16th Feb, 2024

Upper Mustang Trek in May

Venture into Nepal’s mystical Upper Mustang in May and June 2025, where ancient Tibetan culture meets ethereal desert landscapes beneath crystal-clear skies. Traverse the hidden trails of the Forbidden Kingdom, from sunlit valleys to sacred monasteries, and experience the allure of Mustang’s timeless beauty in the ideal trekking season
 

In May, the Upper Mustang Trek unveils itself as a journey not just of altitude, but of time—a pilgrimage into Nepal’s "Forbidden Kingdom" where myth and earth become one. Starting from Jomsom at 2,720 meters, you embark on a trail shaped by winds and whispered legends. The Kali Gandaki River carves a path between towering cliffs, its dark depths breathing mystery as if it holds the stories of centuries past.

Each step deeper into Mustang feels like stepping through a portal, the very air tinged with something sacred. At 3,000 meters, villages emerge like stone relics preserved in the amber of time. Kagbeni, an ancient town where adobe houses line narrow alleyways, welcomes you to its labyrinth of red-washed walls and fluttering prayer flags. Here, the chants from secluded monasteries blend with the soft rustle of barley fields, their tender shoots alive under the bright May sun.

As you ascend, the landscape shifts, trading the verdant lowlands for the stark grandeur of Mustang’s high desert. Past 3,500 meters, you cross the arid expanse of the Tibetan plateau, where hues of ochre, rust, and sandstone cover the cliffs like a natural fresco. The mountains stand bare and solemn, like timeworn sentinels keeping vigil over the trails below. Wind, relentless and wise, shapes each ridge and valley, carrying whispers from across the Himalayas and scouring the land into raw, breathtaking formations.

At Nyi La Pass, cresting 4,000 meters, the view broadens, and a new world opens before you. Peaks and valleys roll like waves of an ancient, petrified sea, where jagged rock and dust carry the weight of a thousand years. The thin air pulls your breath into slow, reverent rhythms, each inhale a reminder of the elevation, the journey, and the endurance of those who have walked these paths before. The prayer flags that adorn the pass flicker like the guardians of secrets known only to the wind.

Finally, you reach Lo Manthang, at 3,840 meters, a hidden kingdom walled in mystery and silence. In May, Lo Manthang stirs, the high walls basking under vast blue skies. Within, cobbled streets weave through a maze of ancient structures, and the monks’ chants rise in solemn harmony with the distant echo of horse hooves. Here, Tibetan culture stands as timeless as the surrounding cliffs, preserving rituals that seem as natural as the mountains themselves.

May’s clear skies bring an unrivaled clarity, allowing the sun to drape this ancient land in warm light, illuminating a realm that feels both earthly and ethereal. The Upper Mustang Trek is not only a passage across landscapes and altitudes, from 2,720 meters to the high kingdom at nearly 4,000 meters, but a journey into Mustang's soul. Each step, each breath is a step closer to understanding the serene resilience and sacred beauty that lie at the heart of the Himalayas. In the end, it is not just Mustang you discover, but a part of yourself lost to time, found again among these windswept trails and whispered myths.

1# What is the typical weather in Upper Mustang during May?

In May, Upper Mustang experiences mild, stable weather as it sits within the rain shadow of the Himalayas, meaning it is dry even when other regions are rainy. Days are generally sunny, with clear skies allowing beautiful views of the landscape, while temperatures are moderate. Rain is rare, making it an ideal time for trekking.

2# What temperatures can I expect during the trek?

During May, daytime temperatures in Upper Mustang range between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), providing comfortable conditions for trekking. At night, temperatures can drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes, ranging from 5°C to 0°C (41°F to 32°F). Layered clothing is essential to adjust to these variations.

3# What are the main challenges or difficulties on the Upper Mustang Trek?

Major challenges include the altitude, as parts of the trek reach over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), especially around passes like Nyi La. The terrain can also be rugged and dry, with strong winds common in exposed areas. Although the trails aren’t highly technical, stamina and acclimatization are essential.

4# How should I prepare for altitude-related issues?

Altitude sickness is a concern due to elevations above 3,500 meters (11,482 feet). Plan for acclimatization days, stay hydrated, and ascend gradually. Bringing medication like Diamox (after consulting with your doctor) can also help prevent symptoms.

5# What clothing and gear are essential for May in Upper Mustang?

Layered clothing, including a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, and windproof outer layer, is crucial due to varying temperatures. A warm sleeping bag (rated for below 0°C) is advisable for chilly nights, along with sturdy trekking boots, gloves, sunglasses, a hat, and sunblock for protection against strong UV rays.

6# Is May a crowded season for the Upper Mustang Trek?

May is a popular month, especially due to festivals like Tiji, which attract both locals and international trekkers. However, Upper Mustang’s remote location and controlled access keep it from feeling overly crowded. Reservations for accommodations in Lo Manthang and popular villages are recommended in advance.

7# How do I get permits for the Upper Mustang Trek?

The trek requires two main permits: a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang, costing approximately $500 USD for the first 10 days, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These can be arranged through a registered Nepali trekking agency, as you must travel with a guide.

8# Are there places to stay and eat along the route in May?

Yes, the trail has teahouses in villages like Kagbeni, Chele, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang, where you can find basic accommodation and meals. However, choices may be limited, and the food menu is often simple, focusing on local dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, and Tibetan bread.

9# What fitness level is required for the Upper Mustang Trek?

The trek is moderately difficult due to long daily walks (5-7 hours), elevation gain, and rugged terrain. Moderate physical fitness and prior trekking experience are beneficial. Training with cardio, endurance, and leg-strengthening exercises is recommended in the months leading up to the trek.

10 #What unique experiences can I expect in Upper Mustang in May?

May is a cultural highlight with the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, a three-day Buddhist celebration that showcases ritual dances, colorful attire, and ancient customs. The festival is an extraordinary experience, offering insights into Mustang’s Tibetan heritage against a backdrop of majestic landscapes.

Upper mustang Trekking in Nepal in June

In June, the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal becomes an odyssey into an untouched realm where the Himalayas hold their breath. This "Forbidden Kingdom," shrouded in myth and mystery, unfurls beneath vast cobalt skies as trekkers weave through ochre-colored cliffs and echoing canyons. June’s warmth softens the rugged terrain, inviting pilgrims to wander ancient trails that wind through deep gorges, across high-altitude passes, and past villages where time has seemingly paused.

Beginning in Jomsom, the path follows the Kali Gandaki River, cutting through the heart of Mustang’s majestic valleys. The land is both austere and awe-inspiring: every ridge and valley painted in hues of crimson, amber, and gold, as if molded by the hands of forgotten gods. Crossing Nyi La Pass at 4,010 meters, the elevation brings a crisp clarity, with winds carrying secrets and stories that only the high desert can whisper.

Reaching Lo Manthang, the ancient walled city at 3,840 meters, the air thickens with timeless reverence. Cobbled pathways thread between red-and-whitewashed homes and gompas, where prayer flags stretch like colorful rays across the stark landscape. Here, history and heritage live as vibrantly as the landscape, each stone and monastery holding a story. June’s gentle sun casts a golden glow over Mustang’s austere beauty, illuminating a realm both surreal and serene—a place where the spiritual and the earthly merge seamlessly, offering a journey as eternal as the mountains themselves.