For years, entering Nepal’s restricted Upper Mustang region came with a fixed USD $500 permit fee for the first 10 days. That meant a traveller staying for only four or five days still paid the full amount.
The permit system has changed in 2026. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is now charged at USD $50 per person, per day spent inside the restricted area beyond Kagbeni.
That means a 4-day stay costs USD $200 in RAP, while a 10-day stay costs USD $500. You still need to account for other required fees, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and applicable E-TIMS registration.
Here’s what the new Upper Mustang permit cost means for your trip.
Upper Mustang Permit Cost 2026: What’s Changed With the New Daily Rate?
The major change in 2026 is the move from the previous 10-day minimum RAP charge to a daily system.
Under the previous structure, the first 10 days cost USD $500, with an additional USD $50 for each day after that. A traveller planning a shorter trip therefore paid for 10 days even if they stayed for less time.
The current rate is simpler:
USD $50 per person, per day inside the restricted area.
For example:
- 4 days: USD $200
- 6 days: USD $300
- 10 days: USD $500
- 12 days: USD $600
The change is particularly relevant for shorter Upper Mustang trips, including Jeep tours and shorter treks.
The daily RAP applies to the restricted zone beyond the Kagbeni checkpoint, so your itinerary needs to account for the number of days you will actually spend inside the restricted area.
Full Cost Breakdown: RAP, ACAP, and E-TIMS Fees Explained
The RAP is not the only cost involved in entering Upper Mustang. Depending on your route and travel arrangements, you also need to consider the following:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD $50 per person, per day inside the restricted area.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors.
- E-TIMS: NPR 2,000 where applicable.
The RAP is the main variable because it increases with the number of days spent inside the restricted area. ACAP and applicable E-TIMS fees are separate charges.
Upper Mustang lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is why the ACAP is required alongside the restricted-area permit.
Your trekking agency should confirm the applicable permit requirements for your exact route before departure, particularly if you are travelling overland through Lower Mustang or entering by air.
Source: Nepal Department of Immigration
Old System vs. New Daily Structure: How Much Will You Save?
The biggest difference becomes clear when comparing the old and current RAP structures.
| Itinerary Length | Old RAP | 2026 Daily RAP | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Days | USD $500 | USD $200 | USD $300 |
| 6 Days | USD $500 | USD $300 | USD $200 |
| 10 Days | USD $500 | USD $500 | USD $0 |
These figures compare the RAP only. ACAP and applicable E-TIMS charges are separate.
If you are planning a traditional 10-day Upper Mustang trip, the RAP remains USD $500. The difference becomes significant when your itinerary is shorter than 10 days.
For example, someone planning a four-day trip now pays USD $200 in RAP rather than the previous USD $500.
Upper Mustang Regulations 2026: Mandatory Guides & New Solo Travel Rules
The lower RAP cost for shorter trips does not mean that Upper Mustang has become an unrestricted destination.
Upper Mustang remains a restricted area, and foreign travellers must follow the applicable permit and guide requirements.
Independent trekking without the required agency and guide arrangements is not permitted. The restricted-area permit must be processed through an authorised, government-registered trekking agency.
In 2026, solo travellers can also plan an Upper Mustang trip without finding another traveller to form a group, provided they meet the applicable requirements and travel with the required licensed guide.
You should also carry your passport during the trip. Permit details are checked at checkpoints, and your entry and exit dates need to match the approved permit.
Because the RAP is calculated according to the number of days inside the restricted area, your itinerary should be planned carefully before the permit is issued.
How to Apply: Why You Need a Registered Nepal Trekking Agency
The Upper Mustang permit process involves more than simply paying the daily RAP fee.
A registered trekking agency can arrange the required permits, confirm the applicable fees, prepare the necessary documentation and organise a licensed guide for your trip.
This is particularly important because your permit needs to match your planned entry and exit dates.
Your agency can also help determine whether additional registrations or permits apply based on your chosen route, such as whether you are travelling overland through the Annapurna region or using domestic flights.
For travellers planning a shorter Upper Mustang trip, getting the number of restricted-area days right is especially important because the RAP is now calculated on a daily basis.
Plan Your Upper Mustang Trip With Hi Nepal Treks
The 2026 daily RAP structure makes shorter Upper Mustang trips considerably more straightforward to price.
Instead of automatically paying USD $500 for the first 10 days, you now pay according to the number of days spent inside the restricted area.
However, the permit remains only one part of planning the trip. You also need to consider ACAP, applicable E-TIMS registration, guide requirements, transportation and your overall itinerary.
Hi Nepal Treks can help arrange the required permits and plan your Upper Mustang trip according to the number of days you want to spend in the restricted area.
Whether you’re planning a short Jeep journey or a longer trek towards Lo Manthang, confirm the current permit requirements and total trip costs before booking.
FAQ’s
Can I apply for the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) by myself?
No. The RAP must be processed through a registered Nepali trekking agency, and travellers entering the restricted area must follow the applicable guide requirements.
What happens if I stay past the dates on my permit?
Your permit is issued for specific dates. Staying beyond the approved period can result in additional government charges or penalties. Speak with your trekking agency if your itinerary changes while you are in the region.
Do Indian nationals have to pay the USD $50 daily fee?
The applicable RAP rules and fees depend on the traveller’s nationality and current government regulations. Indian travellers should confirm the current rate with a registered agency or the Department of Immigration before travelling.
Is there an age limit or a discount for children?
Permit charges can vary according to the type of permit and applicable government rules. Check the current requirements with the agency processing your permit before booking a family trip.
Can I get a refund on my permit fees if my trip gets cut short?
Permit fees are subject to the government’s applicable refund and cancellation rules. If your itinerary changes after the permit has been issued, ask your trekking agency whether any refund or adjustment is possible.
Where exactly does the “Restricted Area” start and end?
For Upper Mustang, the restricted area begins beyond the Kagbeni checkpoint. The RAP applies to the restricted section of the route, including the area around Lo Manthang and other destinations within Upper Mustang.