Best Time for the Upper Mustang Trek

When is the Best Time for the Upper Mustang Trek? Check out this best guide.

As the pediatric region of Nepal, Upper Mustang is a place rich in culture, folklore, and, of course, stunning views of nature. This isolated area of Nepal is known as the ‘Last Forbidden Kingdom’ because it was originally part of the Tibetan empire. The people there still speak Tibetan languages and follow their traditions.

The throwback that we are going to make shall be fundamental and bring back things that Shall be fundamental. 

Upper Mustang remained restricted to foreigners until 1992, which greatly contributed to keeping it isolated and pristine.It is not as green or filled with valleys as other regions one might associate with Nepal. Here, you can feel the spirit of the desert and a film-like setting, with high cliffs, ancient caves, and villages that seem to have been turned upside down by the winds. 

Lo Manthang is the capital of Upper Mustang which was the palace or the fortress like city of the Mustang Kingdom. It is an Ancient City with palaces, monasteries, and homes established in 1,380 by King Ame Pal and inhabited by historical personalities. Lo Manthang is like walking through the ancient times where the breeze is carrying prayer flags and monks chanting fills the breeze from the monasteries. 

In this post, the phenomenon peculiar to Mustang and representing its spiritual core is medialization. 

Upper Mustang is a significant place for spirituality, home to some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world. These monasteries are not just places of worship; they are historic monuments, featuring unique frescoes, majestic wood carvings, and cultural relics. The 15th-century Thubchen Gompa, unparalleled in other regions, holds a unique spiritual significance.

The Tiji Festival, held annually in Lo Manthang, is the most important religious festival in the kingdom. This three-day event, celebrated by the people of Upper Mustang, features colorful masked dances and rituals, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the triumph of good over evil.

A Trekker’s Paradise 

For those keeping it real and in search of the next big adventure, there is Upper Mustang trekking available. The journey to Upper Mustang is one of those rare treks that offer a spectacular test of entering some of the world’s loftiest mountains such as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri without the pedestrian company that often follows such feats. 

This starts from the village of Kagbeni, leading to the restricted part of Upper Mustang. Some of them pass through such features as bare plateaus, cutting through cliffs, running along the slopes beside monasteries, and high altitude passes that offer picturesque views of the towering bergs. The scenery is grim and yet appealing, the cultural tour on this trek is the most fulfilling of all treks in the Kingdom of Nepal.

Preservation and Conservation 

Still, the region of Upper Mustang has issues with the processes of modernization and climate change. There are attempts to ensure that the culture and physical environment of this area is protected. Tourism is helpful and trekkers are advised to avoid littering the area and disturbing the manners of the native people. 

The area of Upper Mustang is partially closed for tourists, so if one wishes to get there they’ll have to obtain a special permit. Such restriction assists in regulating the flow of the tourist and at the same time makes sure that the cultural value of this area is not eroded. 

Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty

Hiking is enjoyable to do in Upper Mustang and is a memorable experience but still not devoid of some difficulties. This part of the world, is characterized by steep hills, great history and archeology challenges most hikers encounter in terms of physical, geographical and other limitations. Here is a breakdown of what the day by day trekking in the Upper Mustang entails. 

1. Altitude and Acclimatization 

Elevation Gain: 

The walk through the Upper Mustang starts from Kagbeni at 2,800m – 9,186, ft up to 4,200m – 13,780 ft at Lo La Pass. The enhancement in altitude presents certain challenges physically more so in regard to those who are not used to high altitudes. 

Altitude Sickness: 

Acidosis of the blood and altitude sickness are undoubtedly real. The effects of this illness can be classified from low altitude headache and dizziness to more severe cases of HAPE or HACE. Particularly trekkers require to be patient and properly acclimatise by gradually ascending and taking rest if necessary. 

Acclimatization Tips: 

• Climb up gradually, especially for beginners to avoid having to faint half way. 
•  Drink fluids, though try not to consume alcohol or too much caffeine. 
•  Pay attention to your body and know the signs of acute mountain sickness. 
•  It may also be recommended that one take Diamox (acetazolamide) to facilitate acclimatization though this must be done under doctor’s advice. 

2. Terrain and Trail Conditions 

Rugged and Arid Landscapes: 

Geographically, Upper Mustang is not like any other place in Nepal concerning the type of landscape the area has. It is arid with loose gravel and rocky terrain and climbing and steep drops are featured frequently. Few trees also implies there are very few places that one can find shade from the scorching sun when making the trek. 

Challenging Trails: 

The trails in the Upper Mustang district are many a time, small and narrow, and pass through gorges, over passes and along the face of cliffs. Sand and gravel in this case can in one way be disadvantageous in that they may make it difficult to have a firm standing thus causing a number a slips and falls. Due to these terrains, trekkers must always be ready and have a good standing to accommodate such terrains. 

Physical Fitness: 

Good level of physical fitness is required for this trek. Each day is a challenging one and even though the distances are not very large each day as in some other treks of Nepal, the high altitude, uneven and perhaps strong winds make every day a tough one. 

3. Weather and Climate

Harsh Weather Conditions: 

The region of Upper Mustang is situated in the rain shadow, which is backed up by the Himalayas, and thus getting extremely low precipitation even in the monsoon time. Nevertheless, this entails certain extremities in terms of temperatures. 

Weather varies from very hot during the day especially in the low laying areas, to cold during the night especially in the high altitude areas.  

Wind: 

Another complication of trekking in the Upper Mustang is wind which can be very piercing sometimes. The vigorous and constant wind, especially in the afternoon, complicates movement on foot in the location. The wind can be tiresome and may lead to dust storms; this means that the visibility is an issue and the journey becomes tiring. 

Seasonal Considerations: 

Best Time to Trek: Hiking in the upper Mustang region is best done during the spring seasons, March-May and the autumn season from, September-November. That it is at this times that the weathers are relatively stable, and there is little cloud cover and moderate temperatures. 

Winter: It is possible to trek during winter (December to February), but as you know winter time is very cold; sometimes at night it is very hard. 

Monsoon Season: Despite all these facts the region of Upper Mustang does not remain locked out of rain completely and the lower areas of this region will get rain during the monsoon period turns the trails slippery and challenging. 

4. Logistics and Accommodation 

Restricted Area Permit: 

Namely upper Mustang is geographically restricted, which mean that trekkers must have special permit to get in. The permit is costly as compared to the other trekking areas in Nepal and anyone who wishes to trek in the region has to be in a group or hired a guide from the registered ones. 

Accommodation: 

Lodging is again not plush and mainly involves teahouses and lodges; they offer simple rooms mostly with shared bathrooms. The facilities are almost standard but as you climb higher, there is little or no access to hot water and electricity. Booking and expectations should be realistic expecting that the camp accommodates will be relatively basic. 

 Food and Water:

Teahouses provide very simple fare, the staple being Dal Bhat, that is lentil soup with rice, and other Nepali delicacies. Nevertheless, the types of food become scarce as you move up the levels and the prices of goods are also high due to challenges in conveying food supplies. Drinking water can be bought at the places, where teahouses are located, but boil charms or water filter should be used to purify water from the rivers, springs, etc. 

5. Mental and Emotional Challenges 

Isolation: 

The upper Mustang region feels isolated and lonely in its remote areas because few people venture there for trekking and other purposes.

On one hand, it is beneficial for those who want to live a lonely life, on the other hand, it is mentally tiring. There is always loneliness or even homesickness due to barren terrains, almost primitive living standards with very few facilities from the contemporary world and little or no contact with the outside world. 

Cultural Adaptation:

They have their own unique culture; however they have strong Tibetan connections and as a result, their culture is highly influenced by the Tibetans. One has to accept local customs that are appropriate, and be extremely sensitive to the significance of religious places, and accommodate to the languid speed that prevails in these areas. Thus, this cultural immersion can be mentally beneficial, as well as uncomplimentary for those who do not have a clue about traditions. 

6. Preparing for the Trek 

Physical Preparation: 

• Perform cardiovascular exercises like hiking, running, and cycling regularly to improve endurance. 
•  Regularly wear a backpack containing some equipment to create a real life trekking feeling. 
• To combat the irregularity of the road or the trail, strength training targeting the legs and core muscles will suffice. 

Gear and Equipment: 

We recommend students wear a good quality backpack with back support. Tough pair of shoes for trekking with ankle support and with the bridge well worn in.

Use thermal wear as inner wear, along with a decent jacket, a warm down jacket, and a windproof jacket. 

Sun protection: The man can put on a high SPF sunscreen, shades, and a hat with a wide brim. Sticks can be used in the natural terrains in order to have better balance. 

Mental Preparation: 

 Acquaint with the impending difficulties in order to psychologically prepare for solitude, harsh terrain, and high attitude. One can suggest that the traveler should bring along some books, a journal, or any other form of material that he or she can engage himself or herself in when they are not moving. 

Best Time for the Upper Mustang Trek

The best time to trek in Upper Mustang is from the month of March up to May and from September to November. They are relatively the best times because there is good weather for trekking hence reducing the risks associated with trekking especially during rough weather. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each season:Here’s a detailed breakdown of each season: 

1. Spring (March to May) 

Weather and Climate: 

Temperatures: Summer: From April to early June, is a moderately warm season with day-time temperatures ranging between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F), and cold at night particularly in the higher raising areas. 

Clear Skies: The weather is normally fine but the topography is so inviting with prospect of chilly snow clad Himalayan ranges at various corner of the skies. 

Blooming Flora: Despite being in the rain shadow area, you will find some vegetation and wild flowers in some parts of Upper Mustang though they are rare at highest point of altitude but plentiful in the lower altitude all bringing colors in the area. 

Advantages 

• Pleasant Temperatures: The weather is mild which makes treks easier than they would be in hot temperatures. 
• Vibrant Landscape: The atmosphere is relatively greener than in the other seasons although there is some vegetation and flowers blossoming. 
• Festivals: You might be able to hear or get the opportunity to see the Tiji Festival, one of the most important cultural festivals in Upper Mustang celebrated during the months of May. 

Challenges: 

Crowds: It is generally good to know that Spring is one of the busiest trekking seasons in Nepal, therefore there might be more fellow trekkers on the trail, however Upper Mustang does not get half as crowded as for example Annapurna circuit. 

2. Autumn (September to November)

Weather and Climate: 

Temperatures: Autumn has a predictable climate for warm and sunny days followed by cool evenings. Daytime conditions are from 10 to 20 ° C (50 to 68 ° F), however, it becomes colder if one goes higher up into the mountains. 

Clear Views: Air is crystal clear after monsoons, so to see the mountains in clarity one can plan anytime after the monsoons. 

 Dry Conditions: The paths are now accessible and its good to hike when the trails is dry. 

Advantages: 

• Stable Weather: As for the weather, autumn is relatively homogenous with minimal inconven-tions to trekkers making it perfect for the activity. 
• Crystal Clear Views: The visibility is very good and you can easily take beautiful pictures of the fantastic views. 
• Cultural Immersion: Autumn is also a good season to taste the peculiarities of local celebrations and cultural marches. 

Challenges:  

• Cold Nights: Since you gain altitude as you go up, the nights can be rather chilly, so appropriate clothing is recommended. 
• Increased Trekker Traffic: Compared to other trekking areas in Nepal, autumn remains relatively quiet, but it is still more popular than this period.

3. Off-Season Trekking

Winter (December to February): 

• Challenges: Winter trekking is also possible in the Upper Mustang but it becomes very risky because of the low temperatures and extraordinarily in high altitude region. Certain teahouses and lodges might close for the season, and the path could become icy or snowy. 
• Advantages: It is a less populated area and a good opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and health-improving climate in the blanket of snow. 

Monsoon (June to August): 

• Challenges: The monsoon period is not recommended for trekking throughout most of Nepal’s regions mainly due to the rains, landslides, and parasites – the leeches. Nevertheless, Upper Mustang receives a meager amount rain since it resides in a rain shadow region of the Himalayas. The main danger during this time is high humidity and slippery trails in the lowlands as a rule.
•  Advantages: The sceneries can be greener with some vegetation, and there are fewer people in the trekking activity hence less crowd. 

Conclusion

Due to the climatic conditions, the best time for trekking in upper mustang is spring from March to May and autumn from September to November.

These seasons provide the best and the most favorable weather conditions for traveling and the route through this little bit mysterious and hidden part of Nepal will be safe and unique.