Muktinath, 19 Nov: Foreign tourists visiting Upper Mustang will now have to pay only USD 50 (or equivalent foreign currency) per day for the number of days they actually trek. The government has removed the previous rule which required each foreign tourist to pay USD 500 upfront for 10 days, and an additional USD 50 per day for visits exceeding 10 days.
Government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, stated that Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting amended Schedule 12 of the Immigration Regulations, 2051. As Upper Mustang shares a border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is considered a semi-restricted area due to security sensitivities, this decision provides relief to SAARC nations as well as tourists from third countries traveling to Chhusang (Baragung Muktikshetra-3), Sangta (Ward 5), and the restricted areas of Lomanthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality.
Local representatives, tourism entrepreneurs, and concerned stakeholders expressed happiness, noting that a long-standing demand of Upper Mustang residents had finally been met. Tashi Nhrbu Gurung, Chairperson of Lomanthang Rural Municipality, said their previous efforts had succeeded. He added, “Now tourists only need to pay for the days they actually visit. This will greatly support tourism in the upper region.”
Long-Standing Demands Finally Addressed
For years, locals and stakeholders had argued that the rule requiring USD 500 for 10 days made Upper Mustang feel “like a zoo,” discouraging tourists. They had submitted memorandums to former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, KP Sharma Oli, and other authorities.
Since 1992, the Government of Nepal had set time-bound permits and fees for foreign nationals entering Upper Mustang. Former Member of Parliament Yogesh Gauchan Thakali had repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament, stressing that beyond fees, semi-restricted areas should be reconsidered as cross-border trade expands. He argued that with the Korala border point becoming more accessible, removing semi-restricted provisions would ease the movement of foreign tourists.
Tourism entrepreneurs said that if the weekly fee were fixed at USD 50, it would encourage tourists to visit main attractions rather than turning back early due to high charges. President of Mustang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Raju Lalchan, said reducing fees had become a shared agenda among all political parties, people’s representatives, tourism entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in Mustang.
Rising Tourist Numbers but Upper Mustang Still Sees Limited Visitors
From July to November of the current fiscal year 2082/083, a total of 41,430 foreign tourists visited Mustang—24,545 men, 16,878 women, and 7 others. However, only 1,710 tourists reached Upper Mustang.
Tourism entrepreneurs noted that although around 100,000 Indian pilgrims visit Muktinath Temple annually, they rarely travel to Upper Mustang due to restrictions and fees. Upper Mustang’s ancient cave dwellings, monasteries, Lomanthang Palace, Korala border point, archaeological sites, unique traditions, culture, lifestyle, and religious heritage continue to attract foreign tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.
