Upper Mustang locals hopeful of ‘restricted area’ tag removal

BY HARI KRISHNA SHARMA,Mustang, July 28: Local representatives of Mustang, who last month submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli requesting the removal of Upper Mustang’s restricted area status, are confident their long-standing demand will finally be addressed. For over 15 years, they have been raising concerns with prime ministers, home ministers, and relevant authorities about how the designation has crippled Upper Mustang’s tourism sector.

Even Gandaki Province chief ministers have been repeatedly told that the restricted area rule has forced the region to veil its natural beauty from the world. Disappointed by years of unfulfilled promises, the representatives are now encouraged by PM Oli’s recent response.

On the midnight of July 14, at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, a delegation comprising federal lawmaker Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, provincial assembly member Namdu Gurung, Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chairman Tasi Nharbu Gurung, and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality Chairman Lopsang Chompel Bishwakarma handed over the memorandum. According to Chairman Gurung, Oli’s interest in the economic opportunities lost due to the restriction has given them hope that the demand will be fulfilled. “The Prime Minister himself spoke of our suffering. We believe his commitment will be implemented and that Upper Mustang residents will finally get justice,” Gurung said.

Gurung further stated that if PM Oli’s assurance is implemented, ending the three-decade-long restricted status would be a milestone for the entire region. Local representatives have been delivering similar messages at public events across Upper Mustang, emphasising that Oli’s concern and commitment appear stronger than previous leaders.

The restricted area rule has hindered hotel expansion and forced tourism entrepreneurs and residents to migrate from Upper Mustang. The rule affects areas such as Lomanthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities, which border China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, as well as Chhusang in Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality. Tourists visiting Upper Mustang must pay a special $500 fee for a 10-day permit from the Department of Immigration.

Federal lawmaker Gauchan said it is now the right time to lift the restriction. “If the rule is removed, the number of foreign tourists entering Nepal will increase significantly,” he said. He said that currently, tourists who plan for two-week visits to Upper Mustang are often forced to cut their trips short because of bureaucratic hurdles, affecting Nepal’s economy.

In fiscal year 2024/25, 150,453 foreign tourists visited Mustang, but only 4,219 reached Upper Mustang due to the restriction. Local residents believe removing the fee and permit system would encourage tourism and support Nepal’s economy.

Last year on October 30, when Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Gandaki Chief Minister Surendra Pandey visited Upper Mustang to inaugurate the Immigration Office and Armed Police Force Border Outpost (BOP) at the Korala border point, all political parties jointly proposed removing the restriction, calling it a barrier to development.

The government imposed the restricted area provision in Upper Mustang in 1992, limiting tourist movement with a time-bound permit system and fee. Experts say lifting the restriction and opening the Korala route to Tibet’s Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage could take Gandaki Province’s tourism sector to new heights.