Upper Mustang Trek Permit

• 25 May 2024
• Hillary Treks

You must have an Upper Mustang Trek Permit to travel to the Mustang region of Nepal. You should get a special permit from a Nepal trekking company registered with the local government. When planning your Upper Mustang trekking adventure, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to obtain three different permits. These include a special Mustang trek permit, an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit.

One important reason for obtaining the Upper Mustang trekking permit is to ensure the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. Permits are essential in maintaining Upper Mustang’s untouched charm by preventing many visitors from entering its pristine landscapes. Your permit costs vary depending on the season, with peak periods having the highest fees.

Upper Mustang is a fascinating region nestled in Nepal’s Mustang District, which was once a restricted and challenging trek. The area is often called “The Forbidden Kingdom” and is well-known for its Buddhist culture and numerous monasteries. Due to its remote location, the region can maintain its distinct Tibetan culture. Located in the Majestic Himalayas, the Upper Mustang region is a true hidden gem of Nepal. This region captures the hearts of adventurers and culture enthusiasts with its rich history, unique geography, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Types of Upper Mustang Trek Permit

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

You need a Restricted Area Permit for the Upper Mustang Trek. Upper Mustang lies above the Kagbeni village, the RAP check post. You should show permits and other documents when entering and leaving the Upper Mustang region. Solo trekking is not allowed in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal.

The Nepal Immigration Office of the Government in Kathmandu or Pokhara issued this document. You can only obtain it through a registered local trekking agency in Nepal. Are you curious about the cost of a Restricted Area Permit? Well, it will be $500 per person for 10 days. And if you decide to extend your stay, it will be an additional $50 per person for each extra day.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Upper Mustang is a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need ACAP. Without one, entry into this region is not allowed. Once the ACAP is issued, you are free to stay in the ACAP area for as long as you please, as there are no restrictions on the duration of this permit. 

This permit can be obtained from the Kathmandu Nepal Tourism Board office and the Pokhara ACAP counter. For foreigners, the cost is $25 or NPR 3000. 

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) Card

Trekking in the Upper Mustang requires permits and a TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) card. The card provides all the necessary information to ensure your safety and keep track of your movements during your trek. You can quickly get it from the Nepal Tourism Board headquarters in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or TIMS counters in trekking zones.

Remember that you must go through a trekking agency to get one. If you plan on flying to Jomson and back, you won’t need the TIMS card. However,  it is essential for anyone intending to explore the area by land. You must get these permits from a reliable and authorized trekking agency. It’s better to get them before starting your journey. It costs $10 per person. 

Mustang Permit Regulations and Restrictions

• Children under ten years do not require a permit fee, so it is free of charge.
• In the Upper Mustang region, all permits, including the RAP, ACAP, and TIMS Card, are mandatory.
• This permit is non-transferable and non-refundable, so it is only valid for a single trekker.
• You can get these permits in Kathmandu and Pokhara but not along the trekking trail.
• You should follow the regulations of the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 B.S. (1973), when entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
• You should keep the entry permits with you during the trek and present them when the officials request them at the checkpoints.
• The permit costs include value-added tax (VAT) and other government taxes.
• Only those with permits can enter the conservation area and restricted area. 

How To Obtain Upper Mustang Trek Permits?

Restricted Area Permit

You cannot obtain the restricted permit alone or with assistance from hired guides. For RAP permits, going through a registered trekking agency is essential. Although every person receives an individual Upper Mustang permit, it must be applied for in groups of at least two. You must also have a professional trekking guide. 

Required Documents

• Copy of the passport  (valid for at least six months)
• Valid Nepalese visa
• Two passport-sized photos
• Filled-in form from the Immigration Department

You can get them from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Only registered agencies may apply for the permit. Initially, the agency will complete an online form on the immigration website and print a copy. They will then take a copy of the online form, a copy of the client’s passport, and $500 per person to apply for the permit. Finally, the immigration service will issue an entry license that includes the itinerary, dates of arrival, and exit. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

You must have a permit when trekking through the stunning Annapurna Conservation Area. To obtain the ACAP permit for the Upper Mustang, you can visit the Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside, Pokhara, or the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Bhrikuti Mandab, Kathmandu. You must fill out the form. Some details required in the form are:

• Full Name of the TRekker
• Passport Number
• Date of Birth
• Permanent Address
• Contact location in Nepal
• Name of the route you are going to trek
• Trek Entry Pont
• Trek End Point
• No of Days
• Name of the Trekking Agency
• Guide Name

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit requirements

• Filled form that has your details
• Visa
• Itinerary
• Passport-size photo
• Copy of your passport (valid for at least six months)

Upper Mustang Trekking Permit Cost

The cost of the permits are:

Importance of Permits for Trekkers

Every permit for the Upper Mustang is important. You must have a valid ACAP permit to enter the area. After receiving the ACAP, you are free to stay, as there are no restrictions on the duration of this permit. It helps to regulate the number of trekkers coming in. It also serves as a valuable financial resource for conservation initiatives. 

Permit restrictions on permits are done to ensure that high altitudes of Upper Mustang are not full of visitors, thus preventing the region’s natural beauty. Meanwhile, the TIMS card collects a database of trekkers and their itineraries to ensure their safety during Trekking in Nepal. It plays a crucial role in rescue operations by providing accurate information about the trekkers in emergencies. 

Tips for Successful Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal

Upper Mustang is an absolute dream destination for any traveler, providing an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever. Tips for a successful Upper Mustang Trek are:

• Before starting your journey, you should obtain all permits to enter the Upper Mustang region.
• Upper Mustang Trek is challenging, so you must prioritize your physical well-being.
• You should pack all the necessary items for a pleasant trekking adventure.
• You should be ready for the unpredictable weather and the possibility of altitude sickness in the Himalayas.
• You should choose a reputable trek organizer and certified guide for your journey. 

Unique features of Upper Mustang Trekking Destination

• You can explore the ancient Kingdom of Lo-Manthang, which has existed since the seventh century. 
• This region has about ten thousand caves and hollowed-out places in the rocks. 
• Cross Buddhist shrines and monasteries highlighting the region’s traditional Tibetan-Buddhist culture and religion. 
• Participate in a religious ceremony at the Mustang Tiji festival, a renowned and highly anticipated event. At this event, folk dances and songs bring ancient myths and legends to life.
• As your adventure begins in Jomson or Kagbeni, you’ll see the stunning views of the Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna ranges.
• During the trek, you will see beautiful vistas of snow-capped mountains and desertification landscapes.
• Explore old monasteries in the region, including Ghami monstrous, Nyiphuk Monastery, Ghiling Monasteries, Chooser Cave, Luri Cave, Lo-Gear Monastery, and Tsaraga Monastery.

Conclusion

The Upper Mustang is an incredibly unique and remote tourist spot in Nepal. It offers adventurers an amazing experience and a captivating sense of culture throughout the trek. The cost of the Upper Valley Mustang trek can vary based on several factors. For your trek, it’s important to consider how long you’ll be hiking, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll get around.

The trekking permit fee for the Upper Mustang is fixed and can be quite costly for foreigners. To enhance your experience, you should carefully select the best time to visit. Trekking in the Upper Mustang can be quite pricey. However, the region’s distinct cultural and natural heritage makes it worthwhile.

FAQs

Hillary Treks

info@hillarysteptreks.com

My name is Hillary. Since completing the Government Guide Training from Nepal's Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (KEEP and HRA), I have been a specialist in mountain trekking and peak climbing. With specific expertise in the Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan regions, I have now been a trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, and across the Himalayas, since 2012.