Upper Mustang Trek in Winter | Permits & Tips for 2026

Ever wondered how it feels to walk on a frozen desert-like landscape, caves, and old Tibetan villages in the cold season? The Upper Mustang trek in winter (December to February) offers exactly that. Trekking in Upper Mustang during winter is possible. The region lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, which results in lower snowfall than in many other trekking areas of Nepal. However, winter trekking here is not easy. Trekkers must prepare for extreme cold temperatures, which can drop to -25°C at night.

Winter also brings several advantages to Upper Mustang. The trails are less crowded with almost 70% fewer tourists. Trekkers have the opportunity to interact more closely with a few remaining locals and witness winter festivals in Mustang, such as La Phewa and Toren La in January and February. In the sections below, we explain these benefits in detail. Keep reading to learn about winter trail conditions, temperature ranges, main difficulties, and practical tips for trekking in Upper Mustang from December to February.

Table of Contents

What’s So Special About Trekking Upper Mustang in Winter?

Upper Mustang trek in December to January stands apart from any other season. The cold changes the land, the people, and the whole experience. The points below explain why winter turns this remote region into something special.

Desert Landscapes Covered with Snow

The first specialty of the trip to Mustang during winter is snow-covered desert landscapes. The region is famous for its red, ochre, and brown sedimentary cliffs. In winter, the snow covers its land and creates a “frosty beauty.” Due to the seasonal migration of locals and a lack of trekkers, the snow on the trails and within the walled city of Lo Manthang is undisturbed. So trekkers can walk on fresh, untouched snow without reaching extreme elevations.

Chance to Witness Winter-Specific Festivals like Lhosar

Winter in Upper Mustang provides an opportunity to witness local festivals. Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) falls in January or February. Families clean homes, prepare khapse, and perform rituals for good fortune. La Phewa festival occurs in January. It is a small community festival for health and prosperity. The Toren La festival includes archery contests and social gatherings. International trekkers may see small Christmas celebrations organized by agencies. And Holi occurs in late February or March, but is mostly celebrated in lower Mustang. The high Upper Mustang region focuses on local Buddhist traditions.

Off-Season Solitude on the Trails

While peak seasons like spring (for the Tiji Festival) and autumn see hundreds of trekkers, winter numbers drop significantly. You may walk for days without seeing another trekking group. Villages like Chele, Samar, and Ghiling stay almost empty as many locals migrate to lower altitudes. This creates a kind of living museum feel. Monasteries and mud-brick homes can be explored without crowds, and photographers can capture peaks like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna without any disturbance.

Cloudless Clear Skies for Stargazing

Winter skies during Mustang region treks become a perfect destination for stargazing and astrophotography due to its trans-Himalayan climate and remote geography. During the winter months, cold temperatures reduce atmospheric moisture by resulting in brighter star visibility than at any other time of year. Upper Mustang is one of the least populated and most remote regions in Nepal. Far from city lights, the skies are clear for astronomical observation and Milky Way photography.

Upper Mustang Weather and Temperatures in Winter

Upper Mustang in winter faces a continental “cold desert” climate. While days are sunny with clear skies, nighttime temperatures drop below freezing, and heavy snowfall covers the landscape. Cold nights are strong enough to freeze water sources and river crossings. Heavy snowfall can block high passes and side hikes, which makes some traditional routes impassable without substantial gear. Here’s a clear table showing the temperatures during the winter season.

Month	Avg Daytime Temperature	Avg Night Temperature
December	5°C to 12°C	-10°C to 0°C
January	0°C to 9°C	-25°C to -20°C
February	5°C to 14°C	-15°C to -10°C

Permits Requirements for Upper Mustang Winter Trekking

Upper Mustang is a restricted area trek, and permit rules apply in all seasons, including winter. The Nepalese government controls access to protect local culture and heritage. Winter trekking follows the same legal process as peak seasons. Here is a clear breakdown of permits.

Permits	Cost	Validity	Issued By
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)	USD 500 per person	10 days	Nepal Immigration Office
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)	USD 21 per person	One entry	Nepal Tourism Board

Note: Permits must be arranged before entering the region through a registered Nepali trekking agency, and independent trekking is not allowed at any time of year.

How Difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek in Winter

The Upper Mustang trek in winter is much harder than in spring or autumn. Night temperatures in January can fall to -20°C and sometimes reach -25°C, and day temperatures stay close to freezing. The strong valley winds increase cold stress on the body, and this effect becomes more serious because most trekking days are spent above 3,500M, where temperatures drop further. Passes like Nyi La (4,010M) and Marang La (4,230M) receive snow in winter, which can hide trails and slow walking speed. A local guide becomes essential for safe route finding.

Logistics add another level of difficulty in winter. Most teahouses close as residents move to warmer cities like Jomsom and Marpha. Food options remain limited, and heating is basic. Despite the cold, the weather stays dry due to the rain shadow zone. Trails avoid mud and water crossings, and skies remain clear most days. Gradual altitude gain helps trekkers with acclimatization when the pace remains slow.

Lower Mustang Situation during Winter

Lower Mustang stays active during winter, while Upper Mustang enters a kind of winter “hibernation.” Towns like Jomsom, Marpha, and Muktinath remain accessible most of the season. Day temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C and nights fall between -1°C and -5°C in the lower valleys. Higher areas like Muktinath can reach -15°C. Snowfall occurs one to four times a month and can briefly block roads and trails. Despite this, views of Dhaulagiri (8,167M), Nilgiri (7,061M), and Annapurna (8,091M) are very clear from the Muktinath Area.

Services in Lower Mustang continue through winter. Many lodges and teahouses are open, and locals do not migrate in large numbers. The Upper Mustang overland jeep tour takes 3-4 days to reach Muktinath, but snowfall can delay the journey on the Kagbeni to Muktinath road. Flights to Jomsom often face delays or cancellations in winter. If you only plan to explore Lower Mustang, a standard ACAP permit is sufficient, and a Restricted Area Permit is not required south of Kagbeni.

Tips for Winter Trek in Upper Mustang

Layer for Extreme Cold: Wear moisture-wicking thermal base layers, a thick fleece mid-layer, and a heavy down jacket. Windproof and waterproof outer shells are essential.
High-Quality Sleeping Bag: Bring a four-season sleeping bag rated for -15°C to -20°C. Many teahouses are unheated, so it will be your main source of warmth.
Sturdy Footwear: Use waterproof trekking boots with strong ankle support. Consider crampons or microspikes for icy or snowy trails.
Health and Skin Care: Carry a hot water bottle to keep warm and prevent water from freezing. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm to protect against winter UV rays.
Hire Mandatory Guides: Upper Mustang is a restricted area. Solo trekking is not allowed. Groups must include at least two trekkers and a licensed guide.
Confirm Open Lodges: Most locals migrate in winter, leaving many teahouses closed. Your guide should confirm accommodations during winter in advance.
Flexible Itinerary: Winter weather conditions can block high passes like Nyi La. Add extra contingency days to your schedule to stay safe.

Conclusion

Trekking Upper Mustang in winter is one of the most unique experiences in Nepal. The trails are quiet, villages are not crowded, and the desert-like landscapes covered with snow create amazing scenery. Clear skies make stargazing and photography ideal, while winter festivals like Lhosar and Toren La add cultural beauty. The trek is challenging with extreme cold, high passes, and limited teahouses, so proper gear, permits, and a licensed guide are essential. For travelers seeking adventure and solitude, this journey ranks among the best tours in Nepal.

Upper Mustang Trek

$2,099

5.0(2 reviews)

Starting in Nepal, there is a rare journey to the Upper Mustang Trek, leading to the last Forbidden Kingdom called Lo Manthang. Beyond the tall Himalayas and the reach of the monsoon, there lies a dry, desert-like land unlike much of Nepal. The trail was closed to outsiders until 1992, this area hold its old Tibetan culture and mysterious feeling. Along the way, there are ancient caravan trails, fortress villages, and monasteries built on cliffs, making it seem like a place frozen in time. As you travel through desert-like trails, you’ll pass through age-old villages like Kagbeni, traditional Mustangi homes, and mysterious cave monasteries. The journey winds past terraced fields, hidden valleys, and the banks of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. Along the way, take in stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. The stark landscapes are dotted with fossil rocks and sacred chortens. Lo Manthang, a walled city rich in legend and tradition, is at the heart of the trek. This is more than a trek, it’s a walk through living history.

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Mustang Overland Jeep Tour

$1,999

5.0(5 reviews)

The Upper Mustang Overland Jeep Tour is a quick and accessible exploration of the Upper Mustang region without the effort of long trekking days. Upper Mustang is known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal”. It was closed to outsiders until the early 1992. Since then, it slowly opened up and has now become a renowned travel destination due to easy roadway access. Many people visit there to experience its ancient culture, dramatic landscapes, and quiet charm, which remains untouched by modern life. The region feels like a different world, with dry, desert-like hills, red cliffs, and villages that reflect a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture. The 11 days Upper Mustang Overland tour package via jeep takes you deep into Nepal’s remote north, right up to the border of Tibet. Your journey starts in Kathmandu and takes you through famous places like Pokhara, Tatopani, Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Marpha before reaching the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. Along the way, you’ll explore monasteries, chortens, and prayer walls that share stories of the region’s spiritual heritage. You’ll also drive beside the Kali Gandaki River, known for its black fossils (shaligrams), and enjoy views of towering peaks like Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. Other highlights include visits to mysterious sky caves, rare Himalayan landscapes, and colorful local villages where people still live by ancient customs. The region is rich in history, and the quiet beauty of Mustang makes it one of Nepal’s most unique and unforgettable destinations.

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