Mustang, Dec 6: Daily life across upper Mustang has been thrown into hardship as temperatures continue to plunge, reaching as low as –15 degrees Celsius during the early mornings and evenings. Locals say the cold wave gripping the region is harsher than usual this year, forcing residents to adopt survival strategies and disrupting essential services.
According to Karma Namgel Gurung, Chair of Ward No. 2 in Lomanthang, the freezing temperatures have caused irrigation canals, household taps, and natural water sources to solidify. With flowing water inaccessible for hours, residents rely on melting snow with firewood, LPG, or other fuel sources—an annual but increasingly difficult practice.
The extreme cold has also triggered a seasonal migration. Traditionally, nearly all residents of upper Mustang descend to lower altitudes before winter sets in. However, this year, over 300 people have chosen to remain, hoping to endure the cold or due to personal and economic reasons.
Local tourism entrepreneur Ram Gurung said most households in Lomanthang have already moved to warmer areas. The once-bustling village—home to nearly two dozen hotels catering to domestic and international trekkers—now stands mostly shut for the season. Tourism, one of Mustang’s primary income sources, has slowed to a standstill.
Development and construction work have also been halted. “Nothing moves forward in this weather,” said local representative Dhukke Bista, noting that even transporting materials becomes nearly impossible once snowfall begins.
Despite the adverse conditions, security operations will remain uninterrupted. Police Inspector Santosh Basyal stated that police units stationed in Lomanthang, Chosar, Chonup, Charang, Ghami, and Surkhang will continue functioning throughout winter. The presence of the Korola border check point and the Nepal–China customs office makes continuous operation essential. “Only in cases of heavy snowfall or extreme emergencies do we temporarily pull the units down,” he said.
Life in One of Nepal’s Coldest Districts
Mustang, situated between 2,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level, is among Nepal’s coldest and driest regions. Much of upper Mustang receives snow for four to five months annually, with winter temperatures often dropping between –10°C to –20°C. Historically, some areas have recorded temperatures as low as –25°C during peak winter.
The district has a population of around 14,000, scattered over rugged settlements where traditional livelihoods revolve around pastoralism, barley and buckwheat farming, and tourism. Life becomes extremely challenging in winter as water freezes, roads become blocked, and access to health care and supplies becomes limited.
Yet, Mustang’s unique Tibetan-influenced culture, fortified villages, and dramatic trans-Himalayan landscapes continue to draw global attention—even as residents brace each year for one of the harshest climates in Nepal.
Also read: State of Lakes of Nepal: Conservation Challenges and Climate Change Impacts
