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Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2026 – 14 Days
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2026 Quick Information
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Weather |
Weather | -10°C to 20°C | View Weather Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
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Duration |
Duration | 14 Days | |
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Difficulty |
Difficulty | Moderate | |
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Accommodation |
Accommodation | Lodges/Hotels/Resorts | |
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Meals Included |
Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | |
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Best Season |
Best Season | Sept, Oct, Nov, March, April, May | |
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Transportation |
Transportation | Overland + Flight | |
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Daily Activity |
Daily Activity | Approx. 5 – 6 hours | |
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Religion |
Religion | Buddhist, Bon Po | |
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Ethnic People |
Ethnic People | Tibetan, Gurung, Thakali | |
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Geographic Terrain |
Geographic Terrain | Mountain, Desert , Village, Rain-Shadow Area | |
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Region of Nepal |
Region of Nepal | Mustang, Annapurna Region | |
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Max. Altitude |
Max. Altitude | 3900m./12870ft. |
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2026 Overview
The 14 days Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking, begins at Kathmandu. Embark on a scenic half-day long road journey to Pokhara, followed by an equally scenic flight to Jomsom Town in Mustang. Enjoy the aerial tour of the lush Annapurna Valley and Annapurna massif along with the flight. The trek gradually advances along the Kali Gandaki River and goes north towards the wilderness of Upper Mustang. Explore the Tibetan-styled villages of Chele, Syangboche, Ghami, and Tsarang en route to Lo Manthang.
At Syangboche, you may witness centuries-old human-made caves. Lo Manthang or the walled city, is where you’ll witness the three-days Tiji Festival. Witness the local monks participating in the masked dance. Upon completion of the festival, you’ll begin retracing your path back to Jomsom. Catch the mesmerizing sights of Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri Peak (8167m), Nilgiri Central (6940m), and Tukuche (6,920m) along the trek. The trek concedes upon your return to Kathmandu via Pokhara.
Tiji Festival Short Video :
What History Does Tiji Festival Hold?
Tiji Festival is endemic to Upper Mustang. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. Started in the 17th Century, Tiji traces the folk history of Dorje Jono and Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche. Dorje Jono or Vajrakila was a deity in Vajrayana Buddhism who defeated evil forces and brought prosperity in the region.
Every year during May, Chode Monastery at Lo Manthang performs the special Vajrakila ritual. Instructed by Padmasambhava, the festival takes in the form of prayer chants and colorful dances, enacting the exact history of the battle. The festival is marked with performers dancing in disguise as demons and gods in eccentric masks and horns.
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking Highlights
- Witness the grandest and endemic festival of Tiji in one of the remotest regions in Nepal, Upper Mustang.
- Enjoy a two weeks long trek through the remote Kali Gandaki Valley and Lo Valley.
- Witness the iconic site of 2500 years old Jhong Cave and other human-made caves in Syangboche.
- Catch the majestic panoramic view of Annapurna I (8091m), Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Gangapurna.
14 Days Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking 2026 Itinerary
Day 1
8th.May.2026 : Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu
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Trekking Time Average |
200km – Drive to Pokhara ( Avg. 06 hrs.) |
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Accommodation |
Hotel Kausi |
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Altitude |
(820m./2706ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast |
Upper Mustang, Tiji Festival trip, begins at Kathmandu. After a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on a tourist bus and begin driving along with your trek guide and porter to Pokhara. Located 200km west to Kathmandu, the scenic overland journey goes alongside the massive Trishuli River. Witness the lush forests, massive river, and the Himalayas en route to Pokhara. The entire journey may last anywhere from 6 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll drive to Lakeside town of Pokhara and check into the hotel. You can spend the evening exploring the beautiful Phewa Lake and the neighboring town. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 2
9th.May.2026 : Fly to Jomsom – Trek to Kagbeni
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Trekking Time Average |
8km Uphill hike (Av. 3hr) |
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Accommodation |
Hotel Niligiri /Yak Macdonald |
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Altitude |
(2804m./9253ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The day begins early as you complete your breakfast and drive to the airport. Embark on a short trans-Himalayan flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The 25-min long flight takes you over the beautiful Pokhara City, lushly forested Annapurna Valley, and the massive Annapurna I towards Jomsom Town in Mustang. Upon arrival, you’ll begin preparing for the trek. Embark on the first day of the trek and begin trekking along the dry beds of the Kali Gandaki River towards Kagbeni village. The small settlement of Kagbeni lies 11 km north to Jomsom. The village remains famous for its lush vegetation of buckwheat, Barley, and grains. Overnight in Kagbeni.
Day 3
10th.May.2026 : Trek to Chele
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Trekking Time Average |
15km Uphill hike (Av. 6hr) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Mustang Gate Guest House or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(3050m./10065ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Leaving Kagbeni, the trail begins to climb upstream along the Kali Gandaki River. After getting your permits checked, you’ll begin trekking along the cliffs on the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki valley. Catch the majestic sights of small settlements and their surrounding lush wheat, barley, and buckwheat fields at Tangbe and Chhusang village. After 5hr long trek, you’ll arrive at Chele village en route to Syangboche. Overnight in Chele.
Day 4
11st.May.2026 : Trek to Ghilling
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Trekking Time Average |
16km Up/downhill hike (Av. 6hr) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Kunga hotel or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(3800m./12540ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Leaving Chele, you’ll exit the Kali Gandaki Valley. The initial trail goes past few zigzag terrains. The trail advances through large canyons. If you notice well, you will witness caves built hundreds of meters above the valley floor on the large canyons. These human-made caves are the local landmarks of Upper Mustang. Also known as sky caves, these caves were primarily used as a shelter during war or famine. Leaving the canyons, you’ll reach Rachung Cave. The trail continues north overlooking the majestic sight of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and en route to Syangboche. You will descend to Ghilling. Overnight in Ghilling.
Day 5
12th.May.2026 : Trek to Ghami
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Trekking Time Average |
12km./Avg. 04 hrs. Up/Downhill hike |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Hotel Lho Ghami |
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Altitude |
(3756m./12394ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Leaving the scenic Ghilling village, you’ll ascend to Jhaite village . Then you will climb towards Nyi La Pass (4020m). Catch the beautiful sight of the Upper Mustang valley and mountains. The trail drops and begins to climb towards Ghemi (3756m). An easy descent along the historical Lo Valley brings you to Ghami village located on the banks of the Ghami River. The entire trail spans almost 9.2km and drops nearly 280 meters. Overnight in Ghami.
Day 6
13th.May.2026 : Trek to Tsarang
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Trekking Time Average |
12km Uphill hike (Av. 4hr) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Doma Hotel or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(3560m/11679ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Leaving Ghami, the scenic trail spanning 4 hours takes you to Tsarang village. The 10.7 km trail goes along the longest Mani Wall in Upper Mustang. The trail crosses Ghami Khola and begins to climb towards Choya La (3870m), the most challenging section in the entire trek. Catch the magnificent sight of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri peaks en route to Tsarang. Tsarang is home to beautiful Buddhist Chortens and the ancient Tsarang Monastery named after Tsarang Choedhe Shedrup Dhargyeling Monastery. Overnight in Tsarang.
Day 7
14th.May.2026 : Trek to Lo Manthang : Witness the Tiji festival starting in the afternoon
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Trekking Time Average |
11km Uphill hike (Av. 4hr) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Lotus holiday inn or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(3805m./12556ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The trek materializes as you leave Tsarang and begin heading towards Lo Manthang. The walled city lies 11km from Tsarang and may take almost 5 hours to reach. The trail advances through the remote part of Lo Valley. Begin climbing towards Lo La (3960m), the highest point of Tsarang to Lo Manthang. As you begin to descend, you can catch the breathtaking sight of the walled city amidst the remote landscape.
The first day of the Tiji Festival begins early afternoon. Soon you’ll start hearing loud blurts from the Tibetan horns accompanied by two double-reeled horns, drum, and cymbals. As the local monks from the Chode Monastery head to the square, the large Thangkha (painting) dons the adjoining southern wall of the square. The masked dance commences soon, presenting the tales of Dorje Jono and his victory over evil.
NOTE: ENTRANCE FEE MAY BE INCURRED TO SEE THE FESTIVAL FOR 3 CONSUCATIVE DAYS.
Day 8
15th.May.2026 : Exploration of cave and monastery in morning and afternoon witness the stunning mask dances performed by monks in Tiji festival
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Trekking Time Average |
10km./ Avg. 2:30 hrs hike |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Lotus Holiday Inn or Similar category hotel |
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Altitude |
(3805m./12556ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, and then embark on a scenic sightseeing tour outside Lo Manthang. After exiting the city, you’ll begin trekking towards the ancient Nyiphu and Garphu Monasteries. These monasteries lay close to the 2,500 years old Jhong Caves. After exploring the beautiful monasteries, you’ll begin climbing the Jhong Cave, which comprises a large intersection of caves with 44 different compartments.
You’ll head back to Lo Manthang and enjoy your lunch. Soon enough, the second day of the festival begins with much grandeur. You may witness female performers in their traditional attire and jewelry. The dance takes the pace up on the second day. Overnight in Lo Manthang.
Day 9
16th.May.2026 : Explore the Summer palace and monastery in morning and enjoy the last and final celebration of Tiji festival in Lo Manthang in the afternoon
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Trekking Time Average |
12km./ Avg. 3:00 hrs hike |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Lotus Holiday Inn or similar category |
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Altitude |
(3805m./12556ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The day begins with a tour to the Summer Palace of the Late King of Mustang, Raja Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista. After witnessing this historical site, you’ll head towards the Namgyal Gompa. After exploring the beautiful monastery, you’ll enjoy your lunch. The third of the Tiji Festival is also the last. It begins with ceremonial music. The dance takes a vibrant beat and highlights the demise of the demon dramatically. More music, dance, and shooting guns follow afterward. The festival ends with much grandeur. Overnight in Lo Manthang.
Day 10
17th.May.2026 : Trek to Ghami
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Trekking Time Average |
15km Downhill hike (Av. 5hr) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Hotel Lo Ghami or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(3520m/ 11548ft) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Leaving Lo Manthang, you’ll begin retracing your path back to Ghami village. The trail begins to ascent towards Lo La (3960) and heads downhill towards Tsarang village. After a short trek, you’ll enjoy your lunch and then continue along with the trek to Ghami village. Few hours of trek past Choya La (3870m) and Ghami Khola brings you back to Ghami village. You can consider making a side trip to Lo Ghekar Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. Overnight in Ghami.
Day 11
18th.May.2026 : Trek to Chusang
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Trekking Time Average |
14km Downhill hike (Av. 5hr) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Brikuti Guest House or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(3050m/ 10,006ft) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Leaving Ghami, you’ll begin retracing your path to Ghiling village. Cross the mighty Ghemi La (3756m) and Nyi La Pass (4020m) en route to Ghiling. After lunch, the trail continues past Syangboche en route to Rachung Cave. Continue walking past large rock canyons towards Chele. A short downhill trek brings you to Chhusang village. Overnight in Chhusang.
Day 12
19th.May.2026 : Trek to Jomsom
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Trekking Time Average |
12km Downhill hike (Av. 5hr) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Himalayan Hotel or Similar category |
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Altitude |
(2450m./9405ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Leaving Chhusang, you’ll begin retracing the old path back to Jomsom. The trail ascends along the Kali Gandaki Corridor towards Tangbe and heads towards Kagbeni village. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Kagbeni, before continuing with the trek to Jomsom. A short trek over the Kali Gandaki riverbeds brings you to Jomsom. You can enjoy the completion of the trek with the local Marpha brandy. Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 13
20th. May.2026 : Fly to Pokhara
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Trekking Time Average |
20mins Flight |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Hotel Kausi |
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Altitude |
(825m./2722ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast |
Catch an early morning flight to Pokhara. The scenic trans-Himalayan flight takes you over the massive Annapurna massif and the Kali Gandaki Gorge towards Pokhara City. Upon arrival, you can enjoy your breakfast and spend the day exploring the beautiful city. Pokhara is the ultimate tourist getaway and is home to numerous tourist sites such as Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple, Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, UNESCO designated Pokhara Peace Pagoda, and Mountain Museum. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 14
21st.May.2026 : Drive to Kathmandu
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Trekking Time Average |
200km Drive to Kathmandu (Av. 6hr) |
|---|---|
|
Altitude |
(1295m./1273ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast |
Today is the last day of the trip. Catch the mesmerizing sight of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre Peaks from the hotel. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a tourist bus and begin driving back to Kathmandu. The half-day long drive goes alongside Trishuli River and the colorful towns of Manakamana and Malekhu en route to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu self .
What’s Included
- Tribhuwan International airport transfer (Airport – Hotel – Airport) in Kathmandu.
- Standard hotel accommodation in Pokhara ( Hotel Kausi) with breakfast.
- Lodge accommodation ( Twin share basis) while on the trek
- Full board meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on upper Mustang Tiji festival trekking.
- One fluent English speaking, government registered, friendly trekking guide.
- 1 Porter per 2 Trekkers and keep luggage weight under 10kg per person.
- Guide and porter’s meals, accommodation, salary and insurance etc.
- Upper Mustang special trekking permit and Annapurna conservation area project (ACAP ).
- Pokhara -Jomsom – Pokhara by flight.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara and return by tourist bus.
- A trekking map, Oxygen saturation check up everyday, Duffle bag, Water purification, Company t-shirt, Trekking completion certificate etc
- Government tax and service charge
- Assistance for Emergency Rescue Evacuation.
- Public Liability Insurance.
What’s Not included
- Hotel accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu.
- All kind of hard /soft table drinks as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, beer, mineral water, desert, battery charge, laundry and main meals while on city like Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel insurance .
- International Flight Tickets.
- Nepal Tourist Visa Fee
- Tips for guide and porters
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek Route Map
Join our group departures
Available dates.
Our scheduled group tours offer fixed departure dates, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to join our small group trips.
Note : Our fixed group departure dates, services and price is guaranteed even if the group numbers are 1 person to maximum 18 persons. We will provide a guide cum porter if there is only 1 person to operate the trek and one more assistant guide if group size is above 10 persons.And of course , guide cum porter will carry 10 kg luggage
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2026 – 14 Days Departure Date
14 Days
Trip Days
8 May, 2026
Start Friday
21 May, 2026
End Thursday
5
Pax Booked
18
Group Size
USD $1,700
Per Person
Booking Open
Status
Book a private trip on your own date.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek Difficulty
This trek lasts for almost 2 weeks. So, it is a kind of difficult trek. Trekking through the uphill of a Mustang can be extremely difficult. Similarly, the altitude can also cause some problems including altitude sickness.
Is Travel insurance Required For Tiji Festival Trek?
We don’t provide you with personal travel insurance. So, you have to have travel insurance from the company. Otherwise, trekking is impossible. Before coming to this trek you make sure that your travel insurance is not expired. Make sure every box is ticked regarding your safety for the trip.
Tijji Festival Trek’s Meals and Accommodation
We provide you with the facility of breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek. Similarly, we provide lodge accommodation to you during the trek. So this is not your worry. Likewise, the foods that we provide are top class because we understand that having a good diet during the trek is very important for a proper trekking experience.
How Fit Do Trekkers Planning Tiji Festival Trek Must Be?
This trek is 14 days long. So, you must be physically fit and also have some experience trekking. Therefore, for the trek, you have to be physically fit and mentally strong along with some experience.
Climate & Weather During Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
Mustang is at a very high altitude. So, the climate is mostly cold all the time. But it certainly gets very sunny at noon. But, if you travel this trek during the time of spring and autumn you will find a moderate climate and weather for the trek. Likewise, we all know that having perfect weather and climate can double your traveling experience. So, make sure you travel at a perfect time.
Addressing Safety and Security Concerns Of Tiji Festival Trek
The safety and security of our people are very important to us. We are very careful in that case. Similarly, we make sure that our trekkers don’t have any problems during their trek. Likewise, we carefully check our trail before our departure to the trek. So, you can fully enjoy yourself during the journey and don’t worry about anything.
What Are Permits Required For Trek To Upper Mustang Tiji Festival
Mustang Special Permit : USD 500 for 10 days and USD 50 per day for extra days.
ACAP : NPR. 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for SAARC.
Note: Child below 10 years are free
What People Ask About
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
Is Upper Mustang trekking route safe for trekkers ?
What are the physical fitness and other criteria required for this trek ?
When is Tiji Festival this year ?
Do you have other dates available that match my timing?
Is Travel Insurance compulsorily required to trek this area ? Does your company pay for the Travel Insurance of guides and porters?
What is Acute Mountain Sickness? What happens if we fall sick?
As a single trekker, may I join one of Nepal Alternative Treks’ fixed departure Upper Mustang Trekking package? Will it be possible to get a separate room?
Can we change money along the trek ? Can we pay by credit card or foreign currency ?
What is the weight limit for porters ? and weight limit for Jomsom flight ?
What kind of food will be provided during this trek?
How can drinking water be managed in the mountain ?
How long will we have to hike each day during the trek?
What are the documents that we need to bring for this trek ?
What are the accommodation arrangements during the trek?
What kind of toilet facilities are there? Will we be able to take a shower in Mountain regions?
Can we hire trekking gears in Kathmandu?
Are alcoholic beverages available in trekking ?
Is it possible to recharge batteries and electronics during the trek ?
Is it possible to communicate with friends and family back home while on trek ?
What if the guide/porter leaves alone on the trail?
What is the weather and temperature like we can expect during the trek?
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