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.
Trip 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
Outline Itinerary
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Day 1: May 11
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Arrival in Kathmandu(1300m)
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Day 2: May 12
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Restricted Area Permit procedure
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Day 3: May 13
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Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) by tourist bus
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Day 4: May 14
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Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom(2720m) and trek to Kagbeni(2810m)
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Day 5: May 15
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Trek from Kagbeni to Chele(3050m)
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Day 6: May 16
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Trek from Chele to Shyangbochen(3800m)via Chungsi/Rachung Cave
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Day 7: May 17
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Trek from Syanbochen to Dhakmar(3820m)
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Day 8: May 18
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Trek from Dhakmar to Lo-Manthang(3810m ) via Ghar Gompa
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Day 9: May 19
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Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang
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Day 10: May 20
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Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang
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Day 11: May 21
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Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang
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Day 12: May 22
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Trek from Lo-Manthang to Ghami(3520m)
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Day 13: May 23
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Trek from Ghami to Samar(3660m)
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Day 14: May 24
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Trek from Samar to Kagbeni(2810m)
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Day 15: May 25
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Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom(2720m)
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Day 16: May 26
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Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m)
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Day 17: May 27
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Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
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Day 18: May 28
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Departure from Kathmandu
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What's included ?
- 1 hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.
- A porter and his entire expenses.
- Airport pickup and drop facility.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- Breakfast,Lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).
- First aid medical kit
- Fresh seasonal fruits after the dinner (while on the trek).
- Full day guided city tour in Kathmandu (Day 2) by a private vehicle.
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu travel in a deluxe bus.
- Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide.
- Local sim card
- Lodge expenses during the trek.
- Nepal Ascent Treks duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
- Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flight tickets
- Transportation in private vehicle.
- Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.
What's excluded ?
- Cost for additional trips.
- Cost incurred during the tour around the city.
- Extra hot showers, wifi & battery charging on a trek.
- Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.
- Nepal arrival visa.
- Personal expenses.
- Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).
- Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.
The given cost are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please
write us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.
Please Check Available Dates for The Year of:
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