Upper Mustang at 3,840m in May or June can be warm in direct sun at midday and below 0°C overnight. The wind drops the effective temperature further. You need a layering system that handles this range without overloading your pack.
Base layers: 2–3 sets of merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking tops and bottoms. Merino is preferable for odour management on a multi-day trek where laundry is occasional.
Mid layers: A fleece jacket (medium weight) and insulated down or synthetic puffy jacket for evenings and cold mornings. Both should pack small.
Shell layer: A waterproof, windproof jacket is essential. Even though precipitation is low, the wind on the plateau is intense. A proper hardshell or 3-layer gore-tex jacket (not a fashion raincoat) makes a significant difference.
Trekking pants: 2 pairs of convertible trekking trousers. Shorts aren't suitable – the UV is extreme and thorn scrub on some sections makes bare legs unpleasant.
Festival day: Bring one set of cleaner, more presentable clothing for the three festival days in Lo Manthang. Not formal – but arriving at a 400-year-old religious ceremony in visibly sweated-through trekking clothes is worth avoiding for the extra 500g.
Trekking boots are non-negotiable. The terrain north of Jomsom includes rocky trail, dry riverbeds, loose scree on ridge crossings, and occasional ice patches in shaded valley sections in early season. Ankle support matters. Boots should be already broken in before you fly to Nepal – blisters on day 3 of a 12-day walking section are not a fun problem.
Bring camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings in lodges. Gaiters are useful for the dusty sections on the open plateau – they keep Mustang's fine dust out of boot uppers, which quickly degrades waterproofing if left unaddressed. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for descent sections and balance on windy ridgelines.
A sleeping bag rated to -10°C or lower is essential for Lo Manthang nights. Even in May and June, nighttime temperatures drop well below freezing, and guesthouse rooms are unheated. Many lodges provide blankets, but these aren't a substitute for a proper sleeping bag at this elevation. A lightweight sleeping bag liner adds warmth and keeps your bag cleaner.
Sleeping bag rental is available in Kathmandu (Thamel) and sometimes Pokhara if you prefer not to travel with your own. Confirm the temperature rating before accepting a rental.
Your guide carries a basic first aid kit and a pulse oximeter. You should carry: ibuprofen, loperamide, rehydration salts, blister plasters (Compeed or equivalent), a small roll of zinc oxide tape, antiseptic wipes, and any personal prescription medication with backup supply.
Discuss Diamox (acetazolamide) with your doctor before departure. If prescribed, start 24 hours before ascending above 2,500m. Sun protection is critical at this altitude: minimum SPF 50 sunscreen, zinc-based lip balm, and UV-blocking wraparound sunglasses – not fashion sunglasses. The UV index at 3,800m is severe. Read our altitude acclimatization guide for a full health preparation overview.
See our Tiji Festival Photography Guide for detailed camera advice. Key electronics: carry a portable power bank (2+ charges capacity), a multi-country power adapter, and your own USB cables. Electricity in Upper Mustang lodges is solar-based and weather-dependent – don't rely on charging daily. A head torch with spare batteries is essential; Lo Manthang's lanes after dark are genuinely unlit.
Leave behind: large rolling luggage (bring a 50–65L pack and a daypack), heavy cotton clothing, dress shoes, excessive toiletries, and anything breakable or irreplaceable. The jeep tracks are rough and packs get bounced around. For the full official packing list, see our dedicated resource page.
Questions about availability, pricing, or building a custom itinerary for the 2027 Tiji Festival? We reply within 24 hours.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
TripAdvisor