Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang trek winds throughout the Annapurna Region and takes you to the Hidden Kingdom of Lo, Upper Mustang. The trek goes through different type of topographical circumstances from sub-tropical through alpine to an arid or semi-desert alike to Tibetan topography. After making our way through Thorang La pass we will trek down to Kagbeni via Muktinath and head towards Upper Mustang. This trek requires two special permits.  Upper Mustang was opened to Non-Nepali trekkers only some fifteen years ago. Upper Mustang is one of the most preserved regions of Nepal. Even today the access to this region is highly restricted; the trekkers need special trekking permit by a government recognized travel agency. 

Trip Duration:

21 Days

Trekking area:

Annapurna Region Nepal

Group Size:

Min - 2

Best Season:

Autumn / Spring

Trekking grade:

Moderate

Trek Start from:

Kathmandu

Trek End at:

Kathmandu

Overview of Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang trek winds throughout the Annapurna Region and takes you to the Hidden Kingdom of Lo, Upper Mustang. The trek goes through different type of topographical circumstances from sub-tropical through alpine to an arid or semi-desert alike to Tibetan topography.

Offering the astonishing view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, the trek gives the chance to cross heart-gripping Thorang La pass (5416m) and the Kingdom of Lo Upper Mustang making it Nepal’s classic and most celebrated trekking trails.

Annapurna circuit Trek with Upper Mustang is an outstanding teahouse trek giving us plenty of time to spend in villages inhabited by people belonging to different ethnic group and explore their culture and lifestyles.  

After making our way through Thorang La pass we will trek down to Kagbeni via Muktinath and head towards Upper Mustang. This trek requires two special permits.  Upper Mustang was opened to Non-Nepali trekkers only some fifteen years ago. Upper Mustang is one of the most preserved regions of Nepal. Even today the access to this region is highly restricted; the trekkers need special trekking permit by a government recognized travel agency. 

The trekkers can enjoy the Little Tibet in Nepal trekking to Upper Mustang. The people of Upper Mustang are highly influenced by Tibet and follow Tibetan Buddhism. The trek starts with a long drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. Annapurna Mini Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang is a great way to explore the Annapurna Region. This trek takes you to several dramatic deep gorges, High mountain pass, Temples, Monasteries and beautiful villages of Annapurna Region and Upper Mustang.  

Upper Mustang Special permit Cost

Upper Mustang is one of the highly conserved trekking destinations in the world. The region was restricted for foreign visitors until 1992. Even until recent time the trekkers need special trekking permit to visit this region.  The special trekking permit for Upper Mustang costs USD 500 for 9 nights and 10 days and an additional USD 50 per day is charged for extra day. You will also need to have Annapurna Conservation Area permit as well. The ACAP permit costs NPR 226 for the citizens of SAARC countries and NPR 2260 for citizens outside the SAARC countries. 

Why Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang?

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang is one of the longest treks in the Annapurna Region. This trek is suitable for nature lovers and especially for those who want to spend a very long time dwelling into the beauty of nature. This trek offers you to explore the Annapurna Region as a whole. You can explore each and every type of topographical circumstances, natural and cultural diversity that this region has to offer. In a single trek you can complete the Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang exploring the Little Tibet in Nepal. 

Trek Route: 

Kathmandu-Dharapani-Chame-Pisang-Manang-Yak Kharka- Thorong Phedi- Muktinath- Kagbeni- Chele- Syanmochen- Tsarang- Lo Manthang- Dhakmar- Ghilling- Samar- Jomsom- Pokhara- Kathmandu. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang Trekking Itinerary

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As your aircraft lands in Tribhuwan International Airport our representative will receive you and help you to transfer into the hotel of your choice.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1400

Early morning we will have our breakfast at Kathmandu and then drive to Dharapani. The drive takes about 7 to 8 hours in a private vehicle. The drive goes through highway and then on a bumpy terrains where you can see countryside villages, valleys, forests, rivers and mountains. Overnight at Dharapani.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1943

From Dharapani we will continue the climb to village of Bagarchap (2164m). Continuing the trek through the forest we will reach Dhanagyu and climb to Temang where we will rest for a while to have lunch. Temang offers the magnificent views of Manaslu along with many other snow capped Himalayan massif. From here the trail goes downhill through fir and pine forest to Koto and then to Chame, which is also the administrative capital of Manang district.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2713

Initially the trail follows the river closely through deep canyon, making of our way through number of waterfalls we will arrive to Brathang (2919m). From here the trail goes through steep narrow valley winding through deep forest witnessing the magnificent view of Annapurna II. Crossing the river where the extraordinary curved rock face of Paungda Danda rises abruptly nearly 1500m from the riverbank, the trail climb to the village of Pisang.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3185

Today you have 2choices, either you can take a high route to Manang via the villages of Gyaru and Ngawal or opt for shorter main trail to Manang which goes through a low pass into the valley below Pisang peak. Both the options offers the magnificent Mountain View, introduces us to diverse Himalayan lifestyle and set up a strong foundation about the concealed geographical variation of the country. The longer walk will take 8-9hours whereas the shorter takes 5-6hours.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3351

Today we will take a rest in Manang village and get adapted with the risen altitude and explore the surreal beauty of surrounding. Most of the visitors ascend to a hill situated behind Manang which offers the astonishing view of Annapurna massif and the huge icefall that run into and rumbles down from Gangapurna. Diagonally to the valley the huge mass of Gangapurna and Annapurna tower just above us. The view of sunrise and sunset seen from here is one of the most beautiful sights seen in the whole country.

From Manang we will make our way towards the base of Thorong La pass. Climbing out of Marshyangdi valley, we turn northwest to the valley of Jarsang Khola. Winding above the forest we pass through arid, alpine land, with scrub juniper and patches of birch to Yak Kharka. We will reach Yak Kharka by afternoon and in the remaining time we can explore the vicinity. Here we can get a occasional glimpse of Blue Sheep which are the local inhabitant of this chilly and breezy area.

We start after the breakfast trek to Thorong Phedi about claiming 5000mtr. The path is easy but we have to careful it is above Attitude more than 4000 mtr on the way some time we can see blue sheep also. 

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4450

We will start early in the morning to climb the pass. The initial stage of the ascent is very steep, but as we approach the peak it becomes much sloppier, but the altitude still makes the walk a challenging one. After making our way through few false summits, we finally make it to top of the pass (5416m). The top offers the unexplainable 360 degree panorama of snow capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet. Upon looking back we can view several peaks of Annapurna and in front of us is the unfathomable gorge of Kali Gandaki. After the pass the trail descends gradually but becomes steeper, finally making to a grassy slope, just before easing off to a gradual downhill walk to Muktinath.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3802

We will have our breakfast early in the morning. After having breakfast we will start our today’s trek. Today we will descend down to Kagbeni from Muktinath. There is a check post in Kagbeni. From Kagbeni you will need a special permit to Upper Mustang. 

Food
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2810

Leaving Kagbeni behind us today we will enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang. Following Kali Gandaki River the trail goes both uphill and downhill to reach the village of Tangbe (3060m). From Tangbe the trail goes downhill through barley, wheat and buckwheat farm to Chhuksang village (2980m). We will continue the walk following Kali Gandaki River to the village of Chele.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3050

From Chele the trail climbs to Eklo Bhatti and then to Taklam La pass (3624m) through flat land which offers the astonishing vista of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. After crossing the pass the trail goes downhill to a small town of Samar. From Samar the trail goes uphill to a stream for another 3 hours through the juniper trees to Sangboche.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3800

From Syangboche the trail goes uphill through few tea houses and chortens to Yamda La. Making the way through barley fields the trail climbs to Nyi Pass (13,193ft) and descends to our camping site in Ghemi which is also the third biggest town of the area.

Elevation
3560

From Tsarang the trail descends offering majestic vista of Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak and Annapurna I to Tsarang Chu. From here the trail steeply goes uphill through the rocky trail and enters into Tholung valley. Now the trail goes north and gradually climbs uphill to Lo pass (3850m), and then descends down cross a stream and climb to Lo Manthang. Stay overnight in Lo Manthang.

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3800

We will take a day to explore and get an insight of mystical and isolated Lo Manthang. The places we will be visiting include Namgyal Gompa and Tinagkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated in a hilltop is also called as local court; from here we will trek to Tingkhar which is the last village in the northwest of Lo Manthang. If time permits we too can visit Tall Champa Lakhang also known as “God House”, Thugchen Gompa and Ghyodi Gompa. Stay overnight in Lo Manthang.

Elevation
3800

From Lo Manthang the trail climbs up a ridge to 4070m and continues to Chogo La(4325m) which is the highest point of the trek. From here the trail goes downhill and cross Tsarang River and climbs to Lo Geker and reaches to Ghar Gompa. We will climb to the ridge and walk along the alpine pastures and walk downhill to Dhakmar.

Elevation
3820

After having our breakfast at Dhakmar we will start our today’s trek. From Dhakmar the trail goes downhill through the barren landscape accompanied by mesmerizing Himalayan vista of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri to Ghiling. You can visit the scared Monastery at Ghilling. Overnight at Ghilling. 

Elevation
3570

We will have our breakfast at Ghiling and start our today’s trek. From Ghiling we will trek downhill to the village of Samar. The walk is about 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at Ghilling. 

Elevation
3660

Today is you last day at Annapurna Region.  From Samar we will trek back to Jomsom. Jomsom is the head quarter of Mustang District. Here you will see several shops, guest houses, army camp and a airport. Overnight at Jomsom.

Elevation
2720

Early in the morning we will catch a flight back to Pokhara and connect another flight to Kathmandu where the trip comes to an end.

We will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu through the Himalayas. In Kathmandu the rest of the day is free. If you have your international flight today then our representatives will drop you to the airport prior to your flight time. 

What we Offer?

Actual Adventure Pvt Ltd is a well recognized and reputed company in Nepal. We have been organizing varieties of Trekking and tours inside and outside the country since our beginning from 2009. With years of experience and knowledge in the related field we focus on providing the best to our customers. We organize trekking and tours upon the request of our customers and all of our trips are fully customizable. We offer you the following services on request.

  • Single Supplement Accommodations
  • Private Porter Service
  •  Personal Guide 
  •  Personal Equipment and Trekking Gears
  •  Private Luxurious Vehicle (inside and outside Kathmandu valley)

Note: Please note that we provide all the above mentioned services only on request of our customers. Depending upon the package the services may cost an extra charge. Single accommodations on higher elevation are subject to availability. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang Trekking Include / Exclude

Cost Includes

  • Airport-Hotel-Airport pickup & drop by private tourist vehicle.
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in two/three star hotel in Pokhara; Breakfast included. 
  • Local Actual adventure licensed English speaking guide.
  • One porter for each two members in a group.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
  • Annapurna conservation permit, special Upper Mustang Trek permit and all necessary permits
  • Kathmandu to Dharapani on a private vehicle.
  • Airfare for Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara- Kathmandu including airport departure tax.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show
  • All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.

Cost Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.)
  • International airfare and airport departure tax Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
  • Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.
  • Personal trekking Equipment. 
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on 'Price Includes' section

Altitude Graph

Additional Information

Trip Info

Best Time to trek to Annapurna Region

The best time to trek to Annapurna Region is during autumn (September- November) and Spring (March – May). Annapurna Region is beautiful throughout the year but during these seasons you get to see the most beautiful pictures of Annapurna Region. Some of the places of Annapurna Region like Upper Mustang, Muktinath, Kagbeni and Jomsom can be visited any time during the year. 

Autumn in Annapurna Region 

Autumn season gives you the most favorable weather for trekking with warm and dry climate. Autumn seasons falls during the months of September, October and November. Autumn season is also the season of festivals. You can feel the festival vibes everywhere while trekking in Nepal during Autumn. On the other hand you can get the best pictures while trekking Annapurna Region during Autumn Season. 

Spring in Annapurna Region

Spring in Nepal is regarded as one of the best season for trekking and mountain climbing. Spring season occurs in Nepal in the months of March, April and May. You can have a heavenly experience trekking in Annapurna Region during spring. You can see varieties of blooming wild floras and forests blanketed with rhododendron flowers during your trials. The mountains look absolutely stunning and the temperature is warm and moderate. You can expect lots of trekkers during the trial during spring season in Annapurna region.

Summer in Annapurna Region

Summer season is not very popular season for trekking in Annapurna Region. Summer season in Nepal takes place in between the months of June to August. The monsoon seasons combines with summer in Nepal. Thus, Nepal receives a wet summer with hot temperature. Although the temperature gets cooler as you gain altitude but the trials can be affected by heavy rainfall and mudslides.  However, some of the regions which lie in the rain-shadow area like Upper Mustang, Jomsom, and Muktinath can be visited throughout the year. If you love challenges and thrill then this season can be the best for you to explore Annapurna Region. In spite of the challenges you can get the best views and true colors of nature while trekking to Annapurna Region during summer.  

Winter in Annapurna Region

Winter Season takes place in Nepal in the months of December to February. Since it is freezing cold and some of the high passes are closed in the higher altitudes due to snow this season is not recommend for trekking in Annapurna Region. However, if you want to enjoy peaceful trekking trials with fewer trekkers then you can choose this season with proper gears and clothing equipment. Despite the challenges, the winter season in Annapurna Region gives you the best view of snowcapped mountains. 

Accommodations

Our accommodation will be in 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the trek you will be staying in tea houses or lodges. All accommodations are on twin share basis. Single supplement rooms can be provided on request with an additional charge. Although the rooms are easily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara it is very difficult to arrange single supplement rooms during the trek. In such case Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd will look for the best alternatives. 

Meals

All meals will be provided during our Annapurna Base Camp Trek including welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu. The meals during our stay in Kathmandu will be provided in high class typical Nepali restaurants which serve you with delicious Nepali cuisines whereas we will have our breakfast and dinner in the tea houses/ lodges on trek. We will spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination.  We suggest you to try out the most popular local foods like Thakali food while you are trekking in Annapurna Region. The local foods are healthier and give a lot of energy during your trekking trials. 

Physical condition & Requirements

The Annapurna Region trek is relatively easier than any other treks in Nepal like Everest Base Camp Trek. Anyone with sound physical fitness and who can walk up to 6-7 hours a day can easily complete the trek.  Annapurna region trekking does not require any prior trekking experience however if you have it can add up a plus point for you. Some of the trekking destinations of Annapurna Region like Ghorepani Poonhill, Jomsom, Muktinath, and e.t.c can be the best destination for first time trekkers. 

Nepal Visa Information

Visa in Nepal can be acquired on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu and also at the border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki border of Nepal - India and Kodari on Nepal-China border. Visa can also acquire at the nearest Nepal Embassy. For visa renewal purpose you can contact at Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan at Kathmandu. A valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background is required. Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.

Visa Facility         Duration       Fee

Multiple entry       15 days          US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple entry       30 days          US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple entry       90 days          US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

Gratis (Free) Visa

For first visit in one visa year (January to December), gratis visa for 30 days is available only for nationals of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the visa can be extended from the department of immigration with respective fares.

 Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.

Nepal Visa for Chinese Nationals

As per official circular of the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China, Chinese nationals applying for tourist visa to Nepal are being provided “gratis tourist visa” from Jan. 5, 2016, from following Nepali missions in the People’s Republic of China:

• Embassy of Nepal, Beijing

• Consulate General of Nepal, Lhasa

• Consulate General of Nepal, Hong Kong

• Honorary Consulate of Nepal, Shanghai

More Information

Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan will need to obtain visa from Nepal Embassies or Diplomatic Missions in their respective countries, as they do not get visa on arrival at the immigration entry points of Nepal. 

Booking Policy

Actual Adventure Pvt. Ltd requires a minimum of 20% of the total price to book this trip. The amount received to book the trip is used to obtain the permit and to book the accommodations and hire the guides. The rest of the amount can be paid after your arrival in Nepal.

Booking Process

To book a trip from Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd you will need to follow certain processes which are mentioned below. 

Step 1: Send us an inquiry using inquiry form, email or call us

Step 2: Discuss and fix the trek itinerary and price. 

Step 3: Send us the deposit required to confirm the trip.

Step 4: Send us your Passport copies, Insurance copies, two passport sized photos and others (if     necessary)

 Step 5: Come to Nepal pay the remaining amount and start the trek. 

Bank Account for the payment to wire transfers

Actual Adventure (P) Ltd.

Branch Code: 016 A/C No. 01030026257 

Paying Bank: Nepal Investment Bank Ltd

Thamel Branch, Kathmandu, Nepal

SWIFT CODE: NIBLNPKT

Dollar Account

Actual Adventure Pvt. Ltd.

Currency General Account (USD) 016-010 100 23199 

Paying Bank: Nepal Investment Bank Ltd

Thamel Branch, Kathmandu, Nepal

SWIFT CODE: NIBLNPKT

For Indian Currency

Kedar Neupane

A/C No.: 17715241406570 NPR

Nepal SBI Bank Ltd.

26 Durbar Marg

P.O.Box. No. 6049 GPO, Kathmandu

Phone: +977-14253243 / 4230809

Swift No. NSBINPKA

Bank service charge should be paid by the clients themselves at the time of deposit.

Early Termination of A Trek.

Sometimes the trek ends before the scheduled itinerary due to several reasons regarding health or any other personal issues of the trekkers. If in case, early termination of the trek happens please note that we cannot offer refunds for unused days. It is because we have to pay the committed amount to our porters, guides and other team members. 

Insurance: 

Our clients must have their insurance and the insurance must cover the expenses of accidents, health, emergency evacuation, lost of gears, etc. 

Program Change/ Delay: 

The departure scheduled would be changed on any unavoidable circumstance like weather hazards, trail slides, soil erosion, avalanches, sudden sickness, etc. The program can be customized as per the interest of the clients

Cancellation Policy

• The deposit is fully refundable if cancelled before 20 days of the arrival. 

• 15% of the deposit is refundable if cancelled before 7 days of the arrival.

• The deposit is not refundable if cancelled before less than 7 days. 

Client Reviews

Ngo M

Ngo M

United States

9th Nov, 2023

In Nepal, there are thousands travel agencies, most of them are good 👍. But, 4 years ago I’ve chosen Actual Aventure for Putha Hiunchuli and now I continue choosing it for my Annapuna Circut and Upper Mustang (Nov 2023) and definitely for Langtang circuit in 2024. Company itself cannot make things happen and perfect. Mr Kedar, the director, has making things different than other companies with his slogan “Customers at the Core”👍👍. I love the way Actual Adventure taking... See more care its customers, I loved and appreciate the supper support from Jun (the guide) and Sitaram (the porter) to help me completely my trekking this time (i am a cancer patient, stage 3). Once again, Big thanks to Kedar, Jun, Sitaram and Actual Adventure team🙏🙏. I will be back with you for other trips 🙏❤️❤️❤️ See less...


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