Upper Mustang Tourism Update — Foreign Visitors Now Only Pay USD 50 per Day

(What changed, why it matters, and why now is a great time to plan your trip with Great Nepal Treks & Expedition)

Upper Mustang, the otherworldly rain-shadow landscape of Lo-Manthang, the ancient walled city, and high desert valleys that feel more Tibetan than Nepali, has long been one of Nepal’s most coveted but tightly regulated destinations. In a recent decision the Government of Nepal revised the permit system for Upper Mustang: foreign visitors will now pay USD 50 per person per day while visiting the area. 

Below I explain what the old permit system looked like, the main problems it created, what the new daily-fee policy changes bring, and practical booking advice, including why booking with a reputable local operator like Great Nepal Treks & Expedition will give you the best experience.

What the previous practice was

Until this revision, Upper Mustang operated under a restricted area permit that effectively required foreigners to pay a compulsory flat fee of USD 500 for the first 10 days, with an additional USD 50 per day thereafter for longer stays. That meant a short visit of 3–7 days still cost the fixed $500 minimum. This rule has been in official schedules and public guidance for years.

Why the old rule caused problems

1. High minimum cost for short trips. Even brief visits were priced at the $500 minimum, which discouraged budget travelers and made short photographic or cultural visits expensive. This pricing model reduced flexibility for many international visitors. 

2. Booking friction and uncertainty. The flat fee caused friction for operators and travelers when planning short or variable-length itineraries (e.g., helicopter access, fly-in day trips, or short cultural visits). Travel agents and independent trekkers found estimating total cost harder. 

3. Local revenue distribution concerns. Historically there were complaints that permit revenues did not always reach local communities proportionally; this created local tensions and, at times, protests demanding more benefit-sharing. (Mustang community leaders have raised such concerns in the past.) 

4. Barrier to repeat visitation and slow tourist flow. The high entry cost for short stays limited spur-of-the-moment travel and discouraged return visits for people who wanted to explore the region more than once on a modest budget.

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What changed? The new policy in plain language

The government amended the Immigration Regulations schedule: rather than a compulsory flat rate for the first 10 days, foreign visitors will pay USD 50 per person for each day spent in Upper Mustang. The move eliminates the compulsory $500 minimum for short visits. Multiple authoritative local news and government-linked notices reported this change. 

The benefits (what’s good after the revision)

1. More affordable and flexible visits. Shorter stays now become proportionate to the time spent. Example: a 7-day visit under the new rule costs 50 × 7 = USD 350, compared with the previous USD 500 flat minimum — a real saving for many visitors. (Calculation: 50 times 7 equals 350.) 

2. Easier trip design for varied traveler types. Day-by-day fee makes it simpler for photographers, cultural tourists, small groups, and luxury travelers to plan customized stays (fly-in/trek combos, festival visits like Tiji, or short cultural programs). 

3. Encourages longer, phased travel and local spending. By lowering the entry cost for short visits and making costs linear, more people may choose to add extra days — increasing spending on accommodation, guides, food, and local services that directly benefit communities. Travel industry stakeholders (including TAAN) have welcomed the change as helpful to operators and travelers. 

4. Better transparency and fairness. A per-day fee is easier to understand and more predictable for both tourists and operators; it removes the sense of being forced into a large up-front payment for a short trip.

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Potential drawbacks & what to watch for

1. Possible increased visitor numbers. Lower entry cost could lead to greater visitor flow. Without careful management, that could stress fragile cultural sites and the delicate environment of Upper Mustang. Responsible tourism planning and limits may still be needed. 

2. Revenue distribution must be managed. Whether the per-day receipts reach local communities and support conservation, infrastructure, and livelihoods depends on implementation and revenue-sharing mechanisms. Local advocacy and government transparency are essential. 

3. Enforcement & regulation changes. Trekking rules (group sizes, restricted corridors) may remain; travelers should confirm updated permit, guide, and group requirements before travel. Industry bodies have asked the government to also revise some operational clauses affecting who may trek alone in restricted zones.

Practical tips for travelers & groups

• Calculate permit cost ahead of booking. For N days in Upper Mustang, the permit cost is USD 50 × N days. Example: 10 days → 50 × 10 = USD 500.

• Book with a licensed operator. Permit processing, local liaison, and responsible logistics are far easier when handled by an experienced local company.

• Plan conservation-minded travel. Choose eco-friendly accommodations, hire local guides and porters, and respect cultural rules in Lo-Manthang and surrounding villages.

• Check other requirements. Some restricted areas still require minimum group sizes, guide ratios, or special permissions — confirm current regulations before finalizing your itinerary.

Why book Upper Mustang with Great Nepal Treks & Expedition?

Great Nepal Treks & Expedition has deep experience operating treks and cultural programs across Nepal, including logistics into sensitive and restricted areas like Upper Mustang. Booking with an experienced local operator brings three big advantages:

1. Permits & paperwork handled for you — we process updated permits and keep your itinerary compliant with the latest government rules.

2. Local engagement — our itineraries prioritize local homestays, licensed guides, and community-based services so your trip supports Mustang’s people and heritage.

3. Customized, safe experiences — whether you want a festival-timed Tiji visit, a photographic itinerary to Lo-Manthang, or a luxury fly-in trek, we design an experience that matches your interests and budget.

Final thought

This policy change, moving from a compulsory USD 500 minimum to a transparent USD 50 per day model, makes Upper Mustang more accessible and flexible for international travelers while creating an opportunity to increase local benefits if revenues are well managed. If you’ve dreamed of that lunar-like landscape, ancient gompas, and the walled city of Lo-Manthang, now is a very good time to plan a responsible visit. Book smart, travel respectfully, and support local communities, and Great Nepal Treks & Expedition will make sure your trip is seamless and meaningful.

Want help planning? Reach out to Great Nepal Treks & Expedition to design a responsible, unforgettable Upper Mustang trip: info@greatnepaltreks.com | +977 98510 78338. (Ask for a customized quote that includes the new USD 50/day permit and all local logistics.)