The Annapurna Circuit Trek is already legendary, a trail that circles dramatic peaks, crosses high passes, and takes trekkers through a kaleidoscope of cultures and landscapes. But what if you could go beyond the classic route? By combining the circuit with side treks into Nar Phu Valley or Upper Mustang, you unlock an entirely new dimension of adventure.

Nar Phu takes you into a hidden Himalayan world where yak herders, ancient monasteries, and stone-built villages carry the feel of old Tibet. Mustang, on the other hand, transports you to a desert-like kingdom of red cliffs, cave dwellings, and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Both are rich in culture, history, and breathtaking scenery, and both are accessible as rewarding detours from the Annapurna trail.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to combine the Annapurna Circuit with these incredible side treks, what to expect on the trail, and why they are worth adding to your itinerary if you want to take your Himalayan journey to the next level.

Why Add Side Treks to the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit itself is already fantastic, but these side treks make it even better. Here’s why:

Real culture: You can meet people who follow Tibetan traditions, see colorful Buddhist festivals, and visit monasteries that are hundreds of years old.
Wild places: The main Annapurna trail has more trekkers, but Nar Phu and Mustang feel very quiet and untouched.
Extra adventure: You’ll cross tough passes, walk through canyons and deserts, and push yourself to new limits, with amazing rewards.
More choices: You can add just a week to your trip or make it a whole month-long journey. It’s flexible depending on your time and energy.

Annapurna + Nar Phu Valley Side Trek

What Makes Nar Phu Valley Unique?

Nar and Phu are two remote villages tucked away in the northeast corner of the Annapurna region, close to the Tibetan border. For a long time, this valley was closed to outsiders, which is why it still feels like a hidden world. Life here is simple and traditional, you’ll see stone houses stacked against cliffs, herds of yaks grazing in high pastures, and locals dressed in Tibetan-style clothing.

The landscape is just as striking: narrow gorges, rocky canyons, snow-capped peaks, and colorful prayer flags that flutter in the mountain wind. Unlike the busy Annapurna trail, Nar Phu valley is quiet and untouched, which makes it perfect for trekkers who want a wilder experience.

Highlights of Nar Phu Valley:

Crossing Kang La Pass (5,322m), one of the most beautiful passes in the Himalayas, with panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
Visiting the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, blessed by Lama Karma Sonam Rinpoche, an important religious site for locals.
Learning about the yak herding lifestyle, which has been the main source of livelihood here for centuries.
Trekking through deep canyons, suspension bridges, and glacial valleys where few trekkers go.

How to Combine Nar Phu with the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Adding Nar Phu to your Annapurna trek is quite straightforward if you plan it in advance:

Start on the Annapurna Circuit: Begin your trek as usual from Besisahar, following the Marsyangdi River through lush valleys and villages.
Reach Koto (near Chame): Koto is where you leave the main Annapurna trail. From here, the path turns off into the Nar Phu Valley.
Explore Nar & Phu Villages (5–6 days): Trek through narrow canyons and high pastures until you reach Phu village, one of the most isolated settlements in Nepal. Spend a few days exploring monasteries, meeting locals, and soaking in the unique atmosphere before heading to Nar village, which sits in a broad valley surrounded by mountains.
Cross Kang La Pass (5,322m): This is the most challenging and exciting part of the trek. From the top, you’ll see a sweeping view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The descent brings you back to the main Annapurna trail.
Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal (near Manang): From here, you continue as normal toward Manang, then climb up to Thorong La Pass before descending to Muktinath.

Time & Difficulty

Extra days needed: About 6–7 days in addition to the regular Annapurna Circuit trek.
Difficulty: Strenuous. The trail is rugged, and Kang La Pass is very high, so proper acclimatization is essential.

Why Nar Phu is Worth Adding

If you want to experience the Annapurna Circuit in a less crowded, more authentic way, Nar Phu is perfect. It gives you a taste of what trekking in the Himalayas used to feel like decades ago, remote, untouched, and deeply cultural. For trekkers who want both the famous circuit and something truly unique, Nar Phu is one of the best choices.

Permits Required for Nar Phu Valley Trek

When combining the Annapurna Circuit with the Nar Phu side trek, you’ll need two main permits:

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):
- This permit is required for anyone trekking inside the Annapurna region.
- It helps support conservation projects, trail maintenance, and community development in the area.
- The cost is around NPR 3,000 (USD $25) per person for foreigners.
RAP (Restricted Area Permit for Nar Phu):
- Since Nar Phu is close to the Tibetan border and was closed to outsiders for a long time, it is considered a restricted area.
- To enter, you need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which can only be issued through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
- Solo trekking is not allowed, you must trek with at least two people and be accompanied by a licensed guide.
- The cost is USD $100 per week per person (September–November) and USD $75 per week per person (December–August).

How to Get the Permits

Both ACAP and RAP are arranged by your trekking agency before the trek begins.
You will need to provide:
- A valid passport
- 2–4 passport-sized photos
- Visa details and itinerary
It’s best to confirm all permits at least a few days before starting your trek in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Annapurna + Upper Mustang Side Trek

Why Trek to Mustang?

Upper Mustang is often called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” because it remained closed to outsiders until 1992. Even today, the region feels like stepping into another world. Unlike the green valleys and forests of Annapurna, Mustang is a high-altitude desert plateau, shaped by wind and erosion. The scenery is surreal — red cliffs, deep gorges, and caves carved into rocky mountainsides.

Culturally, Upper Mustang is just as fascinating. The people here are of Tibetan descent, and their traditions are preserved in monasteries, palaces, and festivals. Walking through villages, you’ll see whitewashed houses, colorful prayer flags, and ancient chortens, all set against a backdrop of barren but beautiful mountains.

Highlights of Upper Mustang:

Lo Manthang: A walled city that serves as Mustang’s cultural and spiritual heart. Inside, you’ll find monasteries with centuries-old paintings, palaces, and narrow alleyways.
Ancient caves: Hundreds of caves dot the cliffs of Mustang, some used as meditation chambers, others as burial sites.
Tiji Festival: A three-day celebration in Lo Manthang, full of dances, rituals, and music that attract both locals and trekkers.
Unique landscapes: Unlike any other trek in Nepal — desert-like, colorful rock formations, and wide open valleys with endless skies.

How to Combine with the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Adding Upper Mustang to your Annapurna Circuit is straightforward once you cross Thorong La Pass:

Start on the Annapurna Circuit: Trek from Besisahar through lush valleys and forests until you climb over Thorong La Pass (5,416m).
Descend to Muktinath: This is one of the holiest sites in Nepal, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Enter Mustang via Kagbeni: Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang. From here, you leave the Annapurna trail and head north.
Trek to Lo Manthang: Over several days, walk through windswept villages, monasteries, and barren landscapes until you reach the walled city. Spend 2–3 days exploring.
Return via the same trail or by jeep: You can trek back to Kagbeni or take a jeep to Jomsom, from where flights to Pokhara are available.

Extra Days Needed

Expect to add 8–10 days for the Mustang extension.
If you only go partway into Mustang, you can shorten it, but reaching Lo Manthang (the main highlight) requires at least 8 days.

Difficulty Level

Moderate: The trails are not as steep as other high Himalayan routes, but they are long, dry, and exposed.
Expect strong afternoon winds, so starting early each day is recommended.
Good fitness is required, but the trek is manageable for most trekkers.

Permits Required

Like Nar Phu, Upper Mustang is a restricted region, and special permits are required:

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):
- Required for entering the Annapurna region.
- Cost: NPR 3,000 (USD $25) per person.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang:
- Mandatory for all trekkers in Upper Mustang.
- Only available through a registered trekking agency.
- Minimum group size: 2 trekkers, plus a licensed guide.
- Cost: USD $500 per person for the first 10 days, then USD $50 per person per day for extra days.

Why Mustang is Worth Adding

If you want a trek that combines culture, history, and unique landscapes, Mustang is unbeatable. Unlike Nar Phu, which is wilder and more remote, Mustang offers a mix of trekking and cultural exploration. You’ll not only enjoy the adventure of hiking but also feel like you’ve stepped into a living museum of Tibetan culture.

For those with time after completing the Annapurna Circuit, Mustang adds a completely different flavor, turning your trek into a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience.

Which Side Trek to Choose?

Both Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang are incredible extensions to the Annapurna Circuit, but they offer very different experiences. Your choice depends on your interests, trekking style, and how much time you have.

Nar Phu Valley – For Rugged Adventure Lovers

Best for: Trekkers who love remote, off-the-grid experiences.
What to expect:
- Wild landscapes — steep canyons, glacial valleys, and high passes.
- Isolated villages where people still live much as they did centuries ago.
- Physically challenging trekking, including Kang La Pass (5,322m).
Why choose it: Nar Phu feels untouched. If you enjoy the feeling of being far away from the modern world and want to test your endurance, this is perfect.
Extra time needed: 6–7 days.

Upper Mustang – For Culture and Unique Landscapes

Best for: Trekkers who are curious about Tibetan traditions and want to explore a completely different environment.
What to expect:
- High-altitude desert landscapes, red cliffs, and dramatic caves.
- Rich Tibetan culture in villages and monasteries.
- Exploration of Lo Manthang, the walled city of Mustang.
- Moderate trekking, but long days exposed to strong winds.
Why choose it: Mustang is like nowhere else in Nepal. The cultural depth and desert scenery make it feel like a journey back in time.
Extra time needed: 8–10 days.

Both Nar Phu and Mustang – For the Ultimate Expedition

Best for: Experienced trekkers with at least 30+ days to spare, excellent fitness, and a love for adventure.
What to expect:
- The wild, remote valleys of Nar Phu.
- The desert kingdom and rich culture of Upper Mustang.
- The classic Annapurna Circuit route in between.
Why choose it: Doing all three is a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan journey, combining everything Nepal has to offer — high passes, remote culture, desert landscapes, and world-class mountain views.

Sample Itineraries

Annapurna + Nar Phu (Approx. 20–22 days)

Day 1–5: Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chame → Koto
Day 6–11: Nar & Phu Valley exploration (Phu village, Nar village, Kang La Pass)
Day 12–18: Rejoin Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal → Manang → Thorong La Pass → Muktinath
Day 19–22: Jomsom → Pokhara return

Annapurna + Mustang (Approx. 22–24 days)

Day 1–10: Annapurna Circuit trek up to Thorong La Pass
Day 11–14: Muktinath → Kagbeni → Enter Mustang
Day 15–20: Kagbeni → Lo Manthang (exploration) → return
Day 21–24: Trek or jeep back to Jomsom → Pokhara

Practical Tips for Combining Treks

Acclimatization is key → Nar Phu has high passes; Mustang is windy but high-altitude too.
Hire a licensed guide → Mandatory for restricted regions; also helps with navigation and culture.
Best seasons:
- Spring (March–May) → Wildflowers, clear skies
- Autumn (Sept–Nov) → Best visibility, festivals
Logistics: Nar Phu is more remote, so expect basic teahouses. Mustang has better infrastructure (jeep routes, guesthouses).
Budget: Mustang RAP is more expensive (USD $500 for 10 days), while Nar Phu RAP is USD $100 per week.

Conclusion

Combining the Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Valley or Mustang creates a trek unlike any other in Nepal. You’ll enjoy the classic Annapurna highlights — Thorong La Pass, Manang, Muktinath — but also add the mystical culture of Mustang or the remote wilderness of Nar Phu.

If time allows, consider extending your journey with one of these side treks. They will not only deepen your connection with the Himalayas but also make your Annapurna adventure stand out as a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Pro Tip: Work with a trusted local trekking company to handle permits, guides, and itineraries — it will save time and ensure a smoother experience.

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How to Combine Annapurna Circuit with Side Treks