Upper Mustang, the ancient kingdom of Lo, was opened to foreigners for trekking purposes as a Restricted Area in 1992 and still upholds the status. You need to obtain two Upper Mustang trek permits with the help of a licensed Nepali trekking agency, namely Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
They can only be obtained through an authorized trekking “HIMALAYAN TRIP NEPAL (P). LTD. Besides, in areas where trekking permits are needed, it is not allowed to go trekking without a guide. The Upper Mustang trekking permits are issued for groups of 2 persons and more.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan cities is the Upper Mustang trek, located in the northern part of the Himalayan range in Nepal.
It was once considered to be its own kingdom, the Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. The route itself is highly restricted, and need special permit.
This arid river valley trek is filled with harsh, cliff-faced landscapes and will still challenge the most experienced hikers. However, it is known as one of the easier treks in the region, with the highest point found at 3,820m at Lo Manthang. If you’re looking for a culturally significant and remote adventure, the Upper Mustang trek might be your calling.
Basic Travel Guide
- The Location: The Upper Mustang trek can be accessed from Pokhara, which is just a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu. The trail-head can be found in the northern corner of the Himalayas, just past the upper corner of the Annapurna Circuit. Jomsom is the starting point for this route.
- Highest Point: The highest point for the Upper Mustang trek can be found at 3,820m at Lo Manthang, which is where most routes will turn around.
- Duration: The minimum duration is 10 days, however, some routes will travel for up to 16 days with a 12-day trek being the average.
- Trail Conditions: The Upper Mustang region is a dry valley where you will pass incredible rock formations and walk along dusty, desert mountain trails, similar at times to dirt roads. As you hike along the trail you will also pass small Tibetan villages.
Does Everyone Need a Permit?
Yes, all non-Nepalis need permits to enter Upper Mustang.
What Kind of Permits do I Need?
Everyone entering the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) area requires an entry permit which costs $22 per person for a single entry into the area but is valid for as long as the trek takes. There is no restriction on the length of time a person can stay in the ACAP area.
In addition, if someone is going into Upper Mustang (from Kagbeni onward) they require a RAP (Restricted Area Permit). This costs $500 per person for 10 days. If longer is required, an additional $50 per day is charged.
No TIMS or Trekkers Information Management System card is required for Upper Mustang as the Restricted Area Permit(RAP) is sufficient as it provides details of the trekker and his/her destination in case of an emergency or problem.
Filming or Documentary Permits
If you are visiting Upper Mustang as purpose of filming or documentary then you need special trekking permit from Nepal ministry of Information and Communication and fees are depends on the use of camera and technologies.
Criteria for Trekking in Upper Mustang
- You must go through a government registered trekking agency.
- There have to be at least two people in a group.
- Trekkers cannot go with independent guides as well.
- Travelers are obliged to respect the culture and the tradition of the region and should not indulge in the activities that go again the norms and rules of the region.
- Hikers must follow the designated itinerary alternation in the itinerary in between the journey is prohibited.
- Trekkers ought to conform to guidelines given by approved officials in the trekking zone (Restricted Area).
Upper Mustang Trekking Permits Terms and Conditions:
We have listed down the terms and conditions, and considerations set out for acquiring the Upper Mustang Trekking permit:
- The permit fee is not required for a child under ten years of age, so it is free.
- The permit is non-refundable, non-transferable, valid for single entry only, and valid for individual trekkers only.
- Entry permits can only be issued from designated offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara and not from any checkpoints along the trekking trail.
- While entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must abide by the regulations of the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 B.S. (1973)
- You are to carry the entry permits throughout the trek and show it at the checkpoint as and where it is asked by the concerned officials.
- Both the permit costs are inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) and other government taxes.
- Permit holders can only enter the designated areas inside the conservation area and restricted area.
Obtaining a permit to visit Upper Mustang can be a bit challenging, as the Nepalese government has restricted access to the region to help preserve its unique culture and environment. Here are some key things you should know about getting a permit for Upper Mustang:
- You must hire a registered trekking company: The Nepalese government requires that all visitors to Upper Mustang hire a registered trekking company and be accompanied by a licensed guide. This is to help ensure that visitors are respectful of local customs and that the region is protected.
- You must have a special permit: In addition to a standard trekking permit, you must obtain a special permit to visit Upper Mustang. This permit is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and costs around $500 per person for a 10-day visit. The permit fees are subject to change, so it’s best to check the latest fees before planning your trip.
- You must travel during the permitted season: The government of Nepal only allows visitors to Upper Mustang during certain months of the year. Typically, the season runs from mid-March to mid-November. During the winter months, the region is often covered in snow and is very cold, so it’s not recommended to visit during this time.
- You must follow certain rules: Visitors to Upper Mustang must follow certain rules and regulations to help preserve the region. For example, you are not allowed to disturb the local wildlife or take any artifacts or relics from the area.
Overall, obtaining a permit to visit Upper Mustang requires some effort and planning, but the experience is well worth it. The region is rich in history and culture, and trekking through its stunning landscape is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
