In a recent cross-border diplomatic communication, China has officially requested the Government of Nepal to reduce the entrance charge for international tourists traveling to Upper Mustang an effort aimed at reviving tourism across the trans-Himalayan border. Chinese policymakers argue that the current charge of USD 500 for a 10-day journey is too steep and deters tourists, especially Chinese nationals, from traveling into Upper Mustang through the Kora La border crossing.
The issue was brought to the fore during a bilateral conference held last week in Lomanthang and Jomsom, two of the most significant administrative and tourism hubs in the Mustang district. The two countries’ representatives gathered to talk about challenges and opportunities in tourism, cross-border infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
Chinese officials emphasized during the meeting, sources in the meeting noted, that the costly entry charge to Upper Mustang serves as a barrier for travelers who would otherwise be interested in visiting the area’s unique culture, landscape, and religious sites. Nepali officials present during the meeting acknowledged the concern and agreed that the current permit cost could be a deterrent for additional foreign tourists visiting the area. They bound the Chinese side to the reality that the matter would be given due consideration and discussed at the higher government levels.
Upper Mustang: A Jewel of the Himalayas
Upper Mustang, originally part of the medieval Kingdom of Lo, is a restricted area within Nepal’s northwestern Himalayas bordering China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. Famous for its arid desert-like landscape, medieval monasteries, caves, and the holy Muktinath site, Upper Mustang has been described as a “hidden kingdom” offering a blend of Tibetan and Nepali culture.
Due to its exposed geographic location and cultural significance, Nepal has always required a substantial permit fee to maintain foreign tourist numbers low and guarantee that the delicate ecosystem and heritage of the region are protected. The fee for the permit was reduced in 2009 from USD 700 to USD 500 per person for a 10-day visit, but additional cost is paid by tourists who remain longer than the initial 10 days.
Upper Mustang can be reached via a number of routes by road from Jomsom by jeep, by flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, or by trek via one of the many trekking routes. Though challenging, such treks are coveted by adventure tourists and spiritual seekers alike.
Korala Border: Gateway of Untapped Potential
At the top of the list of issues for debate was the Korala border post, a high-altitude pass connecting Upper Mustang with Tibet in China. Although the Chinese have proceeded to upgrade road facilities to the border on their side, Nepali facilities at Korala remain underdeveloped. There are no immigration, customs, and quarantine buildings, so entry across the border is cumbersome and inefficient.
Chinese officials reportedly urged Nepal to accord the highest priority to establishing proper immigration and customs offices at Korala so that tourists and commodities can come and go freely. “With enhanced border infrastructure, both countries can benefit from greater trade, tourism, and cultural exchange,” a Chinese official was quoted as having told the meeting.
Demand for the upgrade of infrastructure is aligned with Nepal’s long-standing ambition of promoting borderland tourism and diversifying the points of entry beyond the traditionally used Kathmandu and Pokhara corridors. Budgetary constraints and bureaucratic red tape have, however, suspended previous suggestions to upgrade facilities at Korala.
Nepalese immigration and tourism authorities have accepted China’s appeal, agreeing that the current fee system could perhaps be overhauled. Formally, a high-level committee will soon be formed to study the economic, environmental, and administrative implications of reducing the permit fee.
“We realize that a USD 500 charge is too much, especially for domestic tourists. We plan to find a balance between generating income, conservation, and access,” a Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation spokesperson said.
Tourism entrepreneurs from Mustang have also echoed the call for reducing the fee, attributing a sharp decline in foreign travelers over recent years, especially from China. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese travelers constituted an increasing share of tourists to Nepal, attracted by cultural affinity, pilgrimage sites, and picturesque escapades.
“Mustang has great potential to attract more tourists from Tibet and the mainland. But the costly permit fee and lack of border infrastructure are slowing us down,” said Tashi Lama, owner of a hotel in Lomanthang. “If the government moves quickly, the region can experience a tourism boom.”
Economic and Strategic Implications
Besides tourism, the topic has broader economic and strategic implications. Enhanced connectivity and cooperation at the Korala border can provide new avenues for bilateral trade and joint cultural events. Nepal’s ‘Look North’ policy of strengthening relations with China, particularly in the border regions, can gain more traction through concrete steps like fee reductions and infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, critics warn that the rapid commercialization of Upper Mustang, if not controlled, can risk its delicate environment as well as its unique cultural identity. “Lowering the permit fee is acceptable, but that should be followed by a strict conservation plan,” said Dr. Sushil Adhikari, an expert in sustainable tourism.
He also added, “Mass tourism in environmentally sensitive areas like Mustang can lead to irreparable damage if not controlled. So any new policy must be sustainable and locally led.”
The debate around the cost of the Upper Mustang permit is a significant milestone in Nepal-China tourism diplomacy. Since both countries are attempting to enhance cross-border relations, China’s requisition could be a catalyst for the much-awaited changes in Nepal’s policy on restricted areas for tourism. The impact now lies with Nepal to strike a balance between its protection of cultural heritage and unlocking economic opportunities through sustainable tourism.
Until then, the world remains watchful to know if the mythical kingdom of Upper Mustang will open more to tourists willing to discover its ageless beauty.
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