Mustang: The government has introduced a new fee structure for foreign visitors to Upper Mustang, requiring them to pay $50 per day instead of the previous fixed-rate trekking permit.
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel announced the decision during a media briefing on the latest Cabinet meeting. He said the change was made through an amendment to Schedule 12 of the Immigration Regulations, 2051.
Under the new rule, foreigners will pay only for the number of days they actually spend in Upper Mustang. Previously, tourists had to purchase a compulsory 10-day permit costing $500, with an additional $50 per day for extended stays.
Loghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality Chairman Lopsang Chomphel Bista said that although the government has not removed Upper Mustang from the restricted and controlled zone list as demanded, the revised fee system has addressed some of their long-standing concerns. Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chairman Tasinarbu Gurung also welcomed the decision.
Upper Mustang, part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, has long been categorized as a restricted and controlled region. The high trekking fees had discouraged many foreign tourists, leading most to stop at Kagbeni or Muktinath instead of continuing towards Upper Mustang.
Of the nearly 150,000 foreign tourists who visit Mustang each year, only 3–4 percent used to travel further into Upper Mustang.
Comments