Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2025
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- Competitive Price
- 100% Guaranteed Departures
- Expert Local Guides
Trip Information
Trip Duration
17 Nights 18 Days
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Destination
Nepal
Maximum Height
3810 m
Guiding Method
Trekking
Best Season
Spring
Highlights
- Trek through the dry and arid Himalayan landscape
- Witness the majestic mountains in Annapurna and Tibetan ranges
- Experience the unique culture of the locals celebrated through the Tiji festival
- Explore the mystical Lo Manthang
- Visit illustrious monasteries like Ghar Gompa others in Lo Manthang
- Cross high passes and relishes the views atop the arid passes
The Tiji Festival Trek held yearly in the walled city of Lo-Manthang on the occasion of Tiji Festival is a unique journey which takes us the right to the heart of the local culture in Upper Mustang which has been passed down from generations to generations carefully preserved from the trappings of the modern society. Celebrated often on the end of May the festival spans for 3 days and each day is filled with auspicious rituals and dances which are often said to clear away all the obstacles in the life of those who observe with respect and faith. In the midst of the airy dry landscape, the city so beloved by the mountains is adorned with bright colors for the festival which we will remember for years to come.
Our unique journey combining the religious and cultural heritage begins from Kathmandu from where we head towards Pokhara. From the enchanting city of Lakes, we fly over to Jomsom from where the trek begins to Kagbeni. Through the dry barren landscapes, we begin our trekking heading towards Chele and then onto Syanbochen crossing Chungsi Cave en route. From Syanbochen the rugged trail heads towards Dhakmar before resting at the mesmerizing city of Lo-Manthang on the eve of the Tiji festival. The name Tiji comes from two words "ten" and "che" which translates to mean that one day dharma (god deeds) will prevail all over the world the message carried by Guru Rinpoche thousands of years ago. The ushering of this monsoon festival describes how the deity Dorje Jono had to battle against his own father to save the Kingdom of Mustang. The festival begins and we take part in all of the festivities through the auspicious rituals celebrating the local deities to the dances in the town square performed by locals dressed as demons and slashing at the air with their swords all while performing spells over the onlookers. Celebrating the 3 day festival of Tiji we begin our journey down heading towards Ghami and Samar before finding the sandy banks of Kaligandaki at Kagbeni.
At Nepal Ascent Treks, we value quality and customer satisfaction more than anything else. A well-constructed itinerary and local guides who can explain about the unique rituals and processions of the Tiji festival in detail will make sure your venture to the Upper Mustang will turn into something you will never forget for the rest of your life.
Altitude Graph
Itinerary
After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport our representatives will receive you from where you will be taken directly to the hotel. After refreshments, you will be introduced to the guides and other office members who will brief you on the tour. With the activities of the day over you are free to take a look around the local area enjoying the pleasant views of the sunset. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Meal
Dinner
Transportation
Private car
Since Mustang falls under restricted area, special permits are required for trekking into the region. After taking care of the permits, if time allows, excursions to the premium destinations throughout the valley can be arranged. The UNESCO world heritage sites garner unique attention from the onlookers which can be rarely mirrored by other sites and landscapes. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Meal
Breakfast
Transportation
Private car
The beginning of the journey; today, we head to the Pokhara valley after breakfast. The journey heads out of the valley through Tribhuvan Highway before finding the winding roads of Prithvi Highway accompanied by the tranquil Trishuli River on the side. Through stunning Hilly landscapes, the journey takes us on a pleasant ride for about 7 hours reaching the city of Lakes just in time to witness stunning views of the Himalayan sunset. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Meal
Breakfast
Transportation
Tourist bus
To avoid the uncertainties brought about by the climate, we begin our journey with an early morning flight to Jomsom. After exploring the city blessed with stunning views of the Annapurna Range, we begin our trek heading up towards Kagbeni. The dusty rugged trail gradually heads up through the winding roads to reach the hamlet revered by the Hindus. Overnight stay at Kagbeni.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Flight / Walking
Clearing the formalities, we begin our journey into the restricted area of Upper Mustang following the sandy banks of Kaligandaki River towards the east, we climb several ridge lines heading north towards the hamlet of Tangbe. The majestic Nilgiri Peak (7,061m) adorns the skyline as we continue our journey heading to Chhuksang. Leaving Kaligandaki Valley the trail climbs steeply towards the north reaching Chele. Overnight stay at Chele.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
The trail leaving behind the hamlet of Chele begins its steep climb through the barren landscapes heading towards a cairn perched atop the hill with stunning views of the canyon below. Accompanied by Chortens, we descend towards Samar blessed with stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. Crossing Rachung Cave en route, we continue our journey towards Syanbochen. Overnight stay at Syanbochen.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Through the gentle ascent heading away from Syanbochen, the trail reaches a junction beyond which the journey continues towards the right fork heading to Geling. Continuing the ascent, we cross several settlements relentlessly following the rugged Himalayan trail across the top of the valley to reach Nyi La Pass (4010m). Enjoying the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, we begin our gentle ascent heading to Dhakmar. Overnight stay at Dhakmar.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Heading out from Dhakmar, the trail begins its gentle ascent crisscrossing several hills and mountains. The barren Tibetan-esque landscape is adorned with Chortens and Mani walls as the journey reach the final stretch marking the border between Dhakmar and Lo-Manthang. A gentle descent ensues as we finally enter the capital city of the forbidden Kingdom of Mustang. The city boasts ancient heritages including Ghar Gompa and other monasteries and also the palace of the King. Overnight stay at Lo Manthang.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
The first day of Tiji festival begins after the horns are resounded followed by several processions including the two double-reeled horns accompanied by drums and cymbals. A Thangkha is then rolled onto the south wall of the square which depicts Guru Rinpoche who started the ceremony in the 8th century in Tibet. Late in the afternoon, eleven Lamas take their place beneath the Thangkha while the main priest takes his place in the center. The dance begins depicting the triumph of Dorje Jono against an evil which symbolizes the freedom of the people from the plagues and misfortunes. Overnight stay at Lo Manthang.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
-
Day 2 kicks off in a similar fashion with several auspicious rites and rituals performed for ushering the monsoons. Dancers in their elaborate costumes dressed as demons fill up the town square beginning their dance by slashing the air with their swords and also casting spells to the onlookers. We also get to see several Tibetan women dressed in their traditional attire who attend the ceremony. Overnight stay at Lo Manthang.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
-
The third day of Tiji festival concludes the entire ceremony by the ceremonial destruction of the evil remains symbolized by the long hair drawn from the Yaks and minced red tormas cakes. Set on an old tiger skin the remains are attacked by bows and arrows before finally the remains are dispersed on the ground. This concludes the rites and rituals of the Tiji festival but the celebration runs deep into the late hours of the night. Overnight stay at Lo Manthang.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
-
With the festival over, we begin our journey back from Lo-Manthang heading towards Ghami. As the trail heading towards Ghami strays from the main trading route it is mixed with herders trail heading through the barren landscapes. Crossing the Chogo La Pass (4280m), we begin our descent heading gradually down through the stream which once again leads to Ghar Gompa. The journey for the final stretch begins its descent towards the whitewashed buildings indicating the hamlet of Ghami. Overnight stay at Ghami.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
Continuing the descending route, we begin our journey away from the hamlet of Ghami gradually heading towards Samar. The arid Tibetan landscape falls towards the upper end of the Kaligandaki valley making the trail dusty due to the winds blowing towards the route. Escaping the dusty and windy landscape we continue our journey to finally reach Samar. Overnight stay at Samar.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
The final few days of the trek takes us beside the sandy banks of Kaligandaki River enjoying the tranquil river and the apple orchards the region is well known for. Heading down from Samar, the journey to Samar continues beside Kaligandaki for the most part and stunning Himalayan landscapes the snowy peaks just rising over the dry mountains. Overnight stay at Samar.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
The final day of the trek is a short and pleasant one. We head back to the town of Jomsom through the banks of Kaligandaki River. Trekking alongside the flatlands is a relaxing experience as we cross Ekle Bhatti following the trail. The incoming city of Jomsom brings stunning landscapes with patches of green offering a vast contrast to the dry Himalayan landscape. Overnight stay at Jomsom.
Accommodation
Comfortable Teahouse
Meal
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Transportation
Walking
The day begins with an early morning flight heading towards Pokhara. After refreshments you are free to enjoy the day according to your plan or special tour around the city can be arranged which accommodates the premium destinations of the valley including Mahendra Cave, Bat Cave, Davis Falls, and the tranquil Lake Side which provide us with a perfect place to wind down from all our travels. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Meal
Breakfast
Transportation
Flight
The final day of our journey begins with a lovely breakfast surrounded by the stunning views of the Himalayas before we head back to Kathmandu. Taking on the familiar stride of the Prithvi Highway, we continue the journey through lovely Hilly landscapes accompanied by the Trishuli River. Back at Kathmandu, we head directly to the hotel where much-needed refreshments await us. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Meal
Breakfast | Dinner
Transportation
Tourist bus
Our representatives will once again drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport just in time to catch your next flight back home. We hope you had an unforgettable experience with us.
Meal
Breakfast
Transportation
Private car
Are you dissatisfied with this itinerary?
You can customize your holiday. Let us help you tailor-make your precious Vacation.
What's Included
Meal
- Breakfast,Lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Fresh seasonal fruits after the dinner (while on the trek).
Accomodation
- Stay in the city at finest hotel (Can upgrade of the accommodations to luxury hotels / lodge is possible at extra cost).
- Lodge expenses during the trek.
Staffs & Crew
- A porter and his entire expenses.
- Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide.
Transportation
- Airport pickup and drop facility.
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu travel in a deluxe bus.
- Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flight tickets
Permits & Paperworks
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Activities
- Full day guided city tour in Kathmandu (Day 2) by a private vehicle.
Other
- Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).
- First aid medical kit
- Nepal Ascent Treks duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
Complimentary Extras
- 1 hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.
- Local sim card
- Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.
What's Not Included
- Cost for additional trips.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Cost incurred during the tour around the city.
- Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.
- Nepal arrival visa.
- Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).
- Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
GROUP TOURS
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Essential Info
Physical Fitness
Many people have questions as to what level of physical fitness is required for visiting Nepal, and that is extremely reliant on what activity the visitor is engaging in. With that said, for a standard trek of moderate grading (Everest Base Camp Trek is an example of moderate) the daily activity will be 7-8 hours, and elevation will generally not exceed 5,500 meters. The day’s trekking is sustained and will involve both long steep climbs, and descents with a variety of terrain underfoot from well-trodden paths, to rocks covered with ice or snow. A typical day would include a number of climbs or descents of 500 meters or more, starting after breakfast, resting at lunch, then continuous trekking until arriving at the teahouse.
In preparation for the trek, it is important to begin a training requirement at least 4 months before departing for Nepal. Three to four hours of aerobic exercise like running, walking, swimming, cycling & some gym work per week is the minimum and most will find it beneficial to add some basic strength training to their physical fitness routine. One of the best ways to prepare is to take practice hikes with a daypack roughly the same weight as what you will be taking on the trek. Do this only after a baseline of fitness has been reached. Moving fast is not the end goal, rather endurance is the focus, and will provide a more enjoyable and safe adventure.
Trekking Seasons in Nepal
There are two main seasons in which Nepal sees the most amount of visitors. Fall (September through November) being the most popular, and spring (March to May) coming in close behind. The summer months of June, July and August are the monsoon season and as such the trails are mostly washed out, and roads can sometimes be impassible due to landslide activates. Not to mention the view is non-existent. Still, there are a few places that lie in rain shadow areas and see significantly less rain if any at all, and summer can be a good time to visit these places. Winter is dry, but extremely cold and high passes become inaccessible due to ice and snow conditions. The temperature doesn’t usually fluctuate to a greater degree and the daytime temperature is around 20-25 degrees. However, the temperature starts to decrease as you gain altitude. The temperature can drop to around 0 to -10 degrees at night when staying at tented camps in Himalayan regions. However, it does not change as much in lower hilly regions and the nights are slightly colder than days.
Fall is the most popular because it’s after the monsoons, and the air is dry, the days are sunny, and everything is green in the lower valleys from the excessive rains. Spring is a popular choice because some rain returns, but the weather is generally warm and dry, and flowers are in bloom in the lower elevations.
Trekking Day
A typical trekking day begins with a cup of tea at around 6 in the morning. It is advised to pack your trekking gears in a duffle bag and essential supplies in your day pack in these early hours. After having breakfast, we begin the trek and head along the trail at around 8 am. The morning walk is designed to be longer as we begin with refreshed bodies and enthusiasm. Following a good morning’s walk, we make stop for lunch at around 11.30 am. The lunch involves group meals enjoying the vicinity around the stop. You can explore the surrounding or use the time according to your own consent. After resting for about an hour or two, we resume our trek to reach teahouse or camp by 3-4 pm. The afternoon walk is relatively shorter and can involve games and side trips as organized by the trekking guides. You also can enjoy breaks during the trek to relax, read or stroll around the area. You can converse with the local people and observe their lifestyle. Dinner is served around 7 in the evening to round off the day.
Meals and Accommodations
During the length of the trek, the accommodation style is commonly referred to as teahouse. These are family-run basic lodges that fill the role of the restaurant, meeting place, and boarding house for tourists. Electricity can be found in the rooms, which means one light bulb, and one or two outlets for charging electronics. The common areas are also lit by electricity. Teahouses may use solar, hydroelectric, or have electrical lines running into the village, so the commonality and availability of electricity may vary.
Most teahouses have private rooms, though if the trek is in a more remote or high altitude place dormitories are the norm. Each room has 1 or 2 single beds with basic bedding, and the bathroom is shared. Expect a mix of western and squat style toilets in the bathrooms.
Breakfast and dinner are taken at the teahouse and these lodges have large family style dining rooms centered on a stove to provide heat. The menu will have Nepali style western foods such as pasta, pizza, pancakes, burgers, and fries. Also on the menu is the traditional Dal Bhat meal. This is a lentil soup with rice and vegetable or meat curry. Most menus will also offer a smattering of local cuisine.
Travel Insurance
Many expeditions and tours require that travel insurance is purchased prior to arriving in Nepal, but other treks and tours may not. However, travel insurance is definitely an important consideration. There are a number of reasons to consider insurance. Firstly, it may be required, so check to see what is being asked for by the company. Second, Nepal is a landlocked country, and there are few direct flights. Travel in and out can encounter some disruptions and if purchasing insurance, make sure flight delays and cancellations are included. The next reason to choose insurance is that, though every safeguard is in place during your tour, there are always extenuating circumstances that may result in an accident. Read the fine print of insurance policies to ensure trekking or any other activity you are engaging in is covered, as some policies have stopped covering trekking in certain places. It is impossible to have a relaxing trip without the comfort of good insurance, so do the research and choose carefully.
Nepal Visa Entry Procedure
For entry into Nepal, there are visa requirements everyone (except Indian nationals) must complete before being allowed to pass through immigration. This is for air travel as well as overland transportation. Most visitors may obtain a visa to enter Nepal, however, there are exceptions. There are a number of entry points where you can obtain the visa upon arriving by land, but Tribhuvan International Airport is the only one for air transport.
Visa on Arrival Tourist Visa
Three options are available for entry
15-day single entry: US $30
30-day single entry: US $50
90-day multiple entries: US $125
Please have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry, and have cash ready, preferably in US dollars, though there are other currencies Nepal Immigration accepts. If you are entering via overland, you must have US cash and 3 passport photos. For arrival by air, the kiosks at the airport take your picture for you.
For the most up to date list of exceptions for visa on arrival or to obtain the most current visa information, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration website.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Acute Mountain Sickness is usually seen in un-acclimatized people shortly after ascent to high altitudes. The condition occurs due to the thinning of air as the altitude increases. The condition, if not taken seriously and treated immediately, can be life-threatening and its symptoms can be seen generally above 3000 meters. Some of the symptoms of AMS are nausea, vomiting, tiredness, shortness of breath and cerebral pain. The treks are designed to properly acclimatize you to the change in high altitude climate and sufficient precautionary measures too are taken to take utmost caution. We also equip our staffs with cell phones and satellite phones in occurrence of any emergency cases. We are greatly driven to keep the safety and security of our clients as our foremost concern.
Drinking Water
Water is essential for life, and clean water is imperative while on holiday. When choosing to visit less developed countries it is a concern that all travelers should consider. A few options are available when trekking or traveling in Nepal that will mitigate any chances of drinking contaminated water which could cause disruption of an otherwise fun adventure. The first consideration to take into account is that tap water should not be ingested. That even means when brushing your teeth. Most will choose to buy bottled water and if doing so make sure the cap has not been opened previously. Plastic bottle refuse is a problem, and with that being said there are other options on the market to assist in making water drinkable. Your local outdoor store can help with choosing what option might be best to use in conjunction with a reusable bottle. Your guide can also steer you to water that has been filtered and purified so ask him or her what is available.
Arrival Instruction
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representatives are stationed to welcome you to the country. We request you to carefully look for your name being held by our representatives following the events upon landing. The representatives are responsible to escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will see men offering you to carry luggage and take you to your destination as you exit the airport. We request you to pay no attention to these people and follow the designated representatives and follow their instructions. You will also need to keep an eye on your luggage and belongings to avoid any complications.
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