The Mustang area of Nepal is regarded as one of the best trekking spots in the world, and is one of the few places still able to offer a glimpse of a preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture in a landscape of dramatic erosional forms. For those planning a first time visit of this incredible region in Mustang Trek in Monsoons , this guide offers a good amount of information on weather, cultural aspects, and practical issues to make for an unforgettable trip.
Understanding Mustang
Mustang – or The Kingdom of Lo as it was historically known – is located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges in north-central Nepal. Its geography gives rise to a stark desert-like landscape, in notable contrast to the lush greenness of the rest of Nepal. It is divided into two areas – Upper Mustang (the restricted area of Mustang, north of Kagbeni) and Lower Mustang. Each part offers a different trekking opportunity.
Mustang was a separate kingdom until 2008 and has a strong cultural connection with Tibet. This has allowed ancient Buddhist practices, habitation, architecture, and ways of life that have died out in other areas to survive more or less intact in Mustang, making it a living museum of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Weather Conditions in Monsoon 2025
Nepal’s monsoon season represents an optimal time to trek in Mustang for several compelling reasons:
Temperature Range: The average daytime temperature is between 15-20°C (59-68°F) for Lower Mustang areas and 10-15°C (50-59°F) for Upper Mustang areas. Night time temperatures will be cool, dropping to around 3-8°C (37-46°F) in Lower Mustang areas and falling below freezing in Upper Mustang’s higher terrain.
Precipitation: Mustang receives very little precipitation year-round due to its position in the rain shadow. Monsoon 2025 would experience uncharacteristically low levels of moisture, which would create perfect trekking conditions everywhere with dry and clear trails.
Visibility: In contrast to other seasons, Monsoon conditions are renowned for visibility in the region. The clarity of the air in Monsoon 2025 will provide views of the Himalayan peaks surrounding you — Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri — without the historic haze you’ve seen in other seasons.
Wind Conditions: In Mustang, especially when further north into Upper Mustang, afternoon winds are a common occurrence. Beginning your treks early in the morning allows you to avoid the strongest winds, which usually build up into the afternoon.
Altitude Considerations: While trekking elevations will range from approximately 2,800m at Jomsom to 4,000m at Lo Manthang, the moderate temperatures during the 2025 monsoon will make acclimatizing to elevation less uncomfortable than in the colder months.
Geological Wonders of Mustang
Mustang’s landscape showcases some of the most remarkable geological formations in the Himalayas:
- Kali Gandaki Gorge: Regarded as one of the deepest gorges in the world, the Kali Gandaki cuts through the land between the massive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This ancient trade route showcases fossils dating back to the prehistorical Tethys Sea.
- Wind-Eroded Cliffs: Powerful winds over centuries have shaped the sedimentary cliffs, resulting in remarkable formations that lend a surreal and alien aspect to the landscape, especially near Drakmar and along the trek to Lo Manthang.
- Multicolored Hills: The minerals in the area produce striking bands of red, orange, yellow, and gray across the hillsides, especially vivid in the morning and evening light.
- Saligrams: The riverbed of the Kali Gandaki is known to contain black ammonite fossils and is considered sacred by Hindu pilgrims, who journey to find them, and see them as representations of Vishnu.
- Cave Systems: There are thousands of human-made caves situated in the soft cliff faces of Upper Mustang, some of which are more than 3,000 years old. These multi-level homes and meditation caves help illuminate the prehistoric patterns of habitation.
Biodiversity in an Arid Land
Mustang may look barren with its stark landscape of mountains, rocky terrains, and desert conditions, yet an incredible array of biodiversity thrives there, through evolution, adaptation, and resilience to the extreme and isolated conditions. There are regularly over 500 plant species growing in this region (some with medicinal significance). In many meadows and on valley floors, the monsoon of 2025 will bring colourful wildflowers, including saxifrage, primrose, and edelweiss, carpeting the meadows.
Additionally, there is the chance of wildlife viewing, including blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan griffon vultures, bearded vultures (lammergeiers), and other birds of the highlands. Snow leopard sightings occur, albeit very rarely, as they exist at higher elevations of the first major mountain range.
Ecological Zones: Trekking in Mustang passes through several ecological zones, from lower Mustang’s sub-alpine forests to Upper Mustang’s high-altitude desert, showing extraordinary diversity in a relatively short distance.
The people of Mustang have become adept in agricultural practices in a difficult region, including extensive irrigation systems that divert glacial melt from the mountains to terraced fields.
Required Fitness Level and Preparation
The Mustang trek demands a moderate to good level of physical fitness due to several factors:
Daily Walking Duration: Expect to walk 5-7 hours daily, covering distances of 10-20km.
Terrain Variation: The trail involves multiple ascents and descents across passes reaching nearly 4,000m, often on loose gravel or rocky terrain.
Altitude Considerations: While not as high as some Himalayan treks, the elevations still require proper acclimatization. The route design naturally allows for this when followed at a reasonable pace.
Preparation Recommendations:
- Undertake regular cardio training for 2-3 months before departure
- Include uphill hiking in your preparation if possible
- Practice walking 5-6 hours with a daypack (5-7kg) to build endurance
- Core strength exercises will help with balance on uneven terrain
Cultural Highlights and Festivals
Mustang’s cultural landscape offers exceptional experiences throughout the journey:
Architectural Heritage: The region is characterized by its unique whitewashed homes with flat roofs and elaborate woodwork, while Lo Manthang – a walled city – represents the height of traditional architecture.
Monastic Treasures: The ancient monasteries preserve an impressive collection of thangka paintings, statues, and manuscripts, including Namgyal Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Ghar Gompa, an impressive 1,200 year old monastery.
Cave Complexes: The cliffs surrounding Lo Manthang have an extensive system of caves that not only housed whole communities, but also monasteries. Some caves contain frescoes of Buddhist art which date back to the 13th century!
Local Lifestyle: Along the way, one can see people engaged in traditional agriculture, nomadic herding practices, and a variety of crafts that have survived for centuries in spite of modernity.
Festivals in Monsoon 2025:
Tiji Festival: The most important cultural event in Upper Mustang, this three-day ritual, known as “the chasing of the demons”, consists of monastery monks performing elaborate mask dances. In 2025, early dates point to it being the beginning of the monsoon season, yet it is advisable to check closer to your departure as the event follows the lunar calendar.
Sakaluka: This monsoon blessing ceremony occurs in most villages during the monsoon period and consists of prayer ceremonies and community gatherings. Unlike Tiji, these are local celebrations that foster a more intimate culture.
Metha Festival: Celebrated during monsoon in various Upper Mustang villages, this fertility festival reproduces the growing season with community dances and rituals.
Historical Significance of Mustang
Mustang was an essential corridor for salt-grain trading in the trade between Tibet and the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Many routes share the historic trade routes where traders once herded yak caravans. Even more so, Mustang was an independent kingdom with its own monarchy until Nepal’s unification in the 18th century, as the royal family (Lo Gyalpo) served in a ceremonial capacity until the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
Buddhism was brought to Mustang around the 8th century by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Later, it became a stronghold of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Mustang served as a base for Tibetan Khampa guerillas resisting Chinese occupation in Tibet during the 1960s. This surprisingly unknown aspect of Cold War history involved CIA support for the resistance movement.
Beginning in 1992, with the opening of Mustang to foreign trekkers, the region began to evolve in interesting ways. Roads, solar power, and telecommunication have even reached the most remote of villages, blending ancient traditions with modern influences.
Practical Considerations
Permits and Documentation
Restricted Area Permit: Upper Mustang requires a special permit costing € 456 for the first 10 days and € 25 for each additional day. These must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.
ACAP Permit: The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit costs NPR 3,000 (approximately € 20).
TIMS Card: The Trekkers’ Information Management System card costs NPR 2,000 (approximately € 15).
Accommodation Options
- Lower Mustang: Near the border of Nepal with China, tea houses provide simple but comfortable lodging arrangements with either private or shared rooms and dining spaces. Lodging varies by the degree of amenities available. Simple beds, equipped with a blanket, are available and are simple, but a sleeping bag is still suggested.
- Upper Mustang: Watch dispositions loosen as you move to the north and lodges become more basic with a smaller selection of amenities. Lo Manthang has several guest house lodges and is larger and provides better accommodations than smaller settlements.
- Electricity and Charging: While most lodges have electricity, they may often have scheduled outages, and lodges may charge for services around solar charging.
- Bathroom Facilities: Most lodges will have shared bathrooms and will occasionally have hot water in some larger settlements. Hot water may come as a charge.
Transportation Logistics
- Flying to Jomsom: Regular flights operate between Pokhara and Jomsom (25 minutes), typically departing early morning to avoid afternoon winds. For Monsoon 2025, flight availability should be good, but booking 2-3 months in advance is strongly recommended.
- Flight Reliability: Weather-related cancellations are common. Building buffer days into your itinerary is prudent, particularly for your return journey.
- Alternative Routes: If flights are cancelled, road access to Jomsom is possible via jeep from Pokhara (approximately 10-12 hours on rough roads).
- Transportation within Mustang: Local jeeps occasionally operate between some villages, but these should not be relied upon for your primary trekking plan.
Communication and Connectivity
Understanding the communication options in Mustang helps manage expectations:
- Mobile Coverage: Network accessibility has improved significantly in recent years, with basic connectivity having reached many villages along the trekking route. The most reliable in terms of connectivity is NTC (Nepal Telecom).
- Internet Access: Wi-Fi is available in some larger settlements like Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Lo Manthang, but the connection speeds are often slow and the service is unpredictable.
- Language Considerations: Guides and many lodge owners speak English, but it is helpful to pick up some basic phrases in Nepali. In Upper Mustang the local language is a dialect of Tibetan called Lowa.
- Emergency Communication: Most professional guides will carry satellite phones in the event of an emergency. The Himalayan Rescue Association also operates within the greater Annapurna region.
Culinary Experience in Mustang
The region offers distinctive culinary traditions worth exploring:
Staple Foods: Traditional meals are based on tsampa (roasted barley flour), thukpa (noodle soup), and Tibetan bread in different forms. These are high-energy foods well suited for the climate and trekking.
Distinctive Specialties: Look for regional specialties like gyathuk (pasta rolled by hand), shabhaley (pastry with meat inside), and marcha (local beer made of buckwheat).
Tea Culture: Butter tea is a household beverage, enjoyed by the household and offered to guests for occasions. The salty, creamy drink provides important calories and fats required for living in high altitudes.
Seasonal Availability: Monsoon 2025 brings additional variety to the offerings of lodges as the seasons move into summer and vegetables become available. Some lodges grow some of their own food in small greenhouse structures.
Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian options are offered throughout the length of the route, however, selection of vegetarian options will decrease, particularly in Upper Mustang. Those with strict dietary considerations/requirements need to notify their trekking agency in advance of the trek.
Environmental and Cultural Responsibility
The delicate ecosystem and cultural heritage of Mustang can only be sustained through responsible tourism practices:
- Show respect for local customs and always ask for permission before photographing people.
- Use established toilet facilities, or bury waste appropriately
- Carry out all non-biodegradable waste
- If possible, use water purification rather than buying plastic bottled water.
- Support the local economy by purchasing locally made products
- Dress modestly, especially during visits to religious sites.
Conclusion
The Mustang Trek in Monsoon 2025 is a wonderful opportunity to explore one of the Himalaya’s most fascinating and alluring regions. When weather conditions are agreeable, numerous well-developed trekking routes await you, and, in many cases, you have the opportunity to participate in local cultural festivals; it will be a transformative experience for any first-time visitor. Meanwhile, the exceptional scenery, the ancient Buddhist culture, and the graciousness of the local communities have combined to create a trekking experience that will resonate with you forever after you return home.
Experience Mustang with Glacier Safari Treks
For over 20 years, Glacier Safari Treks has led the way for responsible tourism in Mustang, delivering remarkable trekking experiences in the region. Our knowledgeable guides are not only certified professionals but are also locals who will provide you with the cultural expertise that the general traveler doesn’t always have. We limit group sizes to reduce impact on the environment and provide more personalized attention, and we maintain a strong relationship with local communities so that your visit is contributing positively to the tourism sustainability of the region.
For the Monsoon 2025 trips, Glacier Safari Treks have itineraries custom-designed to provide the best chance to experience seasonal festivals and the best weather conditions. We include all permits, accommodations, professional guides, who speak English and local dialect, and if needed, emergency services as well. Whether you are looking for a challenging trek traversing the entire Mustang circuit or a leisurely trip focused on cultural immersion in specific areas, we can create your ideal trip based on your interests, fitness level, and schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need prior high-altitude trekking experience for Mustang?
No specific high-altitude experience is required, but good general fitness and comfort with walking 5-7 hours daily is essential. The trek reaches moderate altitudes (maximum 4,000m) compared to other Himalayan treks. - How difficult is the terrain in Mustang compared to other Nepal treks?
Mustang features moderate terrain with well-defined trails, making it less technically challenging than routes like Everest Base Camp. The main challenges are occasional steep sections, loose gravel, and wind exposure. - Can I trek Mustang independently without a guide?
No, all treks to Upper Mustang legally require a registered guide. This regulation helps preserve the region’s cultural integrity and ensures proper management of the restricted area. - What’s the best way to deal with altitude sickness in Mustang?
The itinerary naturally allows for acclimatization, but staying hydrated, ascending slowly, and informing your guide of any symptoms immediately are crucial practices. Medication like Diamox can be discussed with your doctor before departure.
5. How much additional money should I budget for the trek beyond the package price?
Budget approximately USD 15-25 per day for additional meals, snacks, hot showers, charging devices, and discretionary purchases. Bringing extra funds for souvenirs and unexpected expenses is advisable.