Upper Mustang is one of the most expensive treks in Nepal, and for good reason. The restricted-area permit alone costs more than some entire treks elsewhere in the country. But the prices changed in 2025, and the new structure actually makes the trek more accessible than it used to be. Here is what the full trip costs in 2026, broken down so you can budget properly.
The New Permit System (Changed 2025)
Until 2024, the Upper Mustang restricted-area permit cost a flat USD 500 for 10 days. If you stayed longer, you paid USD 50 per extra day. This meant a short trek and a long trek cost nearly the same in permits, which discouraged shorter itineraries.
From 2025, Nepal's Department of Immigration switched to a daily rate. The permit now costs USD 50 per day. For the standard 15-day Upper Mustang trek, your permit comes to USD 750. That is more than the old flat rate, but the daily structure means a shorter 8-day itinerary now costs USD 400 instead of the old USD 500.
On top of the restricted-area permit, you also need:
- TIMS card: NPR 2,000 (about USD 15)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (about USD 22)
Total permit costs for a 15-day trek: roughly USD 787.
What a Guided Trek Actually Costs
Most trekkers book Upper Mustang as a full package because the logistics are complicated and independent trekking is not permitted in the restricted area. You must have a registered guide and travel with a licensed agency.
Here is what package prices look like in 2026:
| Category | Price Range (per person) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | USD 1,300 - 1,600 | Basic teahouses, group departures, shared guide |
| Standard | USD 1,800 - 2,400 | Better lodges, private guide, smaller group |
| Premium | USD 2,800 - 3,500 | Best available rooms, private guide and porter, all meals |
These prices typically include permits, accommodation, a guide, ground transport from Pokhara to Jomsom (or the flight), and meals on the trail. They do not usually include international flights to Nepal, Kathmandu hotels, travel insurance, or personal gear.
Daily Spending on the Trail
Even on an all-inclusive package, you will spend money on the trail. Here is what to expect:
- Hot drinks: NPR 150-300 per cup (USD 1-2). Tea and coffee at high-altitude teahouses cost more than in Kathmandu.
- Charging devices: NPR 200-500 per charge (USD 1.50-3.50). Bring a power bank.
- Hot showers: NPR 300-500 (USD 2-3.50). Not available everywhere above Lo Manthang.
- Snacks and extras: NPR 500-1,000 per day if you want chocolate, biscuits, or extra food.
- Tips: Budget USD 10-15 per day for your guide and USD 8-10 per day for porters.
A reasonable daily budget for extras is USD 15-25 per day, so USD 225-375 for a 15-day trek.
Getting to the Trailhead
Upper Mustang starts from Jomsom, which you reach from Pokhara. You have two options:
- Flight (Pokhara to Jomsom): USD 120-140 one way. Takes 20 minutes but cancels frequently due to wind. Book early in the season.
- Jeep (Pokhara to Jomsom): USD 25-40 one way. Takes 8-10 hours on rough roads. Cheaper and more reliable.
Most packages include one-way transport, usually the jeep. If you want to fly both ways, expect to pay an extra USD 100-150.
Full Budget Summary
| Cost Item | Budget | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trek package (15 days) | USD 1,400 | USD 2,100 | USD 3,200 |
| Daily extras (15 days) | USD 225 | USD 300 | USD 375 |
| Kathmandu hotels (3 nights) | USD 45 | USD 120 | USD 300 |
| International flights | USD 400-1,200 | USD 400-1,200 | USD 400-1,200 |
| Travel insurance | USD 80-150 | USD 80-150 | USD 80-150 |
| Total | USD 2,150-3,020 | USD 3,000-3,870 | USD 4,355-5,225 |
Ways to Reduce the Cost
The biggest variable is group size. Permit costs and guide fees are fixed, so splitting them across 4-6 people makes a real difference. A solo trekker pays the full guide cost alone. A group of four splits it four ways.
Travelling in shoulder season (late March or late November) can reduce package prices by 10-15 per cent, though weather becomes less predictable. The jeep to Jomsom instead of the flight saves USD 80-100 per person each way.
One thing you should not cut costs on is your guide. Upper Mustang is remote, the culture is sensitive, and the logistics require someone who knows the area well. A good guide is the difference between a trip you remember for the right reasons and one you remember for the wrong ones.
Is It Worth the Price?
If you have done the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp and want something completely different, Upper Mustang delivers. Lo Manthang feels like stepping into a different century. The landscape shifts from green valleys to Tibetan desert in a few days. You will not see crowds. The permit fee keeps the numbers low, and that is precisely what makes the trek special.
For a full day-by-day itinerary and current pricing, see our Upper Mustang Trek - 15 Days page.
