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 best time for a convenient adventure and discovery.
Table of Contents
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 that of the Tibetan plateau. Often, people are amazed by its stunning landscape and ancient Tibetian 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.
Must Check: Upper Mustang Trek- 16 Days Package
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 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.
Worth reading: How to Plan The Perfect Upper Mustang TrekFestivals 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 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 it can be crowded.
As a result, it might not be easy to find accommodations, and also the price can 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 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 the,re 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 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.
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, 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 temperaute can reach upto -16 at night. Also due to heavy snowfall the Upper Mustang trekking trail will be coverd with snow and difficult to navigate. So due to harsh weather in winter and for safety reason we don’t sujjest you to 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 the monsoon season. However, traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara, either by road or flight, can be challenging during this time due to heavy rainfall, which may cause delays or disruptions.
Why is autumn considered the most popular time for this Upper Mustang trek?
- During autumn, daytime temperatures ranges 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 or June. This unique cultural festival offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the region.
Are trails crowded during the best trekking months?
- Compared to the other popuar trekking destination like Everest base camp and Annapurna base camp trek you can expect less traveller in Upper Mustang trekking trails. You can enjoy the peaceful path on this beautiful without worring worrying about crowd in tea house/ lodge and trekking trails.
What to do in Jomsom Flight delyead or cancelled during the bad weather?
- The Jomosm flight depends upon weather conditions and in Jomsom the weather is unpredictable. The high mountain and and the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge creates sudden shifts in wind speed, visibility, and cloud cover, often leading to flight delays or cancellations. In this case you can use the road transportation( 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 two permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit & Restricted Area Permit(RAP). This permits are issued by issued by the Nepal Tourism Board. The cost of the permits is same throught the year but in peak season(spring and autumn) the office remains busy so its better to get the permit in advance to avoid the delay or or inconveniences.
Read more: Upper Mustang Trek Permits and Cost
