The Department of Immigration (DoI) has officially revised the Restricted Area Trekking Permit (RAP) fee for Upper Mustang, introducing a more flexible, per-day payment system in place of the previous flat-rate structure. The change has been formally communicated to trekking stakeholders, including the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN).
According to the revised regulation, trekkers visiting Upper Mustang will now be required to pay USD 50 per person per day, replacing the earlier blanket fee of USD 500 per person for a mandatory 10-day period. Under the new system, the total permit cost will depend on the actual duration of stay, allowing visitors to plan shorter or longer itineraries based on their travel needs.
Official Notification Issued by the Government
The amendment has been made in accordance with the Immigration Regulation, 2051 (Annex-12), specifically under the section related to trekking permit fees. The Government of Nepal published the revised provision through the Nepal Gazette dated Poush 7, 2082, making the decision legally binding.
In an official letter addressed to TAAN, the Department of Immigration requested the association to inform all trekking agencies under its jurisdiction and facilitate the implementation of the revised fee structure. A copy of the gazette notification was also attached for reference and necessary action.
TAAN Informs Member Agencies
TAAN stated that it had already informed its general members about the upcoming change nearly a month in advance, ensuring that trekking agencies were prepared for the implementation. With the official confirmation now received from the Department of Immigration, TAAN has urged its members to update clients accordingly and follow the revised permit procedures.
The association welcomed the change, noting that the new pricing system is more practical and aligns better with trekkers’ travel patterns, particularly for those seeking shorter cultural or adventure-focused visits to the Upper Mustang region.
Greater Flexibility for Trekkers
Upper Mustang, one of Nepal’s most culturally significant and geographically unique destinations, has long been classified as a restricted area due to its sensitive heritage and proximity to international borders. While the previous USD 500 fee helped regulate tourist flow, industry stakeholders have often argued that the flat-rate system discouraged short-duration travelers.
The newly introduced per-day fee model is expected to make Upper Mustang more accessible while still maintaining regulatory oversight. Trekkers can now design itineraries based on time availability and budget, potentially increasing interest among both international and regional visitors.
Expected Impact on Tourism
Tourism entrepreneurs believe the revised permit fee could help boost visitor numbers, especially during shoulder seasons, without compromising conservation objectives. The flexibility is also expected to benefit trekking agencies by allowing them to offer more customized packages tailored to diverse traveler preferences. At the same time, authorities have reiterated that all other regulations governing restricted-area trekking, including licensed guides and registered agencies, will continue to apply.
The revision reflects the government’s broader effort to balance tourism growth with sustainable management in sensitive regions. By linking permit fees to the length of stay, policymakers aim to encourage responsible travel while ensuring continued revenue generation for conservation and local development. TAAN has encouraged its members to coordinate closely with clients and authorities to ensure smooth implementation of the new system and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
