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 Upper Mustang Trek?
Let’s explore the detailed insights in selecting the ideal time for a convenient adventure and discovery.
Table of Contents
Understanding Upper Mustang
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 that of the Tibetan plateau. Often people are amazed by its stunning landscape and ancient 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.
Factors Influencing the Best Time to Trek
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 that 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. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during daytime and 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during nighttime.
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 freezing point during winter (December to February). In addition, the region is likely to be windy during winter.
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 the month of 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 consisting 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 the month of 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 part take in them. Nevertheless, it comes with a cost which is it can be crowded.
As a result, it might be difficult to find accommodations and also the price can be slightly higher. Therefore, it is best to book in advance during these times.
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 Teji 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 but 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.
Winter season (December to February)
The least pleasant season to visit Upper Mustang can be 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.
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