Upper Mustang Trekking Permit: Full Guide for 2027

Why Upper Mustang Has a Restricted Area Permit

Nepal opened Upper Mustang to foreign tourists in 1992, but not freely. The government introduced the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) specifically to limit visitor numbers, preserve the region's Tibetan Buddhist culture, and generate funds for local conservation. Unlike most Himalayan trekking regions where anyone can wander in with a standard TIMS card, Upper Mustang requires individual permits tied to a registered itinerary and a licensed Nepali guide. The system is enforced at checkpoints, and violations carry serious penalties.

The permit also funds the Upper Mustang Conservation and Development Project, which supports monastery restoration, heritage preservation, and local infrastructure. When you pay USD 500, a portion goes directly to the Lo Manthang community.

Upper Mustang Permit Costs 2027

The USD 500 RAP is the big one. It applies to all foreign nationals regardless of nationality and covers exactly 10 days inside the restricted area boundary, which begins at Kagbeni. Most 18-day Tiji Festival Trek itineraries are designed to keep you within the 10-day window to avoid extension fees.

How to Get the Permit

You cannot get an Upper Mustang RAP independently. The permit is issued only to trekkers accompanied by a licensed Nepali trekking guide, arranged through a registered trekking agency. The minimum group size is two people, though some agencies can arrange solo travel through shared groups.

The process: your trekking agency in Kathmandu applies for the permit at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office or the Department of Immigration. You'll need your passport, two passport-size photos, and visa details. The agency handles the paperwork; you sign the form. Permits are typically issued within 24–48 hours and most agencies sort this during your arrival day in Kathmandu.

If you're booking a Private Tiji Festival Trek, permit arrangements are included. For Group Treks, permits are usually included in the quoted price – confirm before booking, as some operators quote without permits to appear cheaper.

Checkpoints and What to Expect

There are multiple permit checkpoints between Jomsom and Lo Manthang. The main ones are at Kagbeni (official entry to Upper Mustang), Chuksang, Syangboche, and Lo Manthang itself. At each checkpoint, police inspect your RAP, ACAP, TIMS, and passport. Your guide manages the paperwork, but you need to be present.

On the 4WD Overland Tour, checkpoints are the same – being in a jeep doesn't bypass them. If all your documents are in order, the process is quick. If anything is missing, you will be turned back.

Trekking without a guide or permit in Upper Mustang is treated as a criminal offence under Nepal's Protected Areas Management Act. Fines are heavy and your trek ends immediately.

Permit Rules You Must Know

Your permit specifies your entry and exit dates. You cannot extend your stay beyond the permit period without paying the extension fee in advance – there's no way to pay at a checkpoint. The boundary between Lower and Upper Mustang is at Kagbeni; once you cross that checkpoint, your 10-day clock starts.

Solo trekking without a guide is not permitted anywhere in the restricted zone, even if you've trekked extensively in Nepal before. The guide must be government-licensed and registered with an authorized agency. This is checked at every checkpoint.

Permits for the Tiji Festival Period

During the Tiji Festival (June 1–3, 2027), Upper Mustang is at peak demand. Festival-period permits are the same cost – no surcharge – but accommodation in Lo Manthang fills up months in advance. Your trekking agency needs to book lodges before applying for permits, since permits specify your accommodation itinerary.

Start the booking process at least 4–6 months ahead. The Helicopter Tour is the most time-efficient option but has the most limited seats. Contact us at info@tijifestivaltrek.com to confirm permit availability for 2027.