Nepal Slashes Upper Mustang Trekking Fee: New $50 Daily Rate Explained

Kathmandu, Nepal — In a landmark decision to boost tourism in the Himalayas, the Government of Nepal has officially announced a major restructuring of the permit fees for the Upper Mustang restricted area.

As of November 2025, the Cabinet has decided to scrap the mandatory $500 flat fee previously required for the first 10 days of trekking. Under the new rules, foreign trekkers will be charged a flexible rate of $50 per person, per day.

The New Fee Structure vs. Old Rules

For decades, Upper Mustang, a restricted region near the Nepal-China border, was one of the most expensive trekking destinations in Nepal.

• Old Fee: $500 per person (covers the first 10 days) + $50 for each additional day.
• New Fee: $50 per person, per day.

This change removes the high entry barrier, making shorter treks significantly more affordable. Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, confirmed the decision following a Cabinet meeting, stating that the change will be formalized through an amendment to the Immigration Regulations.

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Why the Change?

Trekking agencies have long lobbied for this reform to attract more visitors to the “forbidden kingdom.” The high upfront cost of $500 often discouraged tourists from visiting if they did not have 10 full days to spend in the region.

The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) welcomed the move. “We have been requesting the government to ease restrictions,” said Sagar Pandey, President of TAAN. However, he emphasized that controls remain necessary to protect biodiversity and prevent overtourism in iconic areas.

Restrictions That Remain

While the cost has dropped, Upper Mustang remains a Restricted Area.

1. No Independent Trekking: Foreigners are strictly forbidden from trekking alone. You must be accompanied by a licensed guide.
2. Group Size: Current rules require a minimum of two trekkers to obtain a permit. TAAN is currently urging the government to remove this “two-person” rule to allow solo travelers (with a guide), but this specific restriction currently stands.

Comparison: Other Restricted Areas

While Upper Mustang sees a price drop, fees for other restricted regions currently remain unchanged:

• Upper Dolpa: Remains $500 for the first 10 days.
• Manaslu (Autumn): $100 per week + $15/day extra.
• Manaslu (Off-Season): $75 per week + $10/day extra.
• Humla: $50 per week + $10/day extra.

Impact on Tourism

Tourism is a vital pillar of Nepal’s economy, contributing Rs 327.9 billion in 2023. With over 1.14 million tourists visiting in 2024, but only roughly 28,000 entering restricted areas, officials expect this fee reduction to drive significantly more traffic to the trans-Himalayan landscapes of Mustang.