Mustang is one of the ancient and rare places to visit in Nepal. These days, therefore, the number of people visiting Mustang has increased tremendously. Upper Mustang trekking has been as popular as Everest and Annapurna trekking recently, and the Upper Mustang trekking season draws adventure seekers from all over the world.
Mustang is mostly popular for apple farming and historical monuments such as ancient caves, Mustang monasteries, and forts, which are made with different architectural designs. It is divided into two parts, Upper and Lower Mustang. Upper Mustang was a restricted region before and was opened in 1992 for foreign trekkers. Whereas, Lower Mustang is a remote village which is famous for orchards, rhododendron, and apples. The traditional Mustang villages across both regions carry a rich Tibetan culture Mustang has preserved for centuries.
The best time to visit Upper Mustang is during Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November). These are widely considered the Mustang best trekking months among trekkers and local guides. You will also get a chance to celebrate the Tiji festivalof Upper Mustang if you visit Mustang in May. As Upper Mustang is a rain shadow area, Mustang rainfall patterns remain very low during Monsoon/Summer (June, July, August). So Monsoon/Summer is also one of the best seasons for visiting Upper Mustang. But in winter, the upper Mustang is very cold, and people migrate to a lower settlement during this season. Because of this, people usually avoid visiting Mustang during winter.
Trip Highlights of Mustang
- Visit Muktinath temple, one of the most popular places for Hindus and Buddhists.
- Comfortable lodges and teahouses at Lower Mustang.
- Exploring the beautiful Tibetan culture that Mustang is known for, including Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens.
- A popular destination for mountain climbing, mountain cycling, and cultural tours.
- The Independent Tibetan Kingdom. The royal people still live in the Upper Mustang.
- You can experience a different side of Nepali culture.
- Visiting Marpha village, which is popular for apple pies and orchards.
- Kali Gandaki Valley and Gorge, the deepest Gorge in the world.
- Visiting the forbidden kingdom of Lo, also known as the Lo Manthang trek region.
- Mustang receives less rainfall as it is the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Mustang Weather and Temperature Guide
Checking the Mustang weather forecast before your trip is one of the smartest things you can do. This Mustang climate guide breaks down what to expect season by season so you can plan with confidence.
Upper Mustang Weather Season by Season - Full Table
| Season | Months | Avg. Temp (Day) | Avg. Temp (Night) | Rainfall | Wind | Trekking Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar – May | 8°C to 15°C | -2°C to 5°C | Very Low | Moderate to Strong | Good - popular season |
| Summer / Monsoon | Jun – Aug | 15°C to 22°C | 5°C to 10°C | Low (rain shadow) | Moderate | Excellent - one of Nepal's best kept secrets |
| Autumn | Sep – Nov | 5°C to 15°C | -5°C to 3°C | Very Low | Calm to Moderate | Very Good - clear skies, stable weather |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | -2°C to 5°C | -15°C to -5°C | Low (snow) | Strong, Harsh | Difficult - many tea houses close |
Upper Mustang in All Four Seasons | Spring, Autumn, Summer, and Winter
Mustang experiences different types of weather according to the type of season in Nepal. There are four seasons namely, summer, winter, spring, and autumn. The weather and temperature of Mustang change as per these seasons.
The weather and temperature of Mustang play an important role in making your trip wonderful and memorable. Therefore, it is necessary to check the weather of the place before you start your trip.
Let us discuss the Upper Mustang visit in each season in detail.
Upper Mustang Trek in Autumn (September, October, November)
Autumn is one of the most perfect times of the year to visit Mustang, Nepal. Autumn is the peak season for trekking in Mustang, offering optimal trekking conditions across the region.
During Autumn, the weather on Mustang is usually dry and cool. The skies are clearer, and you will be able to view different mountains such as Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Nilgiri, and many other mountain ranges along the trails.
The temperature of the Lower and Upper Mustang ranges between 12 and 20 degrees. This temperature is very suitable for trekking. You will have a less challenging Upper Mustang trek if you visit Nepal during Autumn.
It is also very important to pre-book your flights and accommodations if you are planning a trek to Mustang during autumn, since it is a peak time for trekking.
Why Choose Autumn for Upper Mustang:
- Clear Visibility: Post-monsoon, the air is clean, offering breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
- Comfortable Temperatures: Days are warm and pleasant, while nights are chilly, perfect for walking.
- Optimal Trekking Conditions: Minimal rain or snow ensures stable, safe trails.
- Cultural Experience: September often marks the end of the monsoon with greener landscapes, while October/November brings brilliant, golden-red landscapes
Upper Mustang Trek in Mustang in Spring ( March, April, May)
Spring falls in the month of March, April, and May in Nepal. It is the second-best choice of time in the year for trekking or mountain climbing in Nepal. Spring offers a favorable environment for trekking in Mustang. The overall beauty of Mustang is visible during this season which will make your tour unforgettable.
One of the popular festivals of Upper Mustang, the Tiji festival, falls in the month of May and lasts for 3 days. This makes May one of the best Mustang festival trekking times of the year. During this festival, different rituals and traditional dances are performed at the Chode Monastery. You will get a chance to enjoy the Tiji Festival if you visit Mustang during the month of May.
Spring is the time of the year when new plants grow, and flowers bloom. You will surround yourself with the immense beauty of nature as you trek to Mustang. The Mustang temperature in spring ranges from 16-20 degrees, which is neither too cold nor too hot for trekking.
If you plan on trekking to the Upper Mustang during spring, it is good to check the Mustang weather forecast before you leave for trekking. You might expect some rainfall during late May in the Mustang region.
Key Spring Highlights (March, April, May):
- Weather: Spring offers the best weather with stable, pleasant temperatures for trekking, particularly in April and May when the climate is warmer.
- Tiji Festival: Occurring in mid-May in Lo-Manthang, this three-day festival is a major attraction.
- Scenery: While the region is an arid high-altitude desert, spring brings green fields and blooming flowers to the lower areas of the trek.
- Wind & Dust: Winds can be high in the afternoon, especially in spring, requiring proper windproof gear.
Upper Mustang Trek in Summer (June, July, August)
When we think about summer, we usually think about the summer rainfall and the hot climate. Most of the places in Nepal experience heavy rainfall during this time, due to which we see fewer trekkers during this season. But Upper Mustang doesn’t get rainfall during the summer.
Summer is one of the most favorable times of the year for the Upper Mustang trek, particularly for those who enjoy high-altitude trekking and the raw beauty of a Mustang desert trek. The days are longer and the sky clearer. The temperature of Mustang is mild during summer, which ranges from 13- 20 degrees; perfect for trekking.
However, you may experience wet weather in Lower Mustang during the summer, making your trails muddy and slippery. But do not worry. The natural beauty of Mustang looks even more beautiful after the light rainfall. The flora and fauna are seen best during this time. Yet, do make sure that you check the weather forecast before you leave for trekking. You might also expect some flight delays because of the heavy rainfall.
Upper Mustang Trek in Winter (December, January, February)
Visiting Mustang in winter (December–February) offers a serene, snowy landscape with fewer crowds, particularly in Lower Mustang (Jomsom, Muktinath), which remains accessible with daytime temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius but cold nights of - 1 degrees Celsius to - 15 degrees Celsius. Upper Mustang faces severe cold, with temperatures hitting -25 degrees Celsius, leading to local migration and limited services.
Key Winter Aspects:
- Weather: Very cold, dry, and windy. Snowfall is common, often blanketing the Muktinath region.
- Lower Mustang (Accessible): Areas like Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Marpha remain open, providing a great experience for viewing snowy peaks (Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri) in solitude.
- Upper Mustang (Extreme): Many tea houses close and locals may move to warmer regions, making independent travel difficult.
- Why Go: Unmatched, quiet views of the snowy trans-Himalayan landscape.
Winter in Mustang is one of the coldest among all the seasons. Because of this, many trekkers prefer summer, spring, and Autumn over winter for the Mustang trek. The temperature of the Upper Mustang decreases towards minus degrees during winter in Mustang.
The trekking trails are covered with snow during winter. Many people of Mustang descend to a lower altitude during this season because of extreme cold. You may not have to face difficulty while trekking to the Lower Mustang at this moment. However, you may face some difficulty in Upper Mustang trek.
If you are someone who loves isolation and loves challenging treks, you should definitely trek to Mustang during the winter season. Always check Mustang winter trek conditions in advance and carry appropriate trekking gear for Mustang. With appropriate trekking gear, this trek is doable in all seasons.
Some Tips for Mustang Trek
- You can trek to Lower Mustang throughout the year, though you will need special Upper Mustang trekking permits to enter the restricted area beyond Kagbeni.
- It is always better to carry appropriate trekking gear for Mustang, especially during the summer, monsoon, and winter seasons.
- Spring, autumn, and winter are the best times for trekking to the Lower Mustang; for Upper Mustang, Spring, autumn, and summer are the most suitable.
- It would be best if you avoid trekking to Mustang during the monsoon season. But if you are equipped with all the necessary gear, you can go for it.
- If you love celebrating festivals, you should visit Nepal during the autumn when major festivals of Nepal like Dashain and Tihar Fall.
- To avoid trekking to Mustang in a crowd, it is better to travel during off-seasons such as summer and winter.
In Which Month Is There Snowfall in Mustang?
Snowfall in Mustang, Nepal, primarily occurs during the winter months from December to February. Heavy snow frequently blankets the Upper Mustang region and the Muktinath area, with temperatures dropping below -25 degrees Celsius. The very first snowfall of the season often begins in late October.
Key Snowfall Information for Mustang:
- Peak Snowfall Months: January and February are the coldest, with heavy snow often blocking high-altitude trails like the Thorong La Pass.
- Early Season Snow: First snowfall typically occurs in late October or early November, particularly around Muktinath.
- Lower Mustang: While Upper Mustang is arid, lower areas like Jomsom can also receive snow, particularly in January.
Can we visit Upper Mustang in January?
Yes, you can visit Mustang in January, but it is extremely cold, challenging, and suitable only for well-prepared travelers or seasoned adventurers seeking solitude. While Lower Mustang remains accessible, January is peak winter with heavy snowfall likely, temperatures dropping below -15 degrees to -25 degrees Celsius at night, and many locals temporarily leave for warmer areas.
Conclusion
Mustang is one of the beautiful places to visit in Nepal, which will provide you with natural beauty and lifetime of memories. You can choose any time of the year to visit Mustang, as its beauty remains the same in every season. But, in the case of trekking, you may have to think about the best time of the year for trekking to Mustang.
Autumn and spring are one of the preferred seasons for Mustang trekking. If you are an experienced trekker, you will not have problems trekking in any seasons. It would be better if you take some physical training before trekking to Upper Mustang especially if you are a beginner.
If you have any questions regarding the best time to visit Mustang, you can contact us at Index Adventures. As a trusted Upper Mustang trekking agency, Index Adventures will provide you with various other information related to the Mustang tour. We have Mustang trek packages which can also be customized according to your choice, and we can help you plan a guided Mustang trek that fits your schedule and budget.
Do not hesitate to ask us.
