Best time to Visit Mustang, Nepal

Spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons to visit Mustang. The weather is just right in these seasons and the views are straight out of pictures and paintings.

Unless you’re a hardcore adventurer, you can skip winter because Mustang faces heavy snowfall and the trails are covered with thick snow.

You might think that the Monsoon season is a no-go. Well, it’s quite the opposite. While the rest of Nepal gets drenched, Mustang stays pretty dry thanks to the rain-shadow area of the Annapurna range.

The best part is that you get to travel in fewer crowds and soak in the beauty of Mustang without getting soaked yourself.

Not to mention, Mustang is a year-round trekking destination, however, when planning it is important to consider its weather, climate, temperatures, and crowds.

Based on these factors, we’ve mentioned detailed information on each season in this blog, whether you’re planning a trek to Mustang or the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour.

Mustang in Spring (March to May)

If you’re visiting Mustang during spring i.e. from March to May, you're in for a treat. The weather is just perfect, the natural beauty is at its peak, and the cultural richness is truly mesmerizing.

With blooming rhododendrons, crystal-clear peaks, and vibrant cultural festivities, Mustang comes to life.

One of the highlights of Mustang in spring is the Tiji festival. It is a unique spiritual celebration where the holy power defeats the demon.

Held at the Chode Monastery in Lo Manthang, this three-day festival features amazing dances performed by monks, accompanied by traditional Tibetan songs and elaborate costumes.

Wildlife enthusiasts will also delight in the opportunity to sport various species such as the Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard, and Tibetian Wolf.

Weather Conditions and Temperatures during Spring

Spring brings clear skies and excellent visibility, blessing your eyes with panoramic views of majestic peaks and rustic landscapes.

April, in particular, offers crystal-clear vistas of iconic mountains such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. This is an ideal time to embark on the Upper Mustang trek.

With average daytime temperatures ranging from 16°C to 22°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to -6°C to -2°C, the weather remains comfortably cool for trekking and exploration during Spring.

Mustang in Summer (June to August)

Mustang in summer is filled with clear skies, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural delights you’ll forever cherish.

You get to witness the picture-perfect peaks without any clouds blocking your view. Not only that, in summer, Lower Mustang comes to life with lush fields and farmers harvesting crops like potatoes and barely.

This season’s highlight is the Yarthung festival. During August and September, you get to join the locals in celebrating this 4-day festival celebrated at full moon. During the festival, you’ll witness horse races, and cultural dances, and feast on delicious food.

Weather Conditions and Temperatures During Summer 

Summer in Mustang offers a unique experience distinct from much of the rest of the country. While monsoon brings heavy rains to most parts of Nepal, Mustang remains relatively dry during this period as it is located in the rain shadow area.

This makes it an excellent destination for trekkers seeking to avoid the typical challenges that come with the monsoon season elsewhere in Nepal such as slippery and muddy paths or encounters with leeches.

However, despite its appeal, traveling to Mustang during the summer does come with some considerations.

Transportation can be a problem due to the impact of the monsoon on roads and flights. Flights from Pokhara to Mustang may experience delays or cancellations due to poor weather conditions. Likewise, road connections can be challenging due to wet, muddy, and slippery roads.

The daytime temperature during summer is around 32°C and the nighttime temperature is around 21°C. While Upper Mustang enjoys its unique summer climate, Lower Mustang experiences warmer temperatures, particularly in June, making it the warmest time of the year.

Mustang in Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the peak season for trekking in Nepal, and Mustang is no exception. While it's a great time to visit, crowds can still be a concern. Nevertheless, Mustang is particularly beautiful during Autumn, with stable weather and dry trails making for a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience.

This season is also a time of celebration in Nepal, with the national festivals– Dashain and Tihar taking place. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the fresh apple harvest and also be involved in apple picking in Mustang.

Weather Conditions and Temperatures During Autumn

Weather is at its finest during autumn. The daytime temperatures are warm and pleasant making it the ideal time to trek, hike, and explore. The nights, on the other hand, are refreshingly cool.

In Upper Mustang, temperatures range from 12 to 20°C during the day and -8 to -4°C during the night.

Similarly, in Lower Mustang, the average daytime temperature is about 8 to 10 °C and nights are pretty cold.

Mustang in Winter (December to February)

Mustang in winter is a unique and breathtaking sight with pristine snow covering everything. As it is the off-season, you can enjoy trekking on quiet and peaceful trails.

Additionally, you can participate in the Toren La festival, which is the Thakalis' major celebration of the new year and takes place in February.

Since it snows heavily and temperatures drop significantly, trekking can be challenging. However, with proper training and equipment, it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But most tea houses close during this time of year due to the cold, and locals start leaving Lo Manthang towards the end of December. Therefore, booking in advance is necessary.

Weather Conditions and Temperatures During Winter

Mustang’s weather in winter is cold, dry, and sunny. The average daytime temperatures range from 0°C to 5°C and nighttime temperatures drop to as low as -25°C.

Between January and February, heavy snowfall occurs in some parts of Mustang, particularly Upper Mustang. Areas between 3,900m and 5,700m above sea level are more prone to heavy snow.

Snowfall in Lower Mustang is experienced during November or December depending on weather conditions.

Snow typically lasts from mid-December through mid-February in Upper Mustang and from October through January/February in villages like Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, and Jomsom.

Temperatures begin to increase around mid-February, and there is only occasional snowfall during this time.