In a significant move aimed at boosting tourism and increasing access to some of Nepal’s most iconic Himalayan destinations, the government has decided to revise the fee structure for foreign trekkers entering Upper Mustang, a restricted region bordering Tibet. The long-standing flat charge of USD 500 per person for a 10-day period will soon be replaced with a more flexible daily fee of USD 50 per person, the government announced following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
The decision, once formalised through amendments to the Immigration Regulations, marks one of the most notable policy updates in decades for restricted-area trekking in Nepal.
A Policy Shift with Long-Term Vision
Minister for Communications and Information Technology and government spokesperson, Jagadish Kharel, said that the updated fee structure is part of the government’s broader strategy to make remote Himalayan regions more accessible while still maintaining controlled tourism. The old system, which required trekkers to pay a large amount upfront regardless of the duration of their stay, had long been criticised as restrictive and inflexible.
Under the revised rule, trekkers will pay only for the exact number of days they spend in the region, making Upper Mustang more appealing for those with shorter itineraries.
Positive Response from Trekking Agencies
The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) has welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a “progressive step” towards revitalising tourism in restricted regions. According to TAAN President Sagar Pandey, the organisation has long advocated for the easing of both financial and administrative restrictions. However, Pandey also cautioned that responsible tourism management is essential.
“While we support easier access, there must still be safeguards,” he said. “Overtourism can harm the delicate biodiversity of Upper Mustang, one of the world’s most unique and environmentally sensitive landscapes.”
TAAN has further urged the government to extend similar reforms to other restricted areas, such as Upper Dolpa, which continue to face high permit fees and strict entry rules.
Call to Lift the Two-Person Requirement
Another long-standing demand from trekking agencies is the removal of the rule that prevents solo foreign trekkers from visiting restricted areas. Currently, permits are granted only to groups of at least two people, and trekking must be arranged through a government-authorised agency.
“There is no logical reason to prevent a single trekker from visiting these regions,” Pandey argued. “We are not asking to allow unrestricted movement guides will remain mandatory. But a solo traveller with a licensed guide should be allowed entry.”
Why Restricted Areas Exist
Nepal’s restricted-area system dates back to the 1970s. At the time, several northern border regions were declared off-limits due to activities of Tibetan Khampa rebels who were using Nepal’s territory to conduct operations across the border. Although the Nepali Army successfully disbanded these groups in 1974, the restrictions remained due to strategic, cultural, and environmental concerns.
The restricted list includes districts such as Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Rasuwa, Gorkha, Upper Mustang, Manang, Upper Dolpa, Lower Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, Bajhang, and Darchula.
A Complex Fee Structure Across Regions
Permit fees vary widely depending on the restricted area, ranging from USD 10 per week to USD 500 for the first 10 days.
Some examples include:
- Upper Mustang & Upper Dolpa: $500 for first 10 days, $50/day thereafter
- Manaslu, Manang, Mugu (Autumn): $100/week + $15/day
- Off-season: $75/week + $10/day
- Bajhang & Darchula: $90/week + $15/day
- Humla: $50/week + $10/day
- Tsum Valley (Gorkha): $40/week in autumn; $30/week off-season
- Taplejung, Lower Dolpa, Dolakha, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Rasuwa: $20/week
These variations have often been seen as confusing and outdated, prompting calls for a complete overhaul of the restricted-area policy.
Tourism’s Growing Role in Nepal’s Economy
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy. In 2023, the sector contributed Rs 327.9 billion and supported 1.19 million jobs nationwide. The year 2024 saw 1.14 million tourist arrivals, with a notable 166,394 individuals undertaking trekking journeys across the country.
Restricted regions attracted 28,894 foreign trekkers, with Manaslu and Upper Mustang being the most visited among them.
A Step Toward Balanced Access and Conservation
The government’s decision to reduce fees in Upper Mustang signals the beginning of a gradual movement toward modernising Nepal’s trekking permit system. Industry stakeholders believe this change can significantly help local communities, enhance tourism revenue, and strengthen Nepal’s global trekking appealprovided that conservation and responsible tourism remain at the heart of future policy decisions.
