group to share costs
A minimum group size of two applies. Joining a group departure can reduce per-person costs for guide, vehicle and permits. If you are a solo traveller, ask your operator about shared departures.
