Weather in Upper Mustang

About Upper Mustang

This forbidden kingdom hidden in erosion-carved red rock canyons was closed to foreigners until 1992, preserving Buddhist culture in almost complete isolation. The landscape appears extraterrestrial—multi-colored canyons, dramatic spires, and preserved monasteries exist in one of Earth's most remote locations. Trekking here requires special permits and feels like time travel.

Country

Nepal

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

NPR

Language

Mustangi, Tibetan

Things to do in Upper Mustang

Trek through dramatic red rock canyons Visit isolated mountain monasteries Explore ancient cave dwellings Interact with semi-nomadic communities Photograph otherworldly landscape formations Participate in local festivals in season

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

February

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

March

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

April

11C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

May

15C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

June

19C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

July

18C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

August

17C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

September

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

October

12C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

November

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

December

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

Upper Mustang is Nepal's last forbidden kingdom — a high-altitude desert squeezed between the Himalayan rain shadow, where eroded canyons in red and ochre lead to the walled medieval city of Lo Manthang. Until 1992 it was closed to outsiders entirely, and a special permit is still required; the reward is Tibetan Buddhist culture preserved with little of the trekking-route commercialism found elsewhere in Nepal.

Best areas to stay in Upper Mustang

Lo Manthang

The walled former capital of the Mustang kingdom, with a royal palace, centuries-old monasteries and narrow medieval lanes.

Kagbeni

The gateway village to Upper Mustang, where the restricted area begins, set above the Kali Gandaki riverbed.

Chele & Syangboche

Small canyon villages along the trekking route, known for dramatic eroded rock formations and ancient cave dwellings.

Lo La Pass

The high viewpoint above Lo Manthang offering panoramas across the Tibetan plateau-like landscape to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Getting to Upper Mustang

✈

Flights

Fly into Kathmandu, then on to Jomsom via Pokhara; Kagbeni (the entry point to Upper Mustang) is a short drive or walk from Jomsom.

⏱

From London

~11-12 hours from London to Kathmandu, plus internal flights and a multi-day trek or jeep journey.

🚕

Getting around

Travel within Upper Mustang is on foot or by jeep along rough mountain tracks; mules carry luggage on trekking itineraries.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Upper Mustang?

May to October is ideal — Mustang sits in the Himalayan rain shadow so it stays relatively dry even during Nepal's monsoon, though spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures.

Do I need a special permit?

Yes — a restricted area permit (around $500 for 10 days) is required, arranged through a registered trekking agency, alongside the standard ACAP permit.

How difficult is the trek to Lo Manthang?

Moderate — altitudes reach around 3,800m and the terrain is often windy and dusty, but daily ascents are gentle compared to high passes elsewhere in Nepal.

What's the food like in Mustang?

Simple Tibetan-influenced fare — thukpa noodle soup, tsampa (roasted barley), dried yak meat and butter tea, served in family-run guesthouses along the route.

Can Mustang be visited without a long trek?

Yes — a jeep route now runs most of the way to Lo Manthang, allowing a shorter visit for those without time for the full multi-day trek.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Like stepping into Tibet without crossing the border. Lo Manthang's old town and the painted monasteries around it were unlike anywhere else I've trekked.

Tom B. · September 2024

★★★★★

The permit cost felt steep but the lack of crowds made it worth every cent — entire days without seeing another trekking group.

Karuna P. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Dusty and windy, as warned, but the canyon scenery on the way to Lo Manthang was some of the most surreal landscape I've ever walked through.

Mike D. · May 2024