For trekking in Nepal those areas which belongs to conservation, national park and wildlife reserve are subject to entry permits with different permit structures. Upper Mustang belongs to Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). So visitors were supposed to have ACAP entry permit. Apart from ACAP permit special restricted area permit (RAP) should be issued from the immigration of Nepal. Cost of the permit was very high in the past. This is mainly because of its unspoiled serenity, easy access to Tibet, centuries old caves and monasteries. It is also a part of famous transHimalayas salt trading route in between Nepal and Tibet.
Before the devastating earthquake of April 25th, 2015, permit cost was USD 500 Per Person for the first ten days. If days get extended then per day per person USD 50 was applicable. This is for the RAP Upper Mustang. ACAP is a single entry permit without limitations for number of days. Restricted region was from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang (King’s Palace). There are several eye catching settlements in between Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. Upper Mustang is located to the northwest of the epicenter of the earthquake. Plats slip energy moves east, causing several damages in Langtang, Manaslu and up to Rolwaling. Few centuries old, unmaintained houses were also collapsed in Upper Mustang trek route, but they are countable. Some monasteries had developed cracks and they are subject to repaired. Few monasteries are temporarily closed for visitor due to safety reason. Major caves, monasteries had withstood with earthquakes. Since the flow of tourist decreased, Nepal government had dramatically reduced the permit cost for Upper Mustang Trek.
Current permit cost is USD 100 Per Person for the first ten days, and per person USD 10 for each extra day. This permit fee is effective until the next decisions are made. ACAP permit fee is still same USD 20 for single entry. This huge decrement is permit cost from USD 500 to USD 100 is supposed to increase the flow of tourist in Upper Mustang. That money can now be utilized for Pokhara to Jomsom flight and Kathmandu to Pokhara flight. Explore upper mustang on reducing permit cost and feel the vibe of spirituality in The Last Forbidden Kingdom of Lo.
