Nepal is preparing to open one of its last untouched frontiers for foreigners by slashing the costly permit to enter Upper Mustang, a rugged plateau of ochre cliffs, hidden valleys and centuries-old Buddhist heritage.
The government has announced plans to replace the flat US$500 charge for a 10-day stay with a daily US$50 rate, a shift that tourism entrepreneurs believe will make the destination more accessible and help drive the local economy.
“We have been lobbying to reduce the permit fee for a long time, and this is a welcome move,” said Sagar Pandey, president of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal. “Previously, it would have taken 10 days to trek to Upper Mustang, but now it’s accessible by road and can be done in a few days. So, the hefty US$500 fee seems outdated.”
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While the cabinet decided to reduce the entry fee last week, the rule will go into effect only after immigration regulations are amended. The Department of Immigration is still waiting for formal confirmation from the government, according to an official.
Upper Mustang, once the ancient kingdom of Lo, is part of the trans-Himalayan region in northern Nepal bordering Tibet. It is known for its Tibetan culture, dramatic landscapes, monasteries, sky caves and cave paintings.
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