May brings Upper Mustang to its vibrant spring peak, with the high desert fully alive under intense sunlight and the longest days of the year. The arid landscape bursts with scattered wildflowers, green accents against red rock formations, and ancient monasteries glowing in the warm light. Snow remains only on the highest peaks, framing crystal-clear turquoise skies and distant views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. This is the month when the "Forbidden Kingdom" feels most dynamic—culturally electric, photogenic, and alive with the anticipation and celebration of the famous Tiji Festival.

May offers excellent conditions: warm days ideal for walking, mostly dry trails, and a special cultural highlight that makes the journey unforgettable. While crowds increase toward the festival (typically mid-May), the experience balances natural beauty, comfortable trekking, and immersive Loba traditions at their most expressive.

Why Trek in May?

May ranks among the top months for Upper Mustang, combining near-ideal weather, blooming spring elements, and the highlight of the Tiji Festival—a rare opportunity to witness sacred rituals that few travelers experience.

• Peak Spring Vibrancy

Wildflowers are more abundant than in April, valleys show more green against the stark desert, and the red cliffs and eroded landscapes appear even more dramatic under the high sun. Visibility is exceptional, with long, clear days delivering stunning panoramas.

• Warm & Comfortable Trekking Weather

Days feel pleasantly warm, often the most enjoyable for sustained walking. Temperatures allow light layers, with nights still chilly but noticeably milder than earlier spring.

• The Tiji Festival Highlight

Mid-May hosts the renowned Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang—a three-day Buddhist celebration featuring masked dances by monks, rituals symbolizing the victory of good over evil, colorful costumes, and community gatherings. This adds profound cultural depth, with monasteries and villages buzzing in preparation and festivity.

• Higher but Rewarding Crowds

May sees the highest number of trekkers in spring, especially around the festival, but trails remain manageable compared to more mainstream routes. The energy feels festive rather than overwhelming.

• Active Nature & Wildlife

Birds are plentiful, blue sheep are more visible on open slopes, and spring vegetation brings extra life to the dramatic scenery.

Weather Conditions

May marks the warmest and sunniest part of spring in Upper Mustang—dry, stable, and increasingly bright, though wind and UV remain strong factors in this rain-shadow zone.

• Daytime: Temperatures generally range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), feeling comfortably warm in the sun, especially in the lower and mid-sections.
• Nighttime: Cool to chilly, dropping to 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) in higher settlements like Lo Manthang; light frost possible early in the month.
• Precipitation: Very low—occasional light showers possible in late May as the monsoon approaches elsewhere, but Mustang stays mostly dry. Afternoon winds can strengthen but are predictable.

Trail Condition in Mustang during May

Lower Mustang (Below 3,000m) - Jomsom, Kagbeni

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Jomsom	2,720m	Dry, wide valley trails with excellent visibility	Stronger afternoon winds than in April; dust storms are more frequent
Kagbeni	2,800m	Stable paths, clear sections, bustling with trekkers	Dusty stretches intensified by wind; cool nights remain

Mid-Mustang (3,000m-4,000m) - Chele, Syangboche, Ghami

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Chele	3,055m	Dry trails, rocky sections	Sun exposure, minimal shade
Syangboche	3,930m	Clear paths, open ridgelines	Thin air, cool winds
Ghami	3,520m	Firm ground, open terrain	Cold evenings, dry air

Upper Mustang (Above 3,500m) - Tsarang, Lo Manthang

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Tsarang	3,505m	Dry trails, exposed plateaus with striking vistas	Windy afternoons; dust carried across open plains
Lo Manthang	3,810m	Well-defined paths, lively town atmosphere during the Tiji Festival	Cool nights, strong sun; crowded teahouses and festival bustle

Essential Gear for May

May in Upper Mustang feels like stepping into two different worlds within the same day—a high-desert summer under the blazing sun, and a lingering winter once the peaks swallow the light. Trekkers must prepare for intense UV exposure, relentless winds, and dramatic temperature swings that define this season. Packing smartly is the difference between comfort and struggle.

Layered Clothing: Sun to Shade Transition

The desert-type climate demands a system that adapts quickly to extremes. You’ll often peel layers under the midday sun, only to reach for warmth as soon as shadows stretch across the valleys.

• Active Layer:

Breathable, long-sleeved merino or synthetic base layers are essential. They shield against the harsh sun while wicking sweat, keeping you cool and dry during long climbs.

• Mid-Layer:

A lightweight fleece or down vest provides just enough insulation for breezy passes like Nyi La, without weighing you down.

• Static Layer:

Evenings in Lo Manthang or Tsarang drop sharply in temperature. A medium-weight down jacket is non-negotiable for comfort in teahouses and during stargazing nights.

• Wind Shell:

The “Mustang Breeze” intensifies in May. A high-quality, lightweight windbreaker is critical to prevent wind chill and dust from sapping your energy.

Footwear: Dry & Dusty

By May, trails are bone-dry, rocky, and often dusty, demanding footwear that can withstand long hours of uneven terrain.

• Sturdy Trekking Boots:

Opt for boots with strong ankle support. The rocky descents and exposed ridgelines can punish weak footwear.

• Lightweight Gaiters:

Not for snow, but for dust. Gaiters keep fine scree and alkaline dust out of your boots, reducing friction and preventing blisters.

Sun Protection: Intense High-Altitude UV

The sun in May is unforgiving, magnified by altitude and reflected off pale canyon walls. Without proper shielding, trekkers risk burns and eye strain.

• Wide-Brimmed Hat + Neck Gaiter:

A hat protects your face, while a gaiter doubles as a dust mask against mule caravans and windstorms.

• Category 4 Sunglasses:

Strong lenses are essential to combat glare from cliffs and snow peaks.

• SPF 50+ Sunscreen:

Reapply every two hours. Focus on vulnerable spots like ears, nose, and the underside of your chin, where reflected rays strike hardest.

Hydration & Nutrition: Dry Air Demands

The desert dryness in May is deceptive—you may not feel sweaty, but your body loses moisture rapidly in the wind.

• Hydration Strategy:

Aim for at least 4 liters daily. Electrolyte powders help maintain salt balance and make local water more palatable.

• Quick-Energy Snacks:

Nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars provide fast fuel during exposed climbs where the sun drains stamina quickly.

Safety Tips for May Trekking in Upper Mustang

May’s warmth and festival excitement can sometimes lull trekkers into underestimating the environment. The days feel inviting, with clear skies and celebratory energy, but the high-altitude desert remains unforgiving. Strong winds, intense UV radiation, and elevation challenges demand careful preparation and discipline.

Early Starts: Beat the Wind

The most predictable hazard in Mustang is the afternoon wind, which intensifies in May. By late morning, gusts funnel through the Kali Gandaki valley, reaching speeds of 40–60 km/h. These winds sap energy, dehydrate trekkers, and whip up dust storms that sting the eyes and lungs.

• The 11:00 AM Rule:

Always aim to be on the trail by 7:00 AM. Mornings are calm, clear, and far more comfortable for walking.

• Energy Management:

Finishing your trek by early afternoon allows you to rest in a teahouse while the winds rage outside.

• Comfort Factor:

Avoiding headwinds not only conserves stamina but also reduces the risk of altitude fatigue caused by dehydration.

Altitude Awareness

May’s warm days can be deceptive. The pleasant climate masks the silent challenge of altitude, making trekkers more likely to push too hard without noticing symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

• Gradual Ascent:

Stick to the golden rule—do not increase your sleeping altitude by more than 500m per day.

• Listen to Your Body:

Headaches, nausea, or loss of appetite are warning signs. Stop and rest until symptoms clear; never ascend further while unwell.

• Deceptive Terrain:

Trails may look like rolling hills, but you are consistently trekking between 3,500m and 4,200m, where oxygen levels are significantly reduced.

Festival Considerations

May is synonymous with the Tiji Festival, held in Lo Manthang (mid-May 2026: around May 14–16). This cultural highlight draws crowds from across Nepal and abroad, transforming the walled city into a vibrant hub of ritual and celebration.

• Accommodation:

Book teahouses in Lo Manthang well in advance; rooms fill quickly during festival days.

• Respect:

Sacred dances and ceremonies are deeply spiritual. Dress modestly, avoid obstructing rituals, and follow local guidance.

• Immersion:

The festival is a rare chance to witness authentic Loba traditions—participate respectfully, and you’ll gain a deeper connection to the region’s heritage.

Insurance & Permits

Upper Mustang remains a restricted trekking zone, requiring proper documentation and insurance.

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP):

Costs $ 500 for 10 days and must be carried at all times. Checkpoints in Kagbeni and Tsarang are vigilant during peak season.

• Insurance:

Standard travel insurance is insufficient. Ensure your policy covers health care and helicopter evacuation upto 4,000m. In case of emergencies, heli-rescue is often the only way to reach medical facilities.

• Guide Protocols:

Your guide will handle registrations, but keep copies of your documents accessible for inspections.

Conclusion

May captures Upper Mustang at its most alive and accessible. Warm weather, blooming contrasts, and the cultural spectacle of the Tiji Festival create an experience of profound beauty, comfort, and authenticity. For those wanting the ultimate blend of nature, adventure, and living tradition in the Forbidden Kingdom, May delivers one of the most memorable journeys possible.