Best Time to Trek Upper Mustang: Month by Month
The best time to trek Upper Mustang is from April to early June and from September to early November. Days are clear and mild, and all the teahouses are open.
Upper Mustang is also one of the few treks in Nepal that works in the monsoon, from June to August. It sits in the rain shadow behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, so it stays mostly dry while the rest of the country gets rain.
Avoid December to February. It is very cold, many locals move south for the winter and a lot of teahouses in the upper villages close.
- Best months: April, May, September and October
- Also good: June to August, thanks to the rain shadow
- Avoid: December to February
- Tiji festival: Lo Manthang, usually in May or early June, dates set by the Tibetan calendar
- Highest point: about 4,280m at Chogo La
- Main weather issue: strong afternoon wind all year
- Last updated: October 2026
In This Guide
Why Upper Mustang Is Different
Most of Nepal gets heavy rain from June to August. Upper Mustang does not. The big mountains to the south block most of the clouds, so the valley gets very little rain all year. It is dry, brown and open, and feels more like Tibet than the rest of Nepal.
That changes the usual season advice. In Mustang the main limit is not rain, it is cold. Winter is harsh at around 3,800m, and the high villages empty out.
Upper Mustang Month by Month
| Month | Weather | Good for trekking? |
|---|---|---|
| January | Very cold, many lodges closed | No |
| February | Very cold, many lodges closed | No |
| March | Cold, villages coming back to life | Possible late in the month |
| April | Clear, cool, getting warmer | Yes, very good |
| May | Warm days, clear, Tiji festival | Yes, one of the best |
| June | Mostly dry, warm | Yes, good |
| July | Mostly dry, some cloud and showers possible | Yes, good for a monsoon trek |
| August | Mostly dry, some cloud | Yes, good for a monsoon trek |
| September | Clear, warm days | Yes, very good |
| October | Clearest skies, cool | Yes, one of the best |
| November | Clear, cold nights | Good early, cold later |
| December | Very cold, lodges closing | No |
These are general patterns. Mountain weather can change, so check the conditions for your dates.
Spring: March to May
March is still cold in Lo Manthang, and some families are only just coming back from the south. By April the villages are open, the days are clear and walking is comfortable. May is the warmest spring month and the time of the Tiji festival.
The Tiji festival
Tiji is a three day Buddhist festival in Lo Manthang. Monks perform masked dances that tell the story of Dorje Jono, who defeats a demon that threatened the kingdom. It is the busiest time of year in Upper Mustang, so book early if you want to be there.
The dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar and change every year, usually falling in May or early June. For 2027, trekking operators currently list 1 to 3 June, but the dates are not officially confirmed yet. Ask us before you book around the festival.
If Tiji is the main reason for your trip, plan your dates around the festival first, then build the trek around it.
Summer and Monsoon: June to August
This is when Upper Mustang really stands out. While the rest of Nepal is wet and cloudy, Mustang usually stays dry, with blue skies over the canyons. The fields around the villages turn green and the trails are quiet.
Two things to know. The journey in still passes through wetter areas, and Jomsom flights can be delayed by cloud around Pokhara, so leave a spare day or two in your plans. And Mustang still gets some rain, just far less than elsewhere.
For other options at this time of year, see our guide to trekking in Nepal in the monsoon.
Autumn: September to November
September starts warm as the monsoon ends to the south. October usually has settled weather and clear views, and is one of the best months to go. November is still clear, but nights get very cold, and by late November some teahouses in the upper villages start to close.
Winter: December to February
Winter in Upper Mustang is harsh. Temperatures drop well below freezing, especially at night, and strong wind makes it feel even colder. Many people in the upper villages move to lower areas for the winter, and a lot of teahouses close. Jomsom flights are also cancelled more often. For a normal teahouse trek, we do not recommend going in winter. Choose spring, summer or autumn instead.
The Wind
Whatever month you go, expect strong wind in the afternoon. It blows up the Kali Gandaki valley almost every day, often from late morning. That is why trekking days in Mustang start early, and why Jomsom flights only run in the morning.
Bring a windproof jacket, sunglasses and a buff or scarf for the dust.
What to Pack for Each Season
- Spring and autumn: warm layers, a down jacket for mornings and evenings, and a sleeping bag rated to around -10°C
- Monsoon: a light rain jacket for the journey in, sun protection and the same warm layers for the nights
- All year: a windproof shell, sunscreen, sunglasses and a buff for the dust
Planning your budget too? See our guide to the Upper Mustang trek cost, or view the full itinerary on our Upper Mustang trek page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to trek Upper Mustang?
May and October. May has warm days and the Tiji festival, and October usually has settled weather and clear views.
Can you trek Upper Mustang in the monsoon?
Yes. It sits in the rain shadow, so it stays mostly dry from June to August. That makes it one of the best monsoon treks in Nepal, though rain can still delay the journey there.
Can you trek Upper Mustang in winter?
We do not recommend it. It is very cold, many teahouses close and a lot of locals move south until spring.
When is the Tiji festival?
Tiji is held in Lo Manthang, usually in May or early June. The dates follow the Tibetan calendar and change every year, so confirm them for your travel year before booking.
How cold is Upper Mustang?
In spring and autumn the days are mild but nights drop below freezing. Winter is much colder, well below zero at night.
Does the season change the permit cost?
No. The Upper Mustang permit is USD 50 per person per day in every season, and it is included in our package price.
