Best Time For Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang is a hidden paradise situated in Nepal’s Trans-Himalayan region. This remote region exposes you to the unique combination of ancient culture, arid landscape, and enriched history. But when is the best time for the Upper Mustang Trek?

Let’s explore the detailed insights for selecting the best time for a convenient adventure and discovery. 

Upper Mustang Trek Overview

Upper Mustang is located in the Mustang district of Gandaki Province, Nepal. It covers two-thirds of the northern region of the district. Consisting of three municipalities, i.e.,  Lo Manthang, Dalome, and Baragung Muktichhetra, it is geographically similar to the Tibetan Plateau. Often, people are amazed by its stunning landscape and ancient Tibetan culture. 

The Mustang district was considered a separate kingdom until 1850. Since 1994, the Upper Mustang region has been open to foreign nationals. 

When entering the Upper Mustang, it feels like you have traveled back in time. The culture, tradition, locality, and many more make you feel like it. One of the major highlights of entering Upper Mustang is visiting its old capital, Lo Manthang, which is a walled city.  

So, when it comes to trekking the Upper Mustang region, trekkers must acquire a special permit. On top of that, a government-appointed official must accompany them to enter the region. 

Our team last guided a group through Lo Manthang in late September. Mornings stayed calm, while dry afternoon winds arrived almost every day. Trekking poles and a buff proved more useful than expected. Small details like this can shape your trekking experience. Spring offers blooming valleys, quieter trails, and pleasant temperatures. Autumn brings stronger afternoon winds but the clearest mountain views of the year.

Factors Influencing the Best Time to Trek Upper Mustang

When discussing the best time to trek the Upper Mustang region, there are factors that you should take into consideration. Learning about these factors can enhance your travel. 

Weather Conditions:

As we know, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best times for trekking in Nepal. It goes the same for the Upper Mustang Trek as well. 

The weather is fair and pleasant during these times. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), while nighttime temperatures drop considerably, ranging from -5°C to 4°C (23°F to 39°F) depending on the month and altitude.

However, traveling to Upper Mustang during summer (June to August) is also among the best times to trek. This is due to the fact that the Upper Mustang region lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. As a result, the region faces less rainfall, making it ideal for trekking. 

On the other hand, the temperature can drop below the freezing point during winter (December to February). In addition, the region is likely to be windy during winter. 

Worth reading: How to Plan The Perfect Upper Mustang Trek

Festivals and Events:

Traveling to Upper Mustang during different times of the year can impact your travel experience. The region is enriched with ancient culture preserved to this day. So, various local festivals are celebrated in the region. 

When you travel during May, you get to witness the Tiji festival, which is one of the most celebrated festivals in Upper Mustang. The festival is celebrated for a total of 3 days and consists of dances, rituals, and unique customs. It was started to celebrate the victory of good over evil. 

Apart from this, another important festival, Lhosar, also known as the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated in February or March. People celebrate this festival with joy and happiness while enjoying the feast and cultural activities.  

So trekking during the festive times can be an amazing experience. You get to witness the traditional cultures and even take part in them. Nevertheless, it comes with a cost, which is that it can be crowded. 

As a result, it might not be easy to find accommodations, and the price can also be slightly higher. Therefore, it is best to book in advance during these times. 

Upper Mustang Trek : Weather And Temperature

Month	Average High (°C)	Average Low (°C)	Weather Conditions
January	7°C	-13°C	Cold, dry, occasional snow
February	8°C	-11°C	Cold, slightly warmer than January
March	12°C	-5°C	Cold mornings, clear skies, dry
April	15°C	0°C	Mild days, cool nights, some winds
May	18°C	4°C	Warm, dry, great trekking conditions
June	20°C	8°C	Warm, dry, potential afternoon winds
July	22°C	11°C	Warm, occasional cloud cover
August	22°C	11°C	Warm, light rains possible
September	20°C	7°C	Mild, clear skies, ideal for trekking
October	17°C	3°C	Cool, crisp air, excellent visibility
November	12°C	-3°C	Cold, dry, clear skies
December	8°C	-10°C	Cold, dry, occasional snow

Note: You can check the weather forecast for Upper Mustang trek in here: meteoblue.com

Best Seasons for Upper Mustang Trek

As mentioned above, Spring and Autumn are the ideal times if you are planning on trekking to Upper Mustang. However, the Upper Mustang Trek can also be done during monsoon. 

Since the Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif, the region experiences less rainfall. On the other hand, trekking in winter can be challenging due to freezing temperatures and windy weather. 

Here’s detailed information on the four seasons, showcasing whether they are ideal times to visit Upper Mustang or not. 

Spring season (March to May):

The Upper Mustang experiences its most comfortable weather and temperature in the spring. Thus, it is, without a doubt, the ideal time of year to visit Upper Mustang. 

It becomes warmer outside with good visibility for seeing high mountain scenery. May also marks the famous Tiji festival in Mustang. 

The primary attraction of the Upper Mustang Trek is the three-day Tiji festival celebration in Lo-Manthang with the locals. 

Autumn season (September to November):

Autumn is another ideal season to explore Upper Mustang, just like spring. Travelers can visit the Himalayas in beautiful weather conditions, with bright skies and fresh air following the monsoon.

Walking conditions are ideal during this time of year due to the weather and visibility.  As a result, all the conditions make it ideal for trekking and tours across Upper Mustang. 

Monsoon season (June to August):

Unbelievably, the rainy season is also ideal for doing the Upper Mustang Trek. Despite the fact that the monsoon season brings rain, there is less rainfall in the area. 

Mustang is a region of rain shadow behind the Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. During these months, rain won’t ruin the trip and will still provide beautiful scenery. It is therefore strongly recommended that you visit Mustang in the summer, too. 

Upper Mustang stays dry even during the monsoon season. However, Pokhara–Jomsom flights may face delays or cancellations due to poor visibility elsewhere. Add one or two buffer days to your itinerary. You can also travel by jeep from Pokhara as a reliable backup. The overland route is not affected by flight schedules.

Winter season (December to February)

The least pleasant season to visit Upper Mustang is the winter. This is due to the intense weather that occurs around this time, which includes snowfall and wind. Even the inhabitants in this area will travel away during the winter and return when the weather warms up.

Afternoon winds are a near-daily feature from spring through autumn, especially in exposed stretches near Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. A windproof jacket, a buff or scarf for dust, and trekking poles for stability are worth packing regardless of which season you choose.

FAQs: Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek

What is the best time of year for the Upper Mustang Trek?

• The best time to trek in Upper Mustang is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is stable, the temperature is moderate, and the skies are clear for the perfect views.

Is it possible to trek Upper Mustang in the winter?

• In winter month at Upper Mustang, the temperature can reach up to -16°C at night. Also, due to heavy snowfall, the Upper Mustang trekking trail will be covered with snow and difficult to navigate. So, due to harsh weather in winter and for safety reason we don’t suggest you travel in winter.

Can I trek Upper Mustang during the monsoon season?

• Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, meaning it receives minimal rainfall, making the trek possible even during monsoon season. However, the Pokhara–Jomsom flight can face delays due to poor visibility, so it’s worth building in a buffer day or planning a jeep as backup.

Why is autumn considered the most popular time for this Upper Mustang trek?

• During autumn, daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to -6°C to -2°C (21°F to 28°F). Due to the stable weather and moderate daytime temperatures, many people enjoy trekking during this season. Additionally, the clear visibility offers breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes.

Are there any festivals in Upper Mustang to plan a trip around?

• The famous three-day Tiji Festival, celebrated annually by the people of Upper Mustang, is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist event that usually takes place in May, though exact dates shift slightly each year with the Tibetan lunar calendar.

Are trails crowded during the best trekking months?

• Compared to other popular trekking destinations like the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Upper Mustang trekking trails attract fewer travelers. This allows you to enjoy a peaceful journey along the beautiful trek without the worry of crowds in the tea houses, lodges, or on the trails.

What to do in Jomsom Flight Delayed or Cancelled during the bad weather?

• The Jomsom flight depends upon weather conditions, and in Jomsom the weather is unpredictable. The high mountain and the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge create sudden shifts in wind speed, visibility, and cloud cover, often leading to flight delays or cancellations. In this case, you can use road transportation (a private jeep) to reach your destination.

Do We Need Permits for the Upper Mustang Trek? Do Seasons Affect the Permit Cost?

All the trekkers who wish to do this beautiful Upper Mustang trek must obtain two permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit & Restricted Area Permit(RAP). The Nepal Tourism Board issues these permits. The cost of the permits is the same throughout the year, but in peak season(spring and autumn), the office remains busy, so it’s better to get the permit in advance to avoid the delay or inconveniences.

Read more: Upper Mustang Trek Permits and Cost

Posted on July 31, 2026August 3, 2026 by Senior Writer/Content Creator