Located away in the remote corner of Nepal lies the region of Upper Mustang. This region is well known for its arid valleys, rocky cliffs, and ancient Buddhist culture. But did you know that this region, once a kingdom, was closed off to outsiders till 1992 AD? However, the good news here is that you can now visit this stunning location any time. However, the question now is – when is the best time to visit the Upper Mustang region?
In this blog, we talk about the best time to visit the Upper Mustang region. Along with this, we also cover some key highlights of this region as well. So, with this in mind, let’s get started!
Source: Wikipedia
If you are curious about the best time to visit Upper Mustang, we have good news for you. Regardless of any season you visit, you can always enjoy this region to its fullest. Following is a detailed look at the different seasons and their highlights in the Upper Mustang region.
Spring is undoubtedly one of the most popular times to visit the Upper Mustang region. The days are warmer, and the nights are cool. This season brings pleasantly moderate temperatures and, thus, is ideal for trekking along the ridges. The skies are clear with some afternoon clouds, and you can enjoy the stunning view of the grand Himalayas.
This season also has fewer tourists; therefore, you can enjoy the solitude of this remote place. Furthermore, the overall cost of visiting this place is lower. Furthermore, you can also visit ancient caves and monasteries during this season. Some of the monasteries and cultural sites that you can visit in this season are as follows:
Summer, also known as monsoon season, is a bit more crowded in this region. Because of the increased crowd, the price is also rather high during this season. This season is also optimal for trekking and hiking. The days are warm, and the nights are cool. Furthermore, you can also enjoy the Tiji festival. If you are curious about what this festival is, it is a three-day-long religious ritual that goes back many centuries. Tiji festival honors a deity named Dorje Jono and features activities like masked dancing, music, and vibrant costumes. This festival occurs during the month of May. So, if you plan your visit to Upper Mustang during this month, make sure to plan your trek to witness this special event. Along with the Tiji festival, summer is also the best time to explore major sites. Some of the major sites include the following:
Autumn brings cooler weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. This season also has lower prices as well. Furthermore, the skies are clear, and clouds are almost non-existent. Therefore, it is the ideal time to visit the Upper Mustang region of Nepal before the harsh winter season sets in. The days are mild, and the nights are cold. Furthermore, you can also witness the Yachting festival if you plan your travel right. This is a week-long harvest festival in Muktinath that is celebrated by horse racing and traditional dancing.
Some of the top attractions during the Autumn season include the following:
That said, you do need to prepare for the cold as the temperature regularly drops below freezing at night.
As the name suggests, the winter season is cold and dry. Therefore, it would not be a surprise to know that the night temperature regularly drops below -5 degrees Celsius. During this season, many guest houses close, only to open in spring; however, some tea houses still remain open.
That said, the winter does provide you with solitude and stunning views of the grand mountains. Furthermore, the locals are also very friendly. If you wish to experience the warm hospitality of the locals along with the boundless calmness of solitude, then winter is indeed the ideal season for you.
Some of the key highlights of the Upper Mustang trip in winter include the following:
Now that you know the key highlights of Upper Mustang in various seasons, some of you may wonder, what is the best time to visit Upper Mustang? Well the honest answer is – it depends on your specific preferences. However, the ideal conditions to visit this location lie in Spring and Autumn. These seasons fall between March to May and September to November.
During this season, the weather is good and there are fewer crowds, along with facilities and cultural events.
However, summer is also a good idea. During this season, you have access to open scenery, and you can enjoy the Tiji festival. Winter is a suboptimal season at best. However, it does offer you much-needed solitude and the majestic view of the snow-capped peaks.
Regardless of the season you choose to visit, Upper Mustang has something to offer for you.
Upper Mustang is one of the most beautiful regions of Nepal, located in the rural North. This region offers you a stunning view of the grand Himalayas, along with the warm hospitality of the locals. Therefore, it is an ideal place to visit if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, there is a lingering question – what is the best time to visit Upper Mustang?
In this blog, we talked about the four seasons of Nepal and their highlights for Upper Mustang. We hope you found this helpful. If you want further insights regarding various aspects of traveling, do check out some of our other blogs. And as always, thank you for reading till the end.
What is the best season for the Upper Mustang?
The best season to travel the Upper Mustang is during Spring and Autumn. The summer season can be a bit too crowded, and the winter can be a bit too desolate.
How many days do you need for the Upper Mustang?
You can trek the Upper Mustang region in around two weeks. However, you may need a month if you want to experience the rich culture of this region.
Is Upper Mustang Trek worth it?
Yes absolutely! The Upper Mustang trekking is well worth the money. You can visit many remote places, experience the warm hospitality, and witness the stunning Himalayas during this trek.
Lumbini is located in the Rupandehi District of Lumbini Province in Nepal and there are…
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal. It is known for being the staging…
Kathmandu is known as the city of temples. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. People…
Nepal has stunning beauty, rich culture, and diverse landscapes. It is home to a unique…
Nepal is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. It is home to…
Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular trek trails, ranking third among all other…