6th Jul, 2025

Upper Mustang Trek Permit

- Magnificent Himalayan Treks

You can simply not think of enjoying of your trip to Mustang without your Permits. Upper Mustang Trek requires several permits. Lets check out how things are done for this wonderful trek, shall we?

Important Points 

Two permits are needed to enter Upper Mustang, a restricted trekking area: the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

Upper Mustang's closeness to the Tibetan border necessitates RAP, which is only available from a certified Nepali trekking organization.

Since the hike travels through the Annapurna conservation area, an ACAP permit is necessary; it costs NRs. 1000 for SAARC nationals and NRs. 3000 for foreigners.

The trekking agency explicitly obtains RAP on behalf of trekkers, and permits are received from specialized offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

More on Mustang

In 1992, Upper Mustang, the former kingdom of Lo, was made accessible to outsiders for trekking and remains a Restricted Area to this day.

With the assistance of a certified Nepali trekking organization, you must get two Upper Mustang trek permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

Trekkers can apply for and pick up the ACAP from certain offices in Pokhara and Kathmandu. However, only the trekking agency may apply for and collect RAP on behalf of the trekker.

In the Upper Mustang region, trekking is very popular in the spring, summer, and monsoon seasons. As a result, we have answered all of your questions about permits, fees, paperwork, and other aspects of getting an Upper Mustang trek permit below.

The cost of the necessary permit for the Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

Due to its proximity to the Tibetan border, Upper Mustang has been placed under restrictions in order to maintain border security and regulate tourism and other activities in the region.

 Since the Nepali government has classified Upper Mustang as a restricted area, trekkers must get a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in order to enter the area.

 The areas covered by this permission are Baragung Mukti Chetra Rural Municipality (all areas of ward no. 3 and Satang Village of ward no. 5), Lo Manthang Rural Municipality (all areas of ward no. 1 to 5), and Lo-Gekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality (all areas of ward no. 1 to 5). 

At Chele's entrance, you would have to present this permit.

This permission may only be obtained on your behalf by a local trekking agency that is licensed and registered with the government. 

The length of time you spend in the Upper Mustang trekking trail's restricted areas determines how much RAP costs. 

Cost of a Permit:

For visitors from other countries: US$ 500 per person for the first 10 days, followed by US$ 50 for each extra day in the restricted region.

For citizens of Nepal: No charge

The Project for the Annapurna Conservation Area

Because the trekking track will cross the Annapurna conservation area, which stretches the whole length of the Mustang, an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is also necessary for this trek. The permit fee's profits support route development and the preservation of the Annapurna region's wildlife and flora.

Cost of a Permit:

SAARC nationals must pay NRs. 1000 per person, or around $10 USD.

Other nationals must pay NRs. 3000 (about $30 USD) each person.

Documents Needed for the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit

The following paperwork is required throughout the application procedure in order to receive an Upper Mustang Trekking permit:

• One passport-sized photo is required for the ACAP permit.

• One scanned photograph (to be uploaded for Upper Mustang RAP's online form).

• A photocopy of your passport that is valid for at least six months.

• Documentation for travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation

• Tourist visa for Nepal

You might as well engage a travel firm to help you obtain the permits, since you would need their assistance to obtain the RAP. 

They will guarantee that the necessary paperwork is prepared for submission.

Since you would require their aid to obtain the RAP, you might as well hire a travel agency to assist you in obtaining the permits. They will ensure that the required documentation is ready for application.

Terms and Conditions for Upper Mustang Trekking Permits:

The following are the requirements and factors to be taken into account in order to obtain the Upper Mustang Trekking permit:

• A child under the age of ten does not need to pay the permit charge, thus it is free.

• The permit is only good for one entry and for a single trekker; it is neither refundable or transferable.

• Only authorized offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara are able to grant entry permits; no checkpoints along the hiking route are able to do so.

• You must follow the guidelines set forth in the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 B.S. (1973) when you enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.

• You must keep your entry permits with you during the hike and provide them to the relevant authorities at the checkpoint when they request it.

• Value Added Tax (VAT) and other government taxes are included in the permit fees.

• Only the specified places within the restricted area and conservation area are accessible to permit holders.

Common Questions Regarding the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit

How and where can I get a hiking permit for Upper Mustang?

The locations for obtaining Upper Mustang Trekking permits are listed below:

Annapurna Conservation Area permits:

Trekkers have the option of picking up this permit in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu:Except on national holidays, the Nepal Tourism Board's Pradarsani Marg is open Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In Pokhara:With the exception of public holidays, Nepal Tourism Board, Lakeside is open Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The trekkers or the representing trekking agency must fill out the required form along with all the details and documents mentioned.

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: 

Trekkers are unable to receive this special permit; instead, a legitimate Nepali trekking service must apply for and pick up the permit on their behalf. 

With all of the paperwork the trekker received in Kathmandu, the agency will submit an online application for this permission. 

The Trekking Department of Nepal Immigration office in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, is where they will pick up the approved permission.

Note: No Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board or TAAN.

How long does it take to obtain trekking permits for Upper Mustang?

It will take around an hour to issue the ACAP. In addition, it could take about two to three hours for the RAP to be issued. This will be handled by the trekking firm you have engaged, which will also make sure that the permits are obtained in time for the journey.

Do you need a TIMS card for the Upper Mustang trek?

Since the required RAP already contains all of the trekker's information, including the route, emergency contact, and other details, the Upper Mustang trek does not require a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card.

However, you would just need the TIMS card and the ACAP if you were only traveling to Lower Mustang and not Upper Mustang.

For the Upper Mustang trek, do you require a guide?

One certified professional guide is required due to the Upper Mustang region's restrictions.

The track is still poorly defined, despite the absence of notable high passes. Additionally, using a guide makes things simpler and safer. 

You have the opportunity to interact with people and learn about their history, ethnicity, customs, and more. Additionally, hiring a guide improves the standard of living and boosts the Nepali economy.

Is it possible to traverse the Upper Mustang by yourself?

The hike cannot be completed alone because of Upper Mustangs' restricted status. For the trek, a minimum of two hikers (including one guide) are required. 

You can engage a company to match you with a guide or a larger group if you don't have one with you.

How challenging is the Upper Mustang Trek?

Upper Mustang is rated as an easy to moderate hike in terms of difficulty. Altitude sickness is less likely at the PA pass, when the track reaches a maximum elevation of 4,210m/13,517ft. 

With 12 days of hiking, a typical route lasts 15 days. You must walk four to five hours a day on average, up to nine hours on certain days, and at least three hours on others. Although the landscape is dry and dusty, it is not particularly taxing.

Both experienced and inexperienced hikers can complete it with ease if the schedule and directions are followed correctly.

At last

To apply for the Upper Mustang Trek permit, you must work with a reputable, experienced trekking company with headquarters in Nepal. Trip planning and organization in Upper Mustang is a specialty of businesses like Magnificent Himalayan, which can also quickly and easily secure you the two licenses you need.

Therefore, don't hesitate to get in touch with our agents to start your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.