When is the best time to visit Mustang Nepal?
This is one of the first questions potential travelers to Nepal ask to want to Upper Mustang trek in Nepal.
Whenever figuring out the best time to trek Upper Mustang, the most important considerations are climate and the popularity of the sites.
Besides this, it also depends entirely on your interests. In fact, Upper Mustang can be visited at any time of the year.
Yes, I'm right even in the monsoon time when most of the popular trekking is not recommended, Upper Mustang trek is possible.
Are you looking for Upper Mustang Trekking? View Package here or Call Now: +9779851183278
Nepal is a place full of trekking paradise. Here trekking is possible all year round.
Normally, most of the trekkers come in dry season right after or before the monsoon. Very few people prefer to travel during the monsoon seasons.
Yes, of course, the reason behind this is raining every day. This makes difficult to walk on the trail and mountain views are also unclear because of the cloud.
But today I am focusing on one of the best adventures in Nepal that can be more beautiful during the monsoon time only.
In fact, the Upper Mustang region lies in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna massif which nearly blocks away from all the rain and clouds during monsoon months.
It is highly recommended during monsoon to escape the wet trekking trails of the Annapurna region. The main problem during wet seasons is muddy and slippery trails with leeches. All these problems may create a troublesome experience for trekkers.
Nevertheless, you can easily get away from those wearisome difficulties on the trail even though if you’re trekking in monsoon months.
Also, during these months, the water level of the Kali Gandaki River decreases due to less rainfall. So, this make enables us to take a vehicle to further distance in the region, hence making ease on the commute.
Normally, during monsoon weather is clear and days are also warm and comfortable for the trek. Thus, warm weather also makes fewer problems of cold and hence there’ll be less chance of altitude sickness.
All in all, warm day temperatures, peace trails, and clear mountain views make monsoon season the best time to visit Mustang Nepal.
Upper Mustang is part of the Mustang Kingdom. It is situated in the middle of the Himalayas along with the Kali Gandaki River. It is one of Nepal’s most mysterious and least identified kingdoms.
The main highlight of the Upper Mustang trek is Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang Nepal. You'll find quite similar arts, culture, tradition, and religion of this area to the Tibet.
The landscape is quite similar to the Tibetan highlands. The place is dry almost all year and surrounded by sandy rocks. This trekking region is dominated by the Tibetan Buddhist ethnic communities.
Upper Mustang trek starts from Pokhara to the Jomsom flight and then following on foot towards the Kagbeni village and reaches up to Lo Manthang. It is moderately easy trekking that is generally done in the barer landscape with the strong winds blowing in the afternoon.
To help you figure out the best time to visit Mustang Nepal, below the four seasons are described;
Mustang Nepal in March, April, May
The spring seasons are a very beautiful time to visit Nepal. The months of March, April, and May have such pretty weather, crystalline peaks and the fresh air in nature.
Spring has similar kind of weather conditions as the fall season. Thus, it is a great alternative to the fall seasons.
During the springtime, the lower part of the trails is blooming with beautiful rhododendron flowers.
Since the weather is clear and bright, visibility is also high during this time of year. This means the views of silver shining peaks to the south and rustic landscape to the north will be a perfect scenario!!!
Along with the natural beauty, during this time you’ll also get a chance to be a part of the unique spiritual Tiji festival.
It's all about holiness where the holy power defeats the demon. During this festival, the cultural dances are performed by the monks with a mythical story at Chode monastery.
The major attractions of the Lo Manthang Tiji festival are traditional Tibetan songs, custom colorful dresses, and sword dance.
Tiji festival is celebrated for 3 days in May. Many pilgrims from the world come to attend the holy festival of Tiji. It is also the best time to see the scenery. You can spend three days in Upper Mustang and can experience culture and festivals of the Himalayan religion.
Thus, the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal in spring seasons offers you both a wonderful cultural and adventure traveling experience.
Mustang Nepal in June, July, August
In Nepal, from June to August the summer starts with the heavy monsoon in almost all parts of the country.
Nepal geography has a uniquely diverse landscape with a widest altitude range. Each altitude has its own weather from tropical heat to arctic cold.
Since the Upper Mustang regions lie to the north of the Himalayas, in their rain-shadow, it doesn’t experience the monsoon. Also, due to the high altitudes (2,700 m above), the temperature is also cooler at this time.
Besides, June to August is the best time of the year to visit Mustang to see the vegetation of Himalayan arid plateau
During monsoon, in most parts of Nepal, you wouldn’t get clear mountain views. But in Mustang, they would be almost guaranteed!!!
While trekking on the trail, you don’t have to worry about the slippery and muddy road with leeches, and unclear mountain views.
Despite the four-seasons accessibility, but you need to be aware of transportation might get a bit trickier during the monsoon time.
As Pokhara is affected by the monsoon, so sometimes flights may be canceled or delayed. The road connections are also quite not so good due to wet, muddy and slippery roads.
Thus, it’s a good idea to keep several buffer days in case of delayed connections.
Mustang Nepal in September, October, November
Since the Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow area of Himalayas it is quite magnificent during monsoon time. But it is still a great time to visit Mustang Nepal from September to November.
Besides, October and November are also the best time of the year to discover Upper Mustang in autumn. During this time of the year, you can trek with ease and comfort along the trail.
Since the weather is stable, on the trail you’ll enjoy the amazing views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, and other peaks.
But you need to keep in mind that during this time of the year the trail is full of trekkers. You might have to face difficulties to get the room and flight tickets. So, if you're planning to travel during peak seasons then advance booking for accommodation and flight are highly recommended.
Mustang Nepal in December, January, February
The Upper Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point of the trek is only 3,800 meters from the sea level. But in winter, Mustang is really cold due to heavy snowfall. The temperatures fall to minus degrees Celsius.
But still, this time of year is suitable for trekking and hiking at the lower altitudes normally 3,500 meters. The thing is you need to be well-prepared with trekking gear.
Likewise, from the end of December local people start to leave Lo Manthang.
Most of the tea houses are closed during this time of the year. Only a few people stay to take care of animals and villages.
Final Thoughts
Come choose the best time to visit Mustang in Nepal. Upper Mustang will take your breath away. Whenever you go, you'll never forget this adventure trip.
Upper Mustang has maintained its uniqueness and you'll get a chance to come close to the old Tibetan culture.
Still, if you're wondering when is the best time to trek mustang Nepal then please feel free to contact us for any queries.
We'll plan your holidays at the right time of year and make you clear before booking the Upper Mustang trek with us.