Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking

Trip Facts

Duration

Duration 14 Days

Difficulty

Difficulty Easy

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.

Background

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.

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  • 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.

Day-to-day-Itinerary

Day 1

10th. May.2024 : Drive to Pokhara / explore the lake city / Overnight in Pokhara

Day 1 Facts

Trekking Time Average

200km Drive

Accommodation

Luxury Hotel in
Pokhara

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 5-6 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

11th.May.2024 : Fly to Jomsom - Trek to Kagbeni

Day 2 Facts

Trekking Time Average

8km Uphill hike
(Av. 3hr)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Kagbeni

Altitude

(2650m./8745ft.)
(2804m./9253ft.)

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

12th.May.2024 : Trek to Chele

Day 3 Facts

Trekking Time Average

13km Uphill hike
(Av. 5hr)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Chele

Altitude

(3050m./10065ft.)

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

13th.May.2024 : Trek to Syangboche

Day 4 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Uphill hike
(Av. 6hr)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Syangboche

Altitude

(3800m./12540ft.)

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. Overnight in Syangboche.

Day 5

14th.May.2024 : Trek to Ghami

Leaving the scenic Syangboche village, you’ll begin climbing the mighty Syangboche La (3850m). The trail continues past Jhaite village 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

15th.May.2024 : Trek to Tsarang

Day 6 Facts

Trekking Time Average

12km Uphill hike
(Av. 4hr)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Tsarang

Altitude

(3560m/11679ft.)

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

16th.May.2024 : Trek to Lo Manthang : Witness the Tiji festival starting in the afternoon

Day 7 Facts

Trekking Time Average

11km Uphill hike
(Av. 4hr)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Lo Manthang

Altitude

(3805m./12556ft.)

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

17th.May.2024 : Exploration of cave and monastery in morning and afternoon witness the stunning mask dances performed by monks in Tiji festival

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

18th.May.2024 : Explore the Summer palace and monastery in morning and enjoy the last and final celebration of Tiji festival in Lo Manthang in the afternoon

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

19th.May.2024 : Trek to Ghami

Day 10 Facts

Trekking Time Average

15km Downhill hike
(Av. 5hr)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Ghami

Altitude

(3520m/ 11548ft)

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

20th.May.2024 : Trek to Chusang

Day 11 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Downhill hike
(Av. 5hr)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Chusang

Altitude

(3050m/ 10,006ft)

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

21st.May.2024 : Trek to Jomsom

Day 12 Facts

Trekking Time Average

12km Downhill hike
(Av. 5hr)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in
Jomsom

Altitude

(2450m./9405ft.)

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

22nd. May.2024 : Fly to Pokhara

Day 13 Facts

Trekking Time Average

25mins Flight

Accommodation

Luxury Hotel in
Pokhara

Altitude

(825m./2722ft.)

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

23rd.May.2024 : Drive to Kathmandu

Day 14 Facts

Trekking Time Average

200km Drive
(Av. 6hr)

Accommodation

Luxury Hotel in
Kathmandu

Altitude

(1295m./1273ft.)

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.

What do you get in the Trip?

Included

  • Tribhuwan International airport transfer (Airport – Hotel – Airport)  in Kathmandu.
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Pokhara
  • Lodge accommodation ( Twin share basis) while on the trek
  • Full board meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on upper Mustang Tiji festival trekking.
  • 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 Resuce Evacuation.
  • Public Liability Insurance.

Excluded

  • Hotel accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu.
  • Travel insurance.
  • 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
  • Tips for guide and porters

Book the Trip

Available dates..

Group trips are fun and interesting, you can make new friends and often budget-friendly. Join any upcoming group trips listed below.

Need a private date?

The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.

Book a private date

ESSENTIAL INFO

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking is during the spring and autumn seasons.  Similarly, this season provides you with an ideal climate. Likewise, the weather is stable and you can climb with clear visibility. However, this climbing can also be done in the monsoon season.

The difficulty of this trek

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.

Travel insurance

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.

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.

Fitness and experience requirements

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 and weather

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.

Safety and Security

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.

Required Permits

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

Gear List

Gears required for the trek vary upon destination and season. A comprehensive list of gear for all activities is listed on our dedicated page of Trekking Gear List

Frequently
Asked Questions

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