Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most fascinating and culturally preserved Himalayan destinations. Located in the rain-shadow region north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, Upper Mustang is known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient Tibetan-influenced culture, historic monasteries, traditional villages, caves, and the historic walled city of Lo Manthang.
Upper Mustang was opened to international trekkers in 1994 and remains a specially regulated trekking destination. The region is designated as a Restricted Area by the Government of Nepal, so foreign trekkers must obtain a special Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trekking Permit before entering the designated restricted area.
Upper Mustang trekking must be arranged through a Government-registered trekking company, and trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. Independent or solo trekking is not permitted on the Upper Mustang route. Nepal Tourism Board specifically lists Upper Mustang Trek among the routes where a licensed trekking guide and trekking-agency-issued TIMS Card are mandatory.
Upper Mustang lies to the north of Kagbeni, which is the traditional gateway to the region. A classic Upper Mustang trek normally follows the route from Jomsom → Kagbeni → Chele → Syangboche → Ghami → Tsarang → Lo Manthang.
Foreign trekkers visiting Upper Mustang need the following permits and trekking documentation:
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trekking Permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS Card
All required trekking permits and documentation are arranged through a Government-registered trekking company in Nepal.
The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trekking Permit is the main special permit required for foreign trekkers entering the designated restricted area of Upper Mustang.
The current permit fee is:
USD 50 per person per day
According to the current Department of Immigration information, the Upper Mustang Restricted Area covers designated areas within:
Lomanthang Rural Municipality – Wards 1–5
Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality – Wards 1–5
Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality – Ward 3 and Satang Village of Ward 5
The permit must be obtained before entering the restricted area. Trekkers must carry the permit during the trek and show it to immigration officials or police when requested. Trekking outside the specified permitted areas or routes is not allowed.
For the classic Upper Mustang trekking route, Kagbeni is the main gateway to Upper Mustang.
Upper Mustang lies north of Kagbeni, and trekkers continuing into the designated restricted area must have a valid Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trekking Permit.
The classic trekking route generally follows:
Jomsom → Kagbeni → Chele → Syangboche → Ghami → Tsarang → Lo Manthang
Kagbeni is best understood as the gateway to Upper Mustang. The Government of Nepal defines the restricted area according to specific rural municipalities and wards rather than simply stating that the entire area beyond Kagbeni is restricted.
Upper Mustang is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so trekkers must also obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
The current ACAP fee for foreign nationals is:
NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 25, more or less depending on the exchange rate on the day of issue).
The ACAP is separate from the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trekking Permit and is required in addition to it.
The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), which manages the Annapurna Conservation Area, currently lists the permit fee as NPR 3,000 for foreigners, including tax.
The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card is also required for the Upper Mustang Trek.
The current TIMS fee for trekkers from non-SAARC countries is:
NPR 2,000 per person (approximately USD 15, more or less depending on the exchange rate on the day of issue).
Nepal Tourism Board specifically lists Upper Mustang Trek among the trekking routes where trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and carry a trekking-agency-issued TIMS Card.
The TIMS Card is arranged through a Government-registered trekking company.
Upper Mustang is a Restricted Area, so foreign trekkers cannot independently arrange the restricted-area trek or trek alone.
The required trekking permit must be arranged through a Government-registered trekking company, and trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide.
The trekking company handles the required permit applications and related government formalities before the trek begins. Trekkers need to provide their valid passport details and other information required for the permit process.
During the trek, trekkers should carry their passport and required permits, as these documents may be checked at designated checkpoints or by the concerned authorities.
For foreign trekkers, the main permit and documentation costs are:
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: USD 50 per person per day
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 25, more or less)
TIMS Card: NPR 2,000 per person (approximately USD 15, more or less)
The approximate USD amounts for the ACAP and TIMS Card may vary according to the prevailing exchange rate on the day they are issued.
Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking is a Government-registered trekking company in Nepal, specializing in trekking and Himalayan travel.
When you book an Upper Mustang Trek with us, our experienced team takes care of the required permit arrangements, TIMS Card and government formalities before your trek begins. We also arrange a licensed trekking guide as required for the Upper Mustang Trek.
Our team provides clear information about the applicable permit fees and requirements, allowing you to prepare for your Upper Mustang journey with confidence.
We follow the regulations of the Government of Nepal and ensure that the necessary permits and trekking documentation are properly arranged before your trek begins.
Permit fees and trekking regulations are determined by the relevant authorities of the Government of Nepal and may change from time to time. The information on this page is based on the current information available from the Department of Immigration, Nepal Tourism Board and National Trust for Nature Conservation.
We will confirm the applicable fees and requirements at the time of booking and before your trek.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trekking Permit and Fee
Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal – Trekking Route and Permit Fee
TIMS Card and Licensed Guide Requirement
Nepal Tourism Board – TIMS Card Information
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
National Trust for Nature Conservation – ACAP Permit Information
Last Updated: September 10, 2026
