How much does it really cost to trek in a kingdom that was closed to the world for decades? Trekking to Upper Mustang isn’t cheap, and that’s exactly what makes it unique. With restricted-area permits, ACAP fees, and mandatory guide requirements, the trip costs slightly more than other treks, but many trekkers find the experience worth every rupee. This Upper Mustang Trek cost and permit guide covers everything you need to know for the 2026/27 adventure to the forbidden kingdom of Mustang.
How Much Does the Upper Mustang Trek Cost in 2026?
The standard Upper Mustang Trek generally costs between USD 1,460-1,550 per person, while extended, festival, and luxury packages can cost significantly more. Likewise, the cost of the trek depends on various factors, including duration of the trek, accommodation standards, trip customization, and included services. And the best part of the Upper Mustang Trek is that it offers different variations. Whether you look for a budget-friendly adventure, a classic trekking experience, or a premium luxury journey, the trek provides you with all options at each different cost range.
Cost Breakdown of Upper Mustang Trek Packages in 2026
| Trek Package | Duration | Cost | Trek Style |
| Standard Upper Mustang Trek | 11 days | USD 1,460-1,550 | Classic trekking experience with essential services |
| Upper Mustang Trek | 14 days | USD 1,510-1,600 | Extended itinerary with additional exploration time |
| Upper Mustang Alternative Trek | 15 days | USD 1,500-1,650 | Alternative route covering unique cultural and scenic highlights |
| Luxury Upper Mustang Trek | 9 days | USD 4,700-5,100 | Premium accommodations, private services, and a luxury experience |
Upper Mustang Trek Variations That Affect Trek Cost
As already mentioned, the price of the Upper Mustang Trek varies depending on the type of experience you choose. In other words, the cost of the Upper Mustang Trek varies depending on the customization of your itinerary. The breakdown below explains the main variations in the Upper Mustang trek and how each affects the complete cost of your adventure.
Standard Upper Mustang Trek
This is the standard Upper Mustang Trek package, the most popular choice, with a budget-friendly price and itinerary. It follows the complete route from Jomsom to Lo Manthang and back, including visits to Tsarang, Ghami, and the Sky Caves. The journey takes 11 days to complete and costs USD 1,550 per person. Although basic, the package covers most of the required expenses for the trek, including all permits, teahouse accommodation, meals, a licensed guide, and transportation.
Luxury Upper Mustang Trek
The Luxury Upper Mustang trek is a unique and comfortable way to explore the last forbidden kingdom of Mustang. Like standard treks, you have to follow the desert-like landscape of Upper Mustang, but more comfortably with a private guide and porter. Besides, you’ll get the best available accommodation and meal options on the trek and a 5-star hotel in Pokhara. Additionally, the Luxury Upper Mustang trek is a 9-day itinerary because it cuts days by flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then from Pokhara to Jomsom, and finally from Lo Manthang to Kathmandu by helicopter. The cost of the luxury Upper Mustang adventure is USD 5,100 per person.
Upper Mustang Alternative Trek
The Alternative Upper Mustang Trek is a 15-day journey that takes you beyond the main route to lesser-visited villages, high mountain passes, ancient caves, and remote monasteries that few trekkers explore. The additional days on the itinerary provide a more immersive experience with more opportunities for exploration. At USD 1,650, the trek offers some of the best value among teahouse-based Upper Mustang packages.
14-Day Upper Mustang Trek
The 14-day Upper Mustang Trek itinerary follows the standard Upper Mustang route with additional trekking days but allows more time for exploration and a slower trekking pace. It includes extra trekking days at Ghar Gompa, Ghilling, Chhuksang, and Marpha, rather than a direct ride from Lo Manthang to Marpha. Despite adding three extra days, the package costs only about USD 50 more than the standard trek, totaling USD 1600, providing excellent value for your money.
Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to explore the paradise of Mustang. The tour is completed by a 4WD vehicle and takes you through major destinations such as Jomsom, Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang. Since the trek doesn’t involve any physical challenges, it is ideal for families, older travelers, and anyone with limited time or physical mobility. The journey takes 7 days and costs USD 1,150 per person.
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
This 14-day Upper Mustang Tiji festival trek is made to coincide with the annual Tiji Festival, a three-day Buddhist celebration held in Lo Manthang each May (exact dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar and change yearly). The package is suitable for trekkers who want not only to explore Mustang’s trekking routes but also to witness its cultural events. The price of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is slightly higher, costing USD 1,700 per person due to the festival season. During the Tiji Festival, accommodation costs can be three to four times higher than usual, increasing the overall cost of the trek. However, witnessing the festival is an experience of a lifetime, and the extra cost is well worth it.
Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit & Upper Mustang Trek
The combined trek to Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit, and Upper Mustang is one of the best and most complete trekking adventures in Nepal. The journey takes 33 days and covers three different Himalayan regions. The trek begins with the Manaslu Circuit, crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). It then continues on the Annapurna Circuit, crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), and finishes in the remote Upper Mustang region. The Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit, and Upper Mustang trek costs USD 2,650 per pax, which is very budget-friendly compared to many other trekking options.
Upper Mustang Trek Permit Cost
The Upper Mustang Trek differs from most other trek routes in Nepal in terms of permit requirements. As Upper Mustang lies within a restricted area near the border of Tibet, a regular trekking permit is not sufficient to enter the region. Trekkers should be prepared with the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), following regulations recognized by the Nepal Tourism Board.
The ACAP and RAP are mandatory permits you must carry throughout your adventure, as officials check them at several checkpoints. Trekkers without the required permits may be denied entry or asked to turn back. Here is more detailed information regarding the Upper Mustang Permits:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) Cost
The Restricted Area Permit is what makes the Upper Mustang Trek slightly more expensive than other treks in Nepal. When Nepal opened Upper Mustang to foreigners in 1992, the permit was introduced to control tourism, help preserve the region’s unique Tibetan-influenced culture, and support local conservation efforts.
The Restricted Area Permit is issued by the Department of Immigration under the Government of Nepal in Kathmandu, and trekkers must obtain the permit before starting the trek. However, the permit must be arranged through a government-registered Nepali trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Unlike ACAP, it cannot be issued at the trailhead.
Cost of the Restricted Area permit:
- USD 50 per day per person (valid for access to areas beyond Kagbeni).
RAP Rules and Conditions:
| Rules | Details |
| Licensed guide required | A registered guide must accompany every group. If you’re planning to travel without a guide, a permit will not be issued. |
| No Independent Trekking | You can’t trek to Upper Mustang independently. You must be accompanied by a licensed guide to begin the journey and obtain RAP. |
| Checkposts | Permit checked at Kagbeni, Tsarang, Lo Manthang, and on return. |
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee
The Upper Mustang route passes through the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the world’s deepest gorges and a part of the ACAP area. So all trekkers going to Upper Mustang must obtain an ACAP in addition to the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Obtaining ACAP is much easier and less expensive than getting the RAP.
Although your trekking agency will manage the permit on your behalf, you can also obtain it from the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) office in Kathmandu or at ACAP checkposts in Jomsom. Unlike RAP, ACAP is a one-time entry permit with no expiry period after issuance, so you don’t need to pay any extra daily fees, no matter how long your trek lasts.
| Nationality | Cost |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 |
| Foreigners | NPR 3,000 |
Note: TIMS is no longer required or checked on the trekking route to Upper Mustang, per the new rules in place since 1 April 2023.
Guide and Porter Cost for Upper Mustang Trek
Trekking in Upper Mustang is different from most other trekking routes in Nepal. As there is a legal requirement to book the Upper Mustang Trek through a registered trekking agency, they’ll provide a package that covers your guide’s and porter’s wages, accommodation, meals, and insurance. This means you don’t have to find or hire them separately.
The cost of guides and porters in 2026 varies depending on experience, language proficiency, and season. Below is the cost breakdown of the guide and the porter fee for the Upper Mustang journey:
| Service | Daily Cost (USD) | Description |
| Licensed Trekking Guide | 30-40 per day | Experienced guide with a government license, route, and cultural interpretation |
| Porter | 20-25 per day | Carries up to 18-20 kg of trekking gear |
Transportation Cost for Upper Mustang Trek
The journey to Upper Mustang begins in Kathmandu. From the city, you have to travel to Pokhara, gateway to the Annapurna trek, either by flight or overland. After Pokhara, you have to reach Jomsom, the starting point of Upper Mustang, which is possible by ground or air. Likewise, the journey returns to the same pattern after completing the trek. Choosing your preferred mode of transportation directly affects the cost of your Upper Mustang Trek.
Kathmandu to Pokhara Transportation Cost
On your arrival from your home country, you’ll land in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. So, you must travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara as the first part of your Upper Mustang adventure. The distance between the cities is approximately 200 km, and reaching there offers different transportation options. You can either fly or take road transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Moreover, road transportation offers several options, including tourist/deluxe buses, private cars/jeeps, and public buses.
Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight Cost:
| Nationality | Cost (One way) |
| Foreign Tourist | USD 105-130 |
| Indian Nationals | USD 40-45 |
Kathmandu to Pokhara Ground Transportation Cost:
| Transportation Mode | Cost (One way) |
| Tourist / deluxe bus | USD 11-14 |
| Private car/jeep | USD 120-160 |
| Public Bus | USD 7-11 |
Pokhara to Jomsom Transportation Cost
To get to Jomsom, you can either take a short mountain flight or travel by ground transportation. Due to the short duration, most of the trekkers choose a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, which takes only 20 minutes. However, the flight is the most unpredictable part of the trip. Airlines such as Tara Air and Summit Air operate the flights, but they are often delayed or canceled due to strong winds, clouds, or poor visibility. So, it is always recommended to keep at least one extra day in Pokhara before and after the trek if planning to take a flight to and from Jomsom.
Pokhara to Jomsom Flight cost:
| Nationality | Cost |
| Foreigners / International | USD 150-170 (one way) |
| Indian Nationals | INR 6,500-7,500 (one way) |
Pokhara to Jomsom Overland cost:
| Vehicle Type | Cost |
| Local Bus | NPR 1,200 |
| Shared Jeep | NPR 2,200 |
| Private Jeep / Taxi | Can cost up to USD 423 |
Accommodation Cost in Upper Mustang
Accommodation in the Upper Mustang region is unique from what you’ll find on popular trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Because the area is a restricted region and less developed, most lodges are small, family-run teahouses owned by local Mustangi people.
Staying with local families in villages like Tsarang or waking up to the amazing landscapes around Lo Manthang offers a unique experience that no developed hotels can match. However, trekkers should be prepared for limited facilities, especially in the more remote villages north of Kagbeni. Moreover, accommodation costs increase with elevation.
| Village | Accommodation Type | Cost Per Night |
| Jomsom | Budget-friendly teahouse-Luxury | USD 8-150 |
| Kagbeni | Teahouse-Mid | USD 6-20 |
| Chele | Basic teahouse | USD 5-10 |
| Samar | Basic teahouse | USD 5-10 |
| Syangboche | Basic teahouse | USD 5-8 |
| Ghami | Basic teahouse | USD 5-8 |
| Tsarang | Teahouse-Mid | USD 6-12 |
| Lo-Manthang | Basic teahouse-Luxury | USD 6-50 |
Food and Drink Cost During the Trek
Food in Upper Mustang showcases the region’s unique culture and environment. As you trek north from Jomsom, you’ll notice Tibetan influence in the meals. Traditional foods such as tsampa porridge, thukpa noodle soup, butter tea, and buckwheat bread are common and have been staples for local people for generations. As the region is remote, you find simpler menus with fewer international options. Since supplies must be transported over long distances, prices increase in the villages of Ghami, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang.
- Breakfast cost = USD 3-7
- Lunch and Dinner Cost = 7-12
How to Save Money During Upper Mustang Trek
The cost of the Upper Mustang trek is slightly higher than other treks in Nepal due to the need for a special permit, which adds to the overall cost. That said, you can still lower your total trip cost if you plan your journey carefully and experience the beauty of the Himalayas the way they are, rather than seeking comfort. The three tips below are the most effective ways that trekkers use to save money in Upper Mustang.
Join Group Treks
Since you can’t trek to Upper Mustang independently and must be accompanied by a licensed guide, it’s better to travel with a group rather than solo trekking. By joining other trekkers on your itinerary, you can reduce your costs. From guided and porter costs to transportation, meals, and accommodation, you can split your expenses with group members. Additionally, even with a group, you still visit the same major attractions: Lo Manthang, Tsarang, and the Sky Caves as you would on a private trek.
Use Shared Ground Transportation
Airfare is fixed, so there is little or no opportunity to reduce flight costs. But if you choose ground transportation, you can save money by sharing rides and using public transportation. Also, if you choose ground transportation over air travel, your trek cost will be lower by USD 100-180. Taking a tourist bus instead of flying between Kathmandu and Pokhara can save around USD 75-100 per person each way. For the journey between Pokhara and Jomsom, a shared jeep is USD 30-60 cheaper per person than taking a flight.
Budget Trekking Tips
- Carry a refillable water bottle along with a water purification tablet, as it saves USD 30-50 for a water bottle.
- Limit extra drinks and snacks throughout the trek.
- Avoid using Wi-Fi as they charge USD 1-5 per use above Kagbeni, which can save you USD 15-50.
- Withdraw cash before leaving Jomsom, as there are no ATMs beyond Kagbeni.
- Eat only meals that your trek package covers and nothing extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Upper Mustang Trek expensive?
The Upper Mustang Trek is expensive because it lies in a restricted region of Nepal, where trekkers must obtain a special permit, which adds to the overall cost. The trek also requires hiring a licensed guide to reach the destination, making it more expensive than other trekking routes.
What Documents Do You Need To Get Upper Mustang Trek Permits?
To get Upper Mustang Trek permits, you need a valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity), Nepal visa, passport-size photos (2-4 copies), travel insurance, and most importantly, booking confirmation from a registered Nepal trekking agency.
Do Nepali citizens need permits for Upper Mustang?
No, Nepali citizens do not require a permit to trek in Upper Mustang. However, checkpoints along the route register trekkers’ names, contact details, and addresses to maintain a record of trekkers in the region.
Does the Upper Mustang Trek Cost Depend on the Season?
Yes, the cost of the Upper Mustang Trek can vary slightly by season. However, the cost can increase noticeably during the Tiji Festival, as demand for accommodation and meals is higher and availability is limited.
