Yes, you absolutely can. And for serious trekkers willing to put in the preparation, combining the Upper Mustang trek with the Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most rewarding Himalayan journeys Nepal has to offer.
Nepal is a place of towering peaks, breathtaking diversity, and trekking routes that deliver completely different experiences within the same geographic region. The Upper Mustang trek and the Annapurna Circuit are two of the most celebrated routes in the country, and they are well-known for completely different reasons. The Annapurna Circuit moves through subtropical valleys, alpine meadows, and the famous 5,416-meter Thorong La pass. Upper Mustang delivers something the Annapurna Circuit cannot: a high-altitude desert landscape, a preserved medieval walled city, and a Tibetan-influenced culture that has been developing in near-total isolation for centuries.
Combined, these routes create a single journey that moves through multiple climate zones, altitudes, and cultural worlds. Lush and green in the south. Barren, windswept, and ancient in the north. Honestly, there is no better way to understand the full range of the Annapurna Conservation Area than experiencing all of it together.
This guide covers every practical dimension of planning the combination, including the three main route options, permit requirements, cost breakdowns, physical demands, logistics, and a sample 25-day itinerary you can use as a planning foundation.
Why Combine the Upper Mustang Trek with Annapurna Routes?
Each of these routes stands completely on its own as a world-class trekking experience. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most topographically diverse long-distance treks on earth. Annapurna Base Camp takes you into the Sanctuary itself, surrounded by some of the highest peaks on the planet. And Upper Mustang is in an entirely different category, a restricted former kingdom, a high-altitude desert, and a living Tibetan Buddhist civilization that the modern world largely missed.
So why combine them? Because the geography makes it genuinely natural. The Annapurna Circuit already passes through Jomsom on its descent from Thorong La through Muktinath Temple. Jomsom is exactly where the Upper Mustang trek begins. Instead of flying back to Pokhara at Jomsom, you simply continue north. The two routes share a hub. That is not a coincidence worth ignoring.
For trekkers who want the most comprehensive Annapurna Conservation Area trek plan possible in a single visit, the combination delivers an experience that no individual route can match.
Three Main Combination Options
| Combination | Approximate Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Mustang + Annapurna Circuit | 20 to 25 days | Moderate to Challenging |
| Upper Mustang + Annapurna Base Camp | 22 to 26 days | Moderate to Challenging |
| Upper Mustang + Circuit + ABC (all three) | 28 to 35 days | Very Challenging |
Option 1: Upper Mustang Trek + Annapurna Circuit
This is the most popular and logistically clean combination available. The Annapurna Circuit naturally passes through Jomsom, which is precisely where the Upper Mustang trek begins. So instead of ending the Circuit at Jomsom and flying out, you continue north into Mustang.
The route works like this. You start the Annapurna Circuit from either Besisahar or Chame, trek through Manang, cross Thorong La pass at 5,416 meters, descend to Muktinath, and continue to Jomsom. From Jomsom, rather than flying back to Pokhara, you begin the upper mustang trek route heading north through Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, Charang, and all the way to Lo Manthang.
After exploring Lo Manthang, you return to Jomsom and fly back to Pokhara. The full Annapurna Circuit Upper Mustang combination typically takes 20 to 25 days depending on pace and rest days built into the schedule.
What makes this combination work so effectively is the natural geography. Jomsom sits at the junction between the two routes. It is not a detour. It is a continuation. From what I have seen guiding trekkers through this region, this is the combination most worth recommending to trekkers doing the routes for the first time.
Upper Mustang Trek + Annapurna Base Camp
This combination takes a different structural approach. Annapurna Base Camp does not naturally link to Upper Mustang by trail since they sit on opposite sides of the Annapurna massif. So practically speaking, you are doing two separate treks connected through Pokhara.
The typical flow is to complete the ABC trek first over 12 to 14 days, return to Pokhara, then fly to Jomsom and begin the Upper Mustang trek. This adds some transit time, but the contrast between the lush green Annapurna Sanctuary and the arid Mustang landscape is genuinely striking, and the brief rest in Pokhara between sections allows your body to recover before the second phase.
Some trekkers flip the order and do Upper Mustang first, then ABC. This works equally well depending on your timing and preferred season.
Total duration for the Upper Mustang Annapurna Base Camp combination runs approximately 22 to 26 days including Kathmandu and Pokhara travel days.
All Three Routes Together
This is the full picture and it is a serious undertaking. Combining the Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang, and Annapurna Base Camp into a single journey requires 28 to 35 days of sustained trekking, multiple high-altitude passes, restricted zone navigation, and a level of physical preparation that goes well beyond standard trail fitness.
The most practical order is Annapurna Circuit first, then Upper Mustang via the Jomsom connection, return to Pokhara by flight, rest one or two days, then begin the ABC route from Nayapul or Phedi.
Be realistic about this option. Thorong La at 5,416 meters followed by sustained days above 4,000 meters in Mustang, followed by another significant high-altitude approach to ABC at 4,130 meters represents a cumulative altitude exposure that demands genuine physical preparation and prior Himalayan experience. This is not an itinerary for first-time trekkers, regardless of how well they perform at lower elevations.
Permits Required for Combined Treks in 2026
This is where a significant number of trekkers get caught off guard. Each route carries its own permit requirements and they do not overlap or substitute for each other.
| Permit | Cost (USD) | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | $30 | Annapurna Circuit, ABC, and all of Mustang district |
| TIMS Card | $20 | All Annapurna region treks |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | $50 per person per day | Upper Mustang only, beyond Kagbeni |
| 10-day Upper Mustang total | $500 | Standard permit duration |
| Additional Mustang days beyond 10 | $50 per extra day | If itinerary extends beyond initial permit |
The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is issued only in Kathmandu or Pokhara through registered trekking agencies. You cannot obtain it on the trail at any point. Rangers check permits at the Kagbeni checkpoint and at multiple points throughout the upper mustang trek route. Plan permit processing well in advance and allow 3 to 7 working days if using the online application system launched in 2026.
2026 solo trekker update: The previous requirement for a minimum group of two foreign nationals to obtain a single RAP was officially removed in March 2026. Individual trekkers can now obtain permits without a second person on the application. The licensed guide requirement remains in place for all trekkers in the restricted zone.
Best Time to Plan the Combined Trek
Upper Mustang sits in a rain shadow which keeps it dry even during monsoon. But the Annapurna Circuit and ABC are weather-dependent in the conventional sense. Timing the combination requires thinking about both.
| Season | Upper Mustang | Annapurna Circuit | ABC | Combined Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Best overall window |
| Summer/Monsoon (June to August) | Excellent | Difficult, wet, leeches | Difficult | Upper Mustang only during monsoon |
| Autumn (September to November) | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Best overall window |
| Winter (December to February) | Cold but possible | Thorong La can close | Possible with gear | Experienced trekkers only |
Spring from March through May is the strongest window for the combination across all three routes. Rhododendrons are blooming on the lower Annapurna trails, Thorong La is reliably open, and the upper mustang trekking route delivers clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang falls in May, which adds significant cultural value if your itinerary allows you to be in Lo Manthang during that window.
Autumn from September through November is equally strong. Post-monsoon clarity delivers the sharpest mountain views of the year across all three routes. Trail conditions are stable throughout.
Monsoon from June through August works specifically for Upper Mustang given its rain shadow position, but the Circuit and ABC sections will be wet, slippery, and affected by landslide risk during this period. Combining during monsoon is not recommended unless you are doing Upper Mustang independently without the Circuit connection.
Complete Guide for Best time to Travel Upper mustang.
Physical Fitness and Experience Requirements
Let's be clear about what this combination actually demands physically.
Annapurna Circuit involves crossing Thorong La at 5,416 meters, the highest point of the entire route. That single day requires solid acclimatization over preceding days in Manang, genuine cardiovascular fitness, and prior high-altitude experience. Altitude sickness at that elevation is not just uncomfortable, it is medically serious.
Upper Mustang adds daily distances of 10 to 22 kilometers through desert terrain at consistent elevations between 3,500 and 4,200 meters. The trails are well-defined but exposed. Wind is a constant daily presence, not an occasional inconvenience.
Annapurna Base Camp takes you into the Sanctuary at 4,130 meters. The ascent from Chhomrong is steep and sustained and requires fresh legs and good respiratory capacity.
Practical preparation checklist:
- Complete at least one multi-day high-altitude trek before attempting any version of this combination
- Build cardiovascular fitness with consistent training for a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks before departure
- Follow the acclimatization schedule in the itinerary without trying to compress days to save time
- Travel with a licensed guide who has specific experience in both the Annapurna region and Upper Mustang
- Carry travel insurance explicitly covering helicopter evacuation to 6,000 meters
If you have completed a multi-day Himalayan trek before and are in good physical condition, combining two of these three routes is very achievable with the right preparation. All three together requires a higher baseline. Be honest with yourself about the difference.
Logistics: How the Routes Connect
Getting the logistics right is the most complex part of planning the combination. Here is what matters most.
Jomsom is the key hub. For the Circuit and Mustang combination, Jomsom is where the two routes meet. Domestic flights connect Jomsom to Pokhara in 25 minutes and operate in the early morning before valley winds build. Jeep services run between Jomsom and Muktinath if you want to reduce the descent time between the Circuit and the start of Mustang. Walking the stretch is worth it if you have the days, but the jeep option is practical for trekkers with tighter schedules.
Pokhara is the reset point. For anyone adding ABC to the combination, Pokhara is where you regroup between phases. One to two rest days in Pokhara between Mustang and ABC gives your legs time to recover and allows for resupply, guide coordination, and preparation for the next section.
Guide arrangements. Index Adventure can arrange a single licensed guide for the full combination, someone with experience across both the Annapurna region and the Upper Mustang restricted zone. This is worth prioritizing. A guide with Mustang-specific permit access and local knowledge of the checkpoint requirements makes a measurable difference to the smoothness of the combined itinerary.
Accommodation differences. The Annapurna Circuit and ABC routes have well-developed teahouse infrastructure at most major stops. Upper Mustang is more basic, particularly in the smaller villages between Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. Rooms are clean and functional but facilities are simpler. Pack accordingly and adjust your expectations for the Upper Mustang section without letting that adjustment diminish the overall experience.
Sample 25-Day Combined Itinerary: Annapurna Circuit + Upper Mustang
| Days | Segment | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Kathmandu | Permits, preparation, briefing, arrival |
| 3 | Drive to Besisahar or Chamje | Circuit starting point |
| 4 to 5 | Chame to Pisang | Pine forests, first Annapurna views |
| 6 to 7 | Manang (two nights) | Mandatory acclimatization day at 3,519 meters |
| 8 | Thorong Phedi or High Camp | Pass preparation |
| 9 | Cross Thorong La at 5,416 meters to Muktinath | Key milestone of entire combination |
| 10 | Muktinath to Jomsom | Descend via Jharkot, Kali Gandaki valley |
| 11 | Jomsom to Kagbeni | Begin upper mustang trekking route |
| 12 to 13 | Kagbeni to Chele to Syangboche | Desert terrain begins, Chungsi Cave detour |
| 14 to 15 | Ghami to Charang | Longest Mani wall, Red Gompa, Choya La |
| 16 | Charang to Lo Manthang | Arrive at walled capital of Kingdom of Lo |
| 17 | Explore Lo Manthang | Four major temples, Namgyal Gompa hike, Tingkha village |
| 18 to 19 | Return to Ghami via Ghar Gumba | Different return route, Lo Gekhar Monastery, Mui La pass |
| 20 to 21 | Samar to Chhusang to Muktinath | Final Mustang stretch, Shaligram fossil sites |
| 22 | Muktinath to Jomsom | Completion of full upper mustang trek route |
| 23 | Fly Jomsom to Pokhara | 25-minute flight, rest day at Fewa Lake |
| 24 | Pokhara | Leisure, rest, prepare for return |
| 25 | Pokhara to Kathmandu | Tourist bus or domestic flight |
Cost Estimate for the Combined Trek in 2026
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (10 days) | $500 |
| ACAP Permit | $30 |
| TIMS Card | $20 |
| Jomsom flights round trip | $250 to $300 |
| Pokhara to Kathmandu flight (optional) | $100 to $150 |
| Licensed guide per day | $30 to $45 |
| Porter per day | $20 to $30 |
| Accommodation and meals on trek per day | $20 to $35 |
| Full guided package Circuit + Upper Mustang | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Full guided package all three routes | $3,500 to $5,500 |
Personal spending cash on the upper mustang section specifically should include NPR 25,000 to 35,000 (approximately USD 200 to 300) for hot drinks, WiFi, device charging, hot showers, and personal snacks. No ATMs exist on the upper mustang trek route beyond Jomsom. Withdraw sufficient cash in Pokhara before the northern section begins.
Upper Mustang and Annapurna Circuit: Should You Combine or Trek Separately?
This question comes up genuinely often and deserves a direct answer.
Combine if:
- You have 20 or more days available
- You have prior high-altitude trekking experience
- You want the most complete Annapurna Conservation Area experience in a single visit
- Your physical conditioning is genuinely solid going into the trip
Trek separately if:
- This is your first multi-day high-altitude trek
- You are working with a tight time frame
- You want to give each route the depth of attention it deserves without rushing
- You prefer to build toward the combination over two separate Nepal visits
To be fair, doing them separately lets you go deeper on each one without accumulating fatigue. But combining the Circuit with Mustang via the Jomsom connection is so logistically natural that experienced trekkers consistently recommend it. The physical toll is real. So is the reward.
Why Book Your Combined Trek with Index Adventure
Index Adventure is a Kathmandu-based, NTB and TAAN certified local trekking company with more than two decades of operational experience across the Annapurna region and Upper Mustang. The company manages all aspects of the combined itinerary including ACAP and RAP permit processing, licensed guide arrangement with experience across both route types, teahouse bookings, domestic flight reservations, and 24/7 emergency support throughout the trek.
The complexity of combining these routes, specifically the permit stacking, the Jomsom logistics, and the acclimatization schedule that has to account for the cumulative altitude exposure of Thorong La followed by sustained days in Upper Mustang, is exactly the kind of planning that benefits from direct support from an experienced local operator.
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and end-to-end permit management are the baseline for every Index Adventure booking. Whether you want to combine Annapurna Circuit with Upper Mustang, add ABC to the combination, or build something custom around a specific window like the Tiji Festival in May, the planning process starts with a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Combined Upper Mustang and Annapurna Treks
Can beginners combine Upper Mustang with the Annapurna Circuit?
Not as a first trek. Both routes involve high-altitude passes and sustained multi-day trekking. If you have completed a similar route before and are in solid physical condition, the combination is very manageable with proper preparation and a licensed guide.
How long does it take to combine Upper Mustang and the Annapurna Circuit?
Typically 20 to 25 days for the Circuit and Upper Mustang combination. Adding Annapurna Base Camp brings the total to 28 to 35 days.
What is the hardest part of the combined trek?
Crossing Thorong La pass at 5,416 meters on the Annapurna Circuit is the single most physically demanding section. Altitude sickness is a genuine medical risk at that elevation and the acclimatization days in Manang are non-negotiable.
Do I need separate guides for each route?
Not necessarily. Index Adventure arranges single experienced guides who hold permits for both the Annapurna region and the Upper Mustang restricted zone. This simplifies logistics considerably and ensures continuity of guidance across both sections.
What is the best time for the Upper Mustang and Annapurna Circuit combination?
Spring from March through May and autumn from October through November are both excellent windows. Spring adds the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang during May. Autumn delivers the clearest mountain views of the year across both routes.
Is a Manang Mustang itinerary possible?
Yes. Some trekkers exit the Annapurna Circuit at Manang and follow a less-traveled connector route into the Mustang region rather than continuing over Thorong La. This is a longer, more remote option better suited to experienced trekkers with flexible schedules and a guide who knows the connector trail specifically. Index Adventure can build custom manang mustang itinerary route options on request.
What permits do I need for the combined Upper Mustang and Annapurna Circuit trek?
Three permits are required: the ACAP at $30, the TIMS card at $20, and the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit at $50 per person per day inside the restricted zone. A 10-day RAP costs $500. All permits are arranged by Index Adventure as part of the booking process.
