Deals & Routes

Annapurna Circuit or Upper Mustang, here's how to pick between Nepal's two classic treks

One climbs to a 5,416m pass with real altitude risk, the other stays under 4,000m in a walled desert kingdom. Here's the honest trade-off.

By Laxman Rawal · Sep 22, 2026

If you have to choose one, choose based on what scares you more: thin air or a longer bill for a quieter trail. The Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La at 5,416 metres, high enough that altitude sickness is a real planning problem. Upper Mustang tops out…

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The altitude difference is the real decision

Annapurna Circuit is the harder trek on oxygen alone. Thorong La, the pass linking Manang to Muktinath, sits at 5,416 metres, where the air holds roughly half the oxygen of sea level. Most itineraries build in two acclimatisation days around Manang (3,540m)…

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What each permit actually costs in 2026

Annapurna Circuit is the cheaper trek to permit, and it is a flat cost regardless of how many days you spend on the trail. Upper Mustang charges by the day, so a longer trip costs meaningfully more before you have paid for a single night's lodging. A typical…

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The guide rule is identical, the crowd is not

Neither trek can legally be done alone any more. Nepal's Department of Immigration made a licensed guide mandatory in every national park, conservation area and restricted area from 1 April 2023, which covers both the Annapurna Conservation Area and Upper…

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What this means for your trek

What this means for you Pick Annapurna Circuit if you want a proper high-altitude trek with a real mountain pass, forest and farmland scenery on the approach, and you are comfortable with acclimatisation days built into the plan. Pick Upper Mustang if you…

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Can you actually do both treks on one trip?

Yes. Jomsom sits at the junction of both routes, so a longer itinerary can combine an Upper Mustang loop with a crossing over Thorong La into the Manang side of the Annapurna Circuit, rather than flying out after Muktinath.

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Which one is better for a first-time trekker?

Upper Mustang is the gentler introduction on altitude alone. Annapurna Circuit is still achievable for a fit beginner, but expect two dedicated acclimatisation days and a harder final week around Thorong La. Book through a registered agency for either route —…

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