réponse rapide
The Upper Mustang Trek requires three permits: the ACAP entry at $30, the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit at $500 for the first 10 days, and the TIMS Card. A licensed guide is mandatory. The full permit package costs $540 to $600 per person and takes 2 to 3 working days in Kathmandu.
Répartition détaillée
Upper Mustang is a restricted area north of the Annapurna range, governed by the Nepali Department of Immigration. The region was a separate kingdom until 2008 and remains culturally Tibetan Buddhist. The standard trek runs 12 to 17 days from Jomsom through Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, Charang, Lo Manthang, and back, reaching 4,200 metres at Lo La pass.
Three permits are required. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit at $30 plus VAT covers the Jomsom entry. The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit at $500 per person for the first 10 days and $50 per day beyond covers the restricted zone north of Kagbeni. The TIMS Card is the standard trekking registration.
The restricted area permit is non refundable, non transferable, and only issued to groups of two or more trekkers through a registered trekking agency. Solo trekkers cannot get the permit and must either join an existing group or pay for two permits.
Répartition des coûts/composants
| Permit or service | Coût 2027 | validité | Where issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permis de conservation de la zone de conservation de l'Annapur | $30 plus 13 % de TVA | entrée unique | Nepal Tourism Board or ACAP office Pokhara |
| Permis de zone restreinte supérieure de la Mustang | $500 10 premiers jours, $50 par jour supplémentaire | 10 days minimum | Department of Immigration Kathmandu |
| Carte TIM | $10, groupe $20 individuel | randonnée simple | Nepal Tourism Board or through agency |
| Guide d'autorisation | $45 to $60 per day | Per trek | Through Kathmandu agency |
| Vol de Jomsom | $120 à $160 | Single flight | Tara Air, Summit Air |
| Traitement des permis | $20 to $50 agency fee | 2 à 3 jours | par l'intermédiaire |
Qu'est-ce qui affecte la réponse
Group size. The minimum is two trekkers. Solo trekkers pay for two permits.
Duration. The restricted area permit is $500 for 10 days. Trekkers staying 11 to 17 days pay $50 per extra day. The standard 14-day trek costs $700 per person in restricted area permit alone.
Season affects flight and lodge cost but not permit cost. The restricted area permit fee is the same in October and January.
Guide requirement is firm. The restricted area permit is not issued without a registered guide assignment.
Conseils pour la réservation
Allow 2 to 3 working days in Kathmandu for permit processing. Submit passport copies, four passport photos, and the agency contract to the Department of Immigration through your Kathmandu operator. Same day processing is not available.
Book the Jomsom flight 4 weeks ahead for October. The morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom fills with Upper Mustang and Muktinath groups. Allow one buffer day in Pokhara on the return.
Carry USD 300 to 500 in cash for 14 days. Lo Manthang has no ATM and lodges accept Nepali rupees only. Exchange in Pokhara or Kathmandu before the Jomsom flight.
Comparaison avec les alternatives
Compared with the Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang adds the $500 to $700 restricted area permit and requires a guide. Annapurna Circuit runs on the $30 ACAP and TIMS only.
Compared with Upper Dolpo, Upper Mustang is cheaper on permit at $500 to $700 per person versus $500 plus $50 per day beyond 10 days for Upper Dolpo. But Upper Mustang has more reliable access via Jomsom flight versus the Juphal flight to Dolpo.
Compared with the Nar Phu Valley Trek, Upper Mustang is more expensive ($500 versus $90 per week) but covers a larger area and reaches the walled city of Lo Manthang. Nar Phu is a 12-day side valley off the Annapurna Circuit.
Erreurs courantes à éviter
Booking as a solo trekker. The restricted area permit requires two trekkers minimum. Solo travelers must join a fixed departure group or pay for two permits.
Allowing only one day in Kathmandu for permits. The Department of Immigration takes 2 to 3 working days. Trekkers arriving on a Monday can depart Thursday. Trekkers arriving Friday face a weekend delay.
Forgetting the ACAP. The Upper Mustang entry through Jomsom crosses the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP is checked at the Jomsom gate. Without it, trekkers are turned back.
FAQ
What is the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit cost?
$500 per person for the first 10 days and $50 per person per day beyond. The permit is non refundable and non transferable. It is only issued to groups of two or more trekkers.
Can I get the Upper Mustang permit as a solo trekker?
No. The Department of Immigration requires a minimum of two trekkers. Solo travelers must join a fixed departure group or pay for two permits through their agency.
How long does Upper Mustang permit processing take?
2 to 3 working days in Kathmandu. Submit passport copies, four passport photos, and the agency contract to the Department of Immigration through your Kathmandu operator. Same day processing is not available.
Ai-je besoin d'un guide pour le Upper Mustang Trek ?
Yes. The restricted area permit is not issued without a registered guide assignment. The 2023 Nepal trekking rule also requires a licensed guide on all trekking routes.
somm
The Upper Mustang Trek requires the ACAP at $30 plus VAT, the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit at $500 for 10 days, and the TIMS Card. A licensed guide is mandatory. The full permit package costs $540 to $600 per person and takes 2 to 3 working days in Kathmandu. Allow 4 weeks for the Jomsom flight booking.
conclusion
Upper Mustang in 2027 has the most expensive permit package of any standard Nepal trek, but the $500 to $700 restricted area fee funds conservation of the walled city of Lo Manthang and the Tibetan Buddhist culture that makes the region unique. Plan the permits 3 weeks ahead, book through a Kathmandu agency, and travel in a group of two or more.
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