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Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour 2025 – 8 Days
8 Days Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour 2025 Facts
Weather |
Weather | -10°C to 20°C | View Weather Detail |
---|---|---|---|
Duration |
Duration | 8 Days | |
Difficulty |
Difficulty | Easy | |
Accommodation |
Accommodation | Lodges | |
Meals Included |
Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | |
Best Season |
Best Season | April & May | |
Transportation |
Transportation | Private Jeep/ Flights | |
Daily Activity |
Daily Activity | Approx. 5 - 6 hours | |
Religion |
Religion | Buddhist, Bon | |
Ethnic People |
Ethnic People | Gurung, Thakali, Lowa | |
Geographic Terrain |
Geographic Terrain | Mountain, Desert , Village, Rivers, Caves | |
Region of Nepal |
Region of Nepal | Mustang, Annapurna Region | |
Max. Altitude |
Max. Altitude | 3900m./12870ft. |
Overview
The 8-days Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour 2025, 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 tour 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 Upper Mustang trek concedes upon your return to Kathmandu via Pokhara.
Tiji Festival Short Video :
Background
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.
Highlights
- Witness the grandest and endemic festival of Tiji in one of the remotest regions in Nepal, Upper Mustang.
- Enjoy a week long tour 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.
8 Days Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour 2025 Day-to-day-Itinerary
Day 1
22nd.May.2025 : Drive to Pokhara
Trekking Time Average |
200km Drive to Pokhara (Avg 6hrs) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Hotel Kausi |
Altitude |
(850m./2805ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast |
The tour, begins at Kathmandu. After a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on a tourist bus and begin driving along with your tour guide 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
23rd.May.2025 : Fly to Jomsom – Drive to Ghilling
Trekking Time Average |
Flight for 25mins 50km drive(5hrs) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Kunga Hotel or similar category hotel |
Altitude |
(3400m./11220ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 25 minutes brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town. It is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon; we drive on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed then drive up to Syangboche. You will pass by popular villages as Lubra village, Eklebhatti, Kagbeni, Tangbe, Chhusang, Chaile, Samar, Vena la and reach Syangboche which seats on the top of hill. We then gradually drive down and finally reaching at Ghilling. On arrival, check in the hotel with afternoon free for a stroll around the village. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Day 3
24th.May.2025 : Drive to Lomanthang - 02 hours driving/20km. Witness the Tiji Festival starting in the afternoon
Trekking Time Average |
20km drive (Avg 2hrs) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Lotus Holiday Inn or Similar category |
Altitude |
(3840m./12672ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The tour materializes as you leave Ghilling and begin heading towards Lo Manthang. The walled city lies 20 km from Ghilling and may take almost two hours to reach. The dirt road advances through the remote part of Lo Valley. You will 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. Finally we drive through the plateau of Lo Monthang, ‘The Capital city and the Plain of Aspiration’ of Mustang. The fabled walled city of Lo, the kingdom with a single entrance is a welcome sight! The king, “Lo Gyelbu”, named Jigme Palbar Bista, used to reside at his four-storied palace inside the walled city of Lo Manthang. Now, the palace is locked but you can explore inside the red walled city.
NOTE: ENTRANCE FEE MAY BE INCURRED TO SEE THE FESTIVAL FOR 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS.
Day 4
25th.May.2025 : Exploration of cave and monastery in morning and afternoon witness the stunning mask dances performed by monks in Tiji festival
Trekking Time Average |
03 hours excursion |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Lotus Holiday Inn or Similar category |
Altitude |
(3840m./12672ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Lo Manthang the capital city of Mustang contains about 150 houses and has some of the largest and finest Tibetan Buddhism gompas in Nepal. You will explore Sky Jhong Cave, Shija Jhong cave and Chhoser village. The city itself is absolutely fascinating place with four major ancient Monasteries which are impressive and an enormous 14th century palace imposing 4-storey building in the center of the city.
Day 5
26th.May.2025: Explore the Summer palace and monastery in morning and enjoy the last and final celebration of Tiji festival in Lo Manthang in the afternoon.
Trekking Time Average |
10km./03 hours excursion around |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Lotus Holiday Inn or Similar category |
Altitude |
(3840m./12672ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today we will walk to Thinkar for morning excursion to see the summer palace. Though summer palace is abandoned and not anymore in use yet its worth hiking around. Alternatively we can climb up the view point hill just north of Lo Monthang for the stunning view of all around the valle. Rest of our day, afternoon and night we will be in the palace witnessing the Tiji Festival, the last day of festival which normally takes on open area outside of the palace.
Day 6
27th.May.2025 : Drive to Jomsom
Trekking Time Average |
70km Drive (Avg 8hrs) |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Hotel Himalaya or Similar category |
Altitude |
(2560m./8448ft.) |
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After enjoying breakfast, leave Lomanthang and retrace to Jomsom. You will drive passing by Tsarang, Ghami, Ghilling, Syangboche, Samar, Chaile and stop at Tetang for Lunch. Tetang is a isolated village with a beautiful dramatic view. You will then continue drive towards Jomsom passing by Chhuksang, Tangbe and arrives at Kagbeni where you will officially exit from Upper Mustang area. If time permits then you will quickly visit Muktinath and drive towards Jomsom. Stay overnight.
Day 7
28th.May.2025 : Fly to Pokhara
Trekking Time Average |
20min Flight |
---|---|
Accommodation |
Hotel Kausi |
Altitude |
(850m/2805ft.) |
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. in Pokhara.
Day 8
29th.May.2025 : Drive to Kathmandu
Trekking Time Average |
200km Drive to Kathmandu (Avg 6hrs) |
---|---|
Altitude |
(1295m./4273ft.) |
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. Stay overnight self.
Included
- Tribhuwan International Airport ( Airport – Hotel – Airport ) transfer in Kathmandu.
- Lodge ( twin share basis ) accommodation during tour.
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Full board meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on upper Mustang Tiji festival tour.
- Upper Mustang special trekking permit, Annapurna conservation entry trek permit (ACAP ).
- Pokhara/ Jomsom / Pokhara by flight.
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus.
- Overland jeep transportation along tour as per mentioned above in itinerary.
- A Tour map, duffle bag, Oxygen saturation check up everyday, First aid medicine, water purification, Company T-shirt and Tour completion certificate.
- Assistance for rescue evacuation.
- Government tax and service charge.
- Public Liability Insurance.
Not included
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
- Hard and soft table drinks as tea/coffee,coke, Fanta, beer, mineral water, hot water, hot shower, laundry, battery charge, snacks etc
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips for tour guide ( Highly suggested ).
Route Map
Book the Trip
Available dates..
Currently, we do not have any scheduled group trips, but you are welcome to embark on the journey on a date that suits you best.
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour 2025 – 8 Days Departure Date
8 Days
Trip Days
22 May, 2025
Start Thursday
29 May, 2025
End Thursday
2
Pax Booked
16
Group Size
USD $1,510
Per Person
Booking Open
Status
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.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Best time to visit the tour
This year’s Tiji Festival falls on the 8th,9th, and 10 of May 2022. Our Tour starts on the 6th.May from Kathmandu. So, it is the best time to visit the tour.
The difficulty of the trip
The trip can be very crowded during the time. Apart from that, it is a very easy trip. Annually a lot of children with their parents visit this place to experience the Upper Mustang culture. So, even a rookie trekker can trek through this place and enjoy the festival.
Meals and accommodation
We provide you with Hotel accommodation in Pokhara. Similarly, Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while on the upper Mustang Tiji festival tour. So, you can enjoy the festival with some of their cultural foods.
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
Transportation
You don’t have to worry about transportation. We will provide you with Pokhara/ Jomsom / Pokhara by flight. And, Kathmandu – Pokhara – by tourist bus. The transportation we provide is top-class. We also provide you with the facility of Wi-Fi during your transportation.
Tour availability
The tour is only available during the festival. Similarly, the festival this year falls in May. But, traveling to mustang is possible throughout the year. Similarly, the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour 2022 is only available once a year.
Tour duration
The tour mainly lasts for eight days. During this time, you will be able to see some of the most beautiful cultures and traditions of the place. Similarly, you will not feel bored during your stay. It will be an unforgettable time in your life.
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
Is this tour route safe for tourtists ?
What are the physical fitness and other criteria required for this tour ?
When does Tiji Festival tour fall for this year ?
Do you have other dates available that match my timing?
As a single traveler, may I join fixed departure ? Will it be possible to get a separate room?
Is Travel Insurance compulsorily required to this area ? Does your company pay for the Travel Insurance of guides ?
What is Acute Mountain Sickness? What chances to catch AMS in this route ? What happens if we fall sick?
Can we change money along the route ? Can we pay by credit card or foreign currency ?
How many travelers can accommodate in a jeep ? and weight limit for Jomsom flight ?
What kind of food will be provided during this tour ?
How can drinking water be managed in the mountain ?
How long will we drive each day during the tour ?
What are the documents that we need to bring for this tour ?
What are the accommodation arrangements during the tour ?
What kind of toilet facilities are there? Will we be able to take a shower in Mountain regions?
Can we hire gears in Kathmandu?
Are alcoholic beverages available in tour ?
Is it possible to recharge batteries and electronics during the tour ?
Is it possible to communicate with friends and family back home while on tour ?
What if the guide leaves alone on the trail?
What is the weather and temperature like we can expect during the tour ?
Do we need to tip my tour guide?
We value
Service Excellence
Travellers really like us
Recommended by 100% of travelers
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
Honors and Achievements
Recommended by 100% of travelers
13 Days Manaslu Trek !
My friend and I were lucky to find Tej online before visiting Nepal. We knew we wanted to do a trek, but we weren’t sure exactly which trek. Tej sent us a bunch of itineraries for different treks and we chose the Manaslu circuit. When we arrived our guide, Kumar, was waiting for us at the airport and Tej was able to get us all our permits for the trek done in less than 2 hours which was great. The manaslu trek was absolutely amazing! We were super happy with our whole trip and we were lucky to be able to make the pass even though we saw dozens of other people who had to turn back because of the weather. We are already looking forward to going back next year at the same time to trek Everest and we will definitely use Tej again!
Kyle J. Mechling
,USA3 Weeks Personal Retreat
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
I left the home-stay with a smile.
All the best,
Richard
Singapore”
Richard O
Singapore River, Singapore6 Months Of Preparation For ABC Trekking
Goal was achieved 4130 meter and 0 degree celsius, Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was 6 months of preparation. It was challenging target for us. We had dense forest, mountain, and completely wilderness above the treeline, it was windy and terrain . There is a huge support team. Without them it would not be possible. We can do it , we just have to give time and practice. Mr. Gurung Ji, you with your entire 7 of team were wonderful. They were always ready to help us.
Thanks Mr. Gurung ji for all the support, and guidance that made the trip successful. While all of us focused on Mountain, big thing but there were so many beautiful things along the way, stream, flowers, flora, so many birds I took pictures. So, in summary, phenomenal, success and our confidence there. We know, we can do more and higher in next what bigger thing.
Devraj Dey
India8 days non trek city tour and 21days trek to EBC and chola pass
We love nepal and made 3 time visit to this beutiful country and rich culture. This time last year we came with 6 pax and visited Kathmandu , Pohkara and chitwan with a stay of 2 night in each place. We flew to Pohkara and got the van to chitwan and flew to Kathmandu. Tej arranged all transports overland and flights for us. We did not asked for a local guide but it was all smooth and no problem. We are happy with the service provided by Tej and he made all efforts to make us happy. His company performed professional with the very reasonable pricing. We encountered some small problem with the van transporting us back from nagarkot to kathmandu airport. This van was quite small and it came to pick up quite late that we almost missed the flight to pohkara. We told Tej about this and he must take care of this outsourced van company. Anyway the van in pohkara and to chitwan was excellent , big and comfy. So he has corrected the mistake.
Part 2 was our trek to EBC and chola pass for 21 nights. Tej arranged for flight and guide plus porter. For this trekking it was only me and my wife travelling together. We are about 50 years and used the service of 2 porters cause we bought a lot of dry food plus chocolate. We are difficult persons in terms of foreign food. Our guide Ammer and 2 porters are fabulous. They took care of us very well like we are part of their family.
Overall we strongly recommend this company. They are good and not high expensive tag. We will use their service again in June to trek in Langtang. Rocky
Wisit K
Bangkok, ThailandA great experience on the Annapurna Circuit
We had a fantastic experience on the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks. Tej, the manager, was helpful, professional and efficient in dealing with our requirements and amendments, the arrangements worked smoothly and the information provided to us was excellent. Our guide Kul was brilliant. He was friendly, knowledgable and experienced and took changes in our itinerary in his stride. Our trekking experience was much better with his help in everything from planning the stages of the route to organising our food and accommodation. Just one warning: he is an ace card player and will probably beat you hands down!
Paul
UKA wonderful and interesting trek overall
A wonderful & interesting trek overall. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances ( heavy snow fall & Lie ping with a bad cold) we were unable to cross the Ganja la pass. However, our guide Simbir offered us as alternative trek which took us on a difference journey of Nepal. We had the opportunity to visit & stay in many local villages and meet Tamang, Gurung people experience, their lifestyle and culture. We visited our guide’s home town of Chalishgaun and timed it right to join in with Diwali celebrations!
Lie Ping Tang & Robert
USAA trip worth of a lifetime!
Attempting Everest base camp trekking for me & my group was taking it to the next level. Before this, our limits were Kedarnath, MadMaheshwar & Tunganath with max distances of 18-19 kms spread over 2-3 days. Moreover, these tracks are such that people doesn’t necessarily have to trek. They have the option of ponies. EBC involves a lot for people like us (acclimatization to altitude, strength etc.), but above all, you need someone to provide logistical support, moral support that it can be done. This is where Nepal Alternative Treks does a great job. They organized it very well, guides and porters provided were very reliable and cost is reasonable when you compare to others. They can customize your travel plan according to your need.
Indranil Chaterjee
IndiaA Trek in Ruby Valley !
A few weeks ago we went on a trip to Nepal, accompanied by a couple of friends who were on their second trip with Nepal Alternative Trek. Our first goal was to trek to the village of Chalish in Ruby Valley. We decided to go with the services of Nepal Alternative Trek to take us up there. We went there partly by jeep, partly walking through the cultivated terraces, meeting the inhabitants of the different communities who worked there.
I must say that the service that Tej offered us was perfect on all lines. First of all, before our departure, months before, Tej always answered our many questions (luggage, temperature, route to be revised, etc.) Always within 24 hours, he answered with a lot of patience.
All the equipment we thought we would need was available at his office.
Our guide Ammar led us to destination with confidence and professionalism. He knew all the trails, and especially all the shortcuts to avoid us having to go up or down too much along our road. He has managed all the difficulties we have encountered: due to personal reasons, we had to change and our itinerary, and our calendar, and he made everything possible. The whole team adapted to our changes. Our guide contacted Tej who orchestrated the changes without us even having to deal with anything.
The porters were attentive and were always in front of our needs.
Our journey continued towards Bandipur with the driver who made us know the various interesting points, from sunrise to sunset, making detours to take us to the most famous places. Then a 2 days stay in Chitwan, and return to Kathmandu again where the driver carried us without calculating from one place to another – God knows that traffic in Kathmandu, Bakhtapur and Patan can be complicated.
Thanks to Tej, and the whole Nepal Alternative Trek team. We will remember forever that amazing experience.
Louise & Richard
Louise & Richard
CanadaAlways cheerful
Many thanks to Tej – well organized, Dhan + hal worked Hard, we could not have done it without there Help, they were always there when needed, worked extra to help us when we were sick. Always kind and cheerful
Thanks!