Why is the Upper Mustang Trek popular among Trekkers?
The Upper Mustang Trek is an achievable year-round, offering exceptional experiences in the restricted areas, and requires special permits to discover the verlooked attractions of various places. Unlike the popular Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Everest Base Camp, the trail is less traveled, providing you with a serene atmosphere to make a deep connection with nature and explore local culture. After 1992, hikers got an opportunity to witness spectacular landscapes, towering cliffs, dramatic gorges, and the majestic Himalayas.
Starting a hike trip officially from Jomsom, traverse Kagbeni, Chele, Gelling, and Tsarang, and reach Lo-Manthang, which was once the capital city of the Kingdom of Upper Mustang and is also known as a Walled City. From this highest settlement of the Mustang, witness the breathtaking vistas of majestic arid landmarks and magnificent peaks such as Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, etc.
While resting in Lomanthang, go on a side visit to Chhoser Cave (sky cave) and the Namgyal monastery for awe-inspiring views of the surrounding scenery. As this place is a sacred hub for the community, it also serves as a place of judgment. Other captivating places that you can discover are Chyodi Gompa, Thugchen Gompa, etc. Afterward, the next destination is Yara, located on top of a hill, offering views of sandy castle-like structures and arid landmarks.
Luri Gompa and Muktinath play a vital role in attracting hikers to the Upper Mustang, as both of these sacred sites offer trekker seclusion and tranquility, together with spiritual satisfaction. Luri Gompa is a monastery dating back centuries that has historical facts and unique features, situated at an elevation of 4150 m. After the discovery of Luri Gompa, visiting Muktinath is a popular pilgrimage spot, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, which you can arrive there by going beyond Shaligram while enjoying walking through a peaceful trail along quaint villages.
Since trekkers can enjoy it to the fullest in the driest areas of Nepal, combining exploration of natural wonders and cultural heritages of the Himalayas, it has become a favorite among hikers for any season. After this essential information, let’s delve into the trekking in Upper Mustang Permit Cost Update 2025 and 2026, and Mustang Permit Process 2025/2026.
What permits do you need to obtain for Upper Mustang Trekking?
Like every hike in Nepal, the Upper Mustang Trek requires some trekking permits based on the Nepal Government, as you must verify those paper documents at several checkpoints. Every trekker should know the details about the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit and Cost for an easier process through a reliable Nepal trekking company. Lists of the essential Upper Mustang Trekking permits is as follows:
- TIM's (Trekkers Information Management System)
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit /special permit
Why are entry permits essential for Upper Mustang Treks?
Since each permit has its own importance, as described below, you may face legal consequences if you break the rules. Sometimes you may pay charges, leading to expulsion from the restricted areas without completing the journey.
How is the TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) important?
You cannot conduct any trekking without a TIMS Card, as it is not only about the nation's rules and regulations, but also about considering the following things.
How does a TIMS card ensure trekker safety?
The priority of the Himalayan adventure is to secure the well-being of every hiker. With the details of trekkers included in a TIMS Card, emergency rescue will be easier when you have an injury while navigating difficult sections, including landslide-prone areas and steep, narrow, and uneven terrain.
Authorities can easily monitor the tour, knowing the trekkers’ itineraries, especially in isolated areas like Upper Mustang. Since the records include contact numbers, authorities can find the missing hiker or rescue the injured one. Hence, the TIMS card ensures trekkers' security and provides emotional reassurance.
Why do authorities use TIMS for managing tourist movement?
Without establishing a fee payment system for entering restricted areas or hiking destinations, the number of tourists may exceed the limit. As a result, tourism becomes more irresponsible as authorities face difficulties in monitoring overcrowding. To preserve the fragile environmental status, support local administrations managing trekking paths. Hence, attaining a TIMS card for the Upper Mustang Trek is crucial to ensure the trekker’s safety, sustainability, and proper organization in such remote mountainous terrain of the Annapurna region.
Is the TIMS card important for local development?
Although the trails are more established to reach the Upper Mustang than other off-the-beaten-path trails, such as the Manaslu Circuit or the Kanchenjunga Circuit, the collected funds from TIMS cards can play a vital role in developing well-maintained ways and facilitating guesthouses with modern infrastructure. Certainly, tourism will leap forward even more, enhancing economic progress and providing career opportunities to inhabitants of the region.
Why You Must Obtain the Annapurna Conservation Entry Permit for Upper Mustang?
As you walk through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you should obtain an entry permit. The major reasons are as follows:
How Does ACAP Help Promote Eco-Friendly Trekking?
A trekker with an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Card becomes more responsible towards a balanced state of the environment while hiking through diverse landscapes from verdant subtropical forests to high pasturelands and desert-like terrain. With the help of collected funds, the authorities support keeping trekking paths trash-free by effectively managing garbage disposal.
What Role Does the ACAP Card Play in Supporting Conservation Efforts?
As the protected area is home to a wide range of rare animals and plants, the permits help to preserve all creatures by isolating them from the effects of trekkers. Therefore, be responsible and contribute to conserving the charm of the Annapurna region for our future generations. Whether you are a novice or an expert photographer, the unique activities of wildlife in their natural habitat encourage you to capture them on your camera roll. The major living beings that you may spot are as follows:
- Animals: Red Panda, Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Common Langur, Himalayan Black Bear, Goral, etc.
- Birds: Himalayan Monal/Danphe (the national bird of Nepal), Snow Partridge, Eurasian Griffon, Blood Pheasant, Golden Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, etc.
- Plants (trees and herbs): rhododendron, oak, pine, fir, birch, juniper, maple,kutki, panch aunle, yarsagumba, satuwa, etc.
Why Is the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit Important for Your Trek?
Since the Upper Mustang is one of the restricted areas in Nepal, situated near the Tibetan border, the Upper Mustang Trek Permit Fee 2025 also includes this special permit. To control unnecessary access to the protected areas where historical architecture, unique cultures, and stunning atmospheres make the Upper Mustang more vibrant. Hence, the permit is for national security and the preservation of fragile biodiversity.
How to get the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit?
As the Nepal government does not allow self-guided trekking in Nepal at present, you must choose a reputable trekking company that is legally registered with the Government for the reliable Mustang Permit Process 2025/2026. If you select a trip to the Mustang, we arrange all the trekking logistics, letting you focus fully on enjoying the adventure ahead. At first, we submit all the required documents and submit them with an application letter to the Department of Immigration, Kathmandu, for special permits. In addition, Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu, or Pokhara, for a TIMS card.
The most important thing to be considered is that a seasoned and licensed trekking guide should accompany the trekker to trek in any destination in Nepal. Moreover, ensure the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit Cost according to the rules and regulations before paying. After getting consent from the authorities, we collect all important paperwork on your behalf. As the process is easier, it takes only 1 to 2 days for an experienced trekking agency.
Important Documents: Passport-size photos, a Valid passport, a Nepal visa, and a guaranteed hiking itinerary.
How much does the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit Cost?
The Upper Mustang Permit cost differs from individual to individual based on nationality (Nepalese, SAARC member, or other), the length, and the duration of the trek. Although the total Upper Mustang Tourism Fees may increase during peak seasons due to higher demand for lodges and food, the permit fees may remain the same, except when the government changes its rules and regulations. When you extend the journey, you will incur additional costs for permits. Therefore, ensure that your itinerary is carefully made to avoid unexpected expenses if you want a more budget-friendly adventure.
When is the demand for the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit high?
After understanding the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit and Cost, it is crucial to comprehend how time matters for hiking on any trekking trail in Nepal to avoid problems and enrich your overall trip experience. Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best with favorable weather and soothing temperatures, allowing flora and fauna to flourish. Hikers can walk on dry paths without a greater risk of landslides and avalanches, which sometimes cause the blockage of the main way to the destination and lead trekkers to return or select more strenuous alternate paths.
During the months of these two seasons, hikers savor the charm of crystal-clear views of snow-capped mountains, walking comfortably on trails along the dense green forests filled with blooming rhododendrons (especially during spring). Trekkers love warm temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 20°C, more than the harsh cold of winter. Hence, during these trekking seasons, the number of tourists increases in these areas, and the demand for Upper Mustang trekking becomes higher than in the Monsoon and winter seasons.
Is the Upper Mustang Trek Permit Fee 2025 cheaper during the off-season?
No, the Upper Mustang trekking Permit is not cheaper, as it remains the same regardless of different trekking seasons. The overall Upper Mustang Trek cost may be lower, as some trekking agencies provide discounts to packers during the off-seasons (monsoon and Winter). If you want to trek to Upper Mustang without spending more money, the monsoon season is also appropriate, as it lies in the rain-shadow areas.
While Kathmandu experiences heavy rainfall starting in August, Mustang remains largely dry during this period due to its unique rain shadow location. Nevertheless, the journey becomes quite challenging during the winter due to heavy snowfall and severe cold. Those who love to play with snow and see towering snow-capped mountains take risks with the proper equipment.
Although the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit stays unchanged, you can choose off-seasons to escape the crowded trails of peak seasons in Nepal. During these offseasons, the Upper Mustang Tourism Fees may be lower than during the autumn and spring due t several factors. However, you get more space to explore the nations and unique cultures while choosing the months of monsoon and winter for Upper Mustang treks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should be aware of the trekking in Upper Mustang Permit Cost Update 2025 and 2026 for the exact cost of the permits. At different checkpoints, authorities check the validity of Upper Mustang permits as the extension of the trekking period requires extra costs. Therefore, selecting a reputable trekking agency is essential to avoid trouble. Hurry up! The Himalayan destinations await you to discover the rare findings of Mustang.
Among several travel companies in Nepal, if you choose Adventure Treks Nepal for the treks, you can prepare for hiking since we handle the Mustang Permit Process 2025/2026. We have other packages such asMardi Himal Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Everest Panorama Trek, etc, which are more budget-friendly and suitable for families. For furthermore inquiries, you can contact us on WhatsApp or do email.
FAQs
What are the highlights of the Upper Mustang Trekking?
The major attractions of the Upper Mustang are Jomsom (for apple orchards and historical architecture), Lomanthang/walled city of Mustang (for authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture), Gompas and monasteries ( Ghar Gompa, Namgyal Monastery, Luri Gompa, Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa), Muktnath (a holy site, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists), Chhoser cave, close vistas of the Himalayas, hiking through Annapurna Conservation Areas, etc.
How long does it take to complete the Upper Mustang Treks?
Generally, it takes 12 to 18 days to complete the Upper Mustang Treks.
What is the highest point of the Upper Mustang Trek?
The highest point of the Upper Mustang Trek is Luri Gompa at an elevation of 4150 m.
How Difficult is the Upper Mustang Trekking?
Upper Mustang Trek is moderate to challenging hiking, requiring good physical health with a sound mind to navigate demanding terrains, including steep, narrow, and rough trails.
Do you need Travel Insurance for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Travel insurance saves extra expenses at the event of an injury and other unforeseen circumstances. The helicopter evacuation may be expensive for the rescue in the Himalayas. Travel insurance can help you save money by covering emergency evacuations, unexpected events such as flight delays or cancellations, and issues related to personal belongings, including damage, loss, or theft.
What kind of accommodation and food are available along the Mustang trails?
In lower elevations, the more elaborate teahouses and various food items are available, but as you ascend to higher elevations, adjust to simple guesthouses and limited food menus. Even though rooms are simple in high points, they will be clean and comfortable. “Dal and Bhat” is a common food along the trails, which includes steamed rice, seasonal vegetables, pickles, and salad.
How will your daily hiking be according to Adventure Trek Nepal’s itinerary?
Without any rush, you walk approximately 5-6 hours per day through steep and rugged trails. You forget all the struggle you make on difficult sections while exploring wonderful places, rich in culture and nature. Therefore, your hiking will be both challenging and rewarding.
