Important Information

Region
Mustang Region Treks
Duration
17 Days
Max Altitude 4000 Meters
Best Season April-May
Activity Per Day
4-5 Hours Walk
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 16 people
Transportation Bus & Flight

The date for Tiji Festival 2024 and 2025 is already updated. The Tiji festival will be celebrated on the English dates of 5th, 6th, and 7th May of 2024 in the Upper Mustang. In the year 2025, Tiji will be celebrated on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of May. According to the lunar calendar, it is held annually for three days from the 27th to the 29th of the 3rd month every year. It is possible to do the whole trek depending on the teahouses. 

Tiji is a common name for Tenpa Chirim (bstan pa spyi rim). It is one of the most popular Himalayan festivals and it is also an awaited season for hundreds of spectators from every corner of the world. It is celebrated annually in the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. The religious festival was introduced during the time of Ama Pal (the first king of Lo), the independent ruler of Lo and Ngorchen Dorje Chang, the exalted being who brought Buddhism to Mustang. Tenchi, the Vajrakilaya ritual was brought into practice during the reign of Lowo Khenchen, son of the 3rd independent king of Lo Tsangchen Tashi Goen. This festival is organized by a group of people including mediators or village chiefs from every village and the Monks of Chode Monastery. The festival was conducted successfully for a long time.  It is an old story about chasing the demons from the sacred land of Lo Manthang. The festival marks the end of the dry season and prayers for a fruitful harvest.  

This three-day ceremony is lit up with a colorful custom dress, dancing, music, and reenactments from the story of a deity and his demon father. 

What will happen in those three days of the Tiji festival?
Read day-to-day details of the Tiji festival here: Tiji Festival blog

We organize both private and group joining treks/tours for the 2023 Tiji Festival. Many visitors choose us for Upper Mustang treks and tours because we are one of the most dedicated trekking and tour companies in Nepal, founded in the initiation of the enthusiastic young native people of Mustang and Rolwaling. Our all trekking staff is from Upper Mustang and our trekking guide will lead you in this Lo Kingdom sharing his cultural and traditional stories on the trekking trail.

"First of all attending the Tiji Festival was extraordinary. And the entire experience of the road all the way from Kathmandu to Lo Mantang was augmented by, Dawa from Himalayan Wander Walkers, a local from a village of Lo Manthang area who currently lives in Kathmandu. His knowledge of all places both in Lo Manthang and its surroundings was remarkable and it was a pleasure to hike with him throughout the entire area. I highly recommend his trekking services." by Radu from Flying Monk Film Read More reviews here: Trip Advisor

Explore the hidden kingdom of Upper Mustang beyond the great Himalayas. If you are looking for a different itinerary than the itinerary here please Customize Your Trip 

Highlights of Tiji Festival 

  • Trek in the shadows of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna along the Kali Gandaki River en route to Mustang
  • Pass through white-washed mountain villages, alongside colorful Buddhist shrines and temples
  •  Following 5 days of trekking, reach Lo Manthang, the fabled walled city of Mustang
  • Spend 3 days in Lo Manthang at the Tije Festival – a vibrant Buddhist celebration with dancing and traditional music.
  • Experience the lifestyle of different people. (1N with Local homestay, 1N at monastery guest house, 1N at tea house)

Upcoming Tiji Festival Dates for the years 2024 and 2025 are given below in the Table.

S.No Tiji Festival Year Tiji Festival Happening Dates
1 Tiji Festival 2024 5th, 6th and 7th May 2024
2 Tiji Festival 2025 24th, 25th and 26th May 2025

 

Outline Itinerary ( 17 Days )

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu 1340m.

Arrival in Kathmandu-Transfer to Hotel, Welcome assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel, rest at the hotel and briefing about the trip. 

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 2

Full day Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley 1340m.

Heritage sites are the attraction which includes both natural and artificial monuments, listed by the UNESCO as an endangered property of the world. The heritage sites have their own unique features and value which differentiate from other sites. Explore the unique art and architecture, culture and tradition, unparalleled feature of the landscape of Nepal which is UNESCO listed world famous sites. For the detail information go through following itineraries. 

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 3

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 820m/ 5 to 6 hours

After reaching at Pokhara, you can explore the beautiful lake of Fewa, popular underground water fall named Davi’s Fall, Gupteshowar Mahadev cave and mountaineering museum. You can also take a boating tour to Tal Barahi Temple which is in between the lake. In the evening, you can take evening walk on the pleasant road of lakeside market and enjoy the Beautiful ambience.

Overnight at Hotel with BB based.

Day 4

Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom 2720m and trek to Lubra/lupra village (2972m).

Early morning, we have a flight from Pokhara Airport to Jomsom. This scenic adventurous flight takes about 18-25 minutes passing through the world’s deepest George, presenting spectacular mountain views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges, and Fishtail with several famous peaks within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri area from its both sides.  Jomsom is the beginning point of our trek. After landing here we will have breakfast and start our trek towards Lupra village, only Bon village in Mustang which takes about 2 or 2 and a half hours walk located next to Panda Khola. We can enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche peak while walking in the opposite direction.

Overnight at Lodge.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 5

Drive to Sangmochen and hike to Chungshi Cave Monastery.

After your breakfast we will drive to chuksang via Kagbeni which takes about 30-40 minutes approximately to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is the gateway to the controlled area of Upper Mustang where you need to show your permit and we will visit the monastery and town as well. We can enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche peak from Kagbeni. After having lunch at Samar you will drive toward Sangmochen crossing the Sohi la Pass (4000m) from which you will have views of Himalaya on the sourthern part and Kaligandaki Canyon on east side. Soon after descending to village and leave our baggage. After having a short breka and tea you will pay visit to Chungshi Rangchung Gonpa (sacred cave monastery). Buddhist well known Tantric master, Padmasambhava meditated here centuries ago. Inside the cave monastery you will see spontaneous stone statues of Awalokeshwor (Chenresig), Tara and prayer beads. The trailgoes through a green bushes and soon the valley broadens out and we can see walls built in front of caves which are temporary homes for the goats and sheep herders. Sometimes it is possible to see rabbits and the rare blue sheep in this area. Return to lodge. 

Overnight at teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 6

Trek to Dakmar 3450m/5-6 hours.

Today we will trek to Dhakmar village. Trek duration will be 5-6 hours. After breakfast at Syangboche, we climb gently to a small pass with extraordinary views of the soaring peak of Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Annapurna in the south. After 40 minutes of the walk leads to Ghiling village and visit the Monastery. Then you will climb the Karki La Pass (4026m) that lies behind the Ghiling school. When you reach the second hilltop you will have a view of Dhaulagiri mountain on your right side in the southwest direction.  After that again 40 minutes of gentle walk through the valley will take you to the Karki La. It looks easy from distance but it’s really exhausting with a gentle ascent pass. The path descends gradually towards the Ghami La pass and on the way we see a rundown, Ghami village surrounding the field, Nepal's longest Mani wall, and partial red cliffs of Dhakmar. Afternoon your lunch at Ghami you will trek to Dhakmar (red clip village) via next to the longest Mani Wall.  

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 7

Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang (3750m) via Ghar Gompa - Observe First day of Tiji Festival.

After leaving Dhakmar village we climb up the yellow canyon to Mui La (4170m). After 45 minutes of walking from Mui la, we will reach the Lo-Gyakar Gompa –The oldest Buddhist monastery in the world. There we will have lunch. As usual, we start our trek to Lo Manthang after lunch via Chogo La (4280 m). The trek will be 4-5 hours. At first, the trek will be a long climb to Lungri La at 4070m. After crossing the Lungri la we will walk through a small valley of Marmot spot and finally after a gentle climb will reach Chogo La. From Chogo la we will have a view towards the borderline of Nepal and china once used to be Tibet. After descending toward Karak valley we will follow the left route toward Thingker village. It takes two more hours to reach Lo-Manthang.  we will see Yaks on the way if the summer nomadic camps are still there. Observe Tiji Festival Dance in the afternoon.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). Overnight in a local homestay. 

Day 8

Visit Monasteries and observe Second dayTji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m.

Today after breakfast, we will visit the three main monasteries of Lo-Manthang they are Thubchen, Jampa, and Choede. After that, we will explore this ancient walled city and observe the mask dance in the afternoon. 
Overnight at Teahouse.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 9

Visit Chosar Caves, Monasteries and observe Final Day of Tiji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m.

Today Morning you will hike to Chosar and explore old caves, monasteries, and traditional cave houses.  And Return to Lo-Manthang for lunch and afternoon will be spare time to enjoy the opening of the Tiji festival. (OPTIONAL) Riding a horse or taking a jeep is optional with your personal expenses. 

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 10

Trek from Lo Manthang (3750m) to Yara (3580m). 5-6 hours

From Lo-Manthang the trail walks straight till Dhi pass 4100 m and descends down to Dhee village. So, the whole trekking will be 7-8 hours including lunch and break times. The trekking will be more rewarding and interesting than the west side of the valley. Dhi village is one of the best villages of the whole Lo-Manthang and it seems more prosperous and settled in a very suitable place. After having lunch in Dhee village we will trek to Yara.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 11

Rest Day at Yara visit Luri Gompa.

Today, we climb up to reach Luri Cave Monastery via Gara village and on the way back we will visit Tashi Kabung Chorten. Locals believe that there are 108 Kabung (Stupa) and only a few of them are discovered.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 12

Trek Tange (3,340m) 5-6 hours.

We leave Yara along a high winding path. This soon leads down to the Dhechaeng river which runs from the Damodar Kund. The trail just crosses the small river of melting ice water and then we climb up for around 2 hours to DHEY village along the winding desert mountain path to the Lo-Pa village of Tange. Buddhist inhabitants and are mostly busy in local businesses; the small foothills roll away to distance horizons sheltering the villagers from the gentle winds coming in from the valley. From the village, you turn your face to the north and we see some sandy cliffs over several hundred years old. Finally, we find the small Tangye village here.

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 13

Tange to Chhusang/Tetang (3,067m) 10-12 hours and Drive to Kagbeni

We leave packing our lunch and we climb some steps & then cross over a suspension bridge following the trail to the right side. Soon we reach at Yak River before climbing a terraced hill station of 4,210m. It is the highest point of the Upper Mustang trip, which takes about 2:30 hours. From here you can see Damodar Himal and Saribung Himal at (6,346m). No houses but only the ruins remain here but drinking water sources are available. Now the trail descends down the hill, and right in time, you can see the village either Chhuksang or Tetang. Due to the 10 days of the limited permit, we will drive by jeep to Kagbeni on the same day. 

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 14

Drive to Muktinath and visit temples and drive back to Jomsom.

Today we will have a late breakfast as we had walked long hours from Tange to Chhusang. After breakfast, we will drive by jeep to Muktinath and visit the main temple, Guru Marme Gompa, Budha Park, and even take a short walk to Guru Rinpoche Statue for the best view of Muktinath town.  After lunch, we will drive to Jomsom overnight. In the evening you can also do some shopping where you can find many local products such as Marpha brandy, dry apples, dry apricot, etc. 

Overnight at Teahouse.

Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 15

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara transfer to Hotel

We take an early morning 20min flight from Jomsom to Pokhara; the guide will transfer you to the Hotel there in BB Plan. The day we give you a chance for exploring the beautiful Pokhara valley with its natural and cultural beauty.

Overnight at the hotel with a BB basis.

Day 16

Tourist Bus Journey or Fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After having breakfast your trip starts with a drive back from Pokhara to Katmandu by tourist Coach about 6-7 hours driving (or take a short 30-minute flight) and overnight is arranged in Kathmandu as per the agreed category with BB Plan. At evening Himalayan Wander Walkers will invite you to join in a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese cultural restaurant.

Overnight at Hotel with BB basis.

Day 17

Final Departure to your port of Destination

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

This trek can be done in 19 days and less according to your time availability.

 

Include

Airport pick up and drop off
Taxi/bus to the start and end of the trek
English-speaking government license holder trekking guide
One porter for two persons
Trekking guide’s and porter’s insurance during the trip
TIMS trekking permit
Annapurna conservation permit
Special permit of USD 500
Domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and back to Pokhara
Accommodation during the trek
Fooding (breakfst, lunch and dinner) during trek
Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara

Exclude

Meals & drinks in Kathmandu (unless stated otherwise under ‘The trip cost includes’)
Personal trekking equipment
Travel/medical insurance
Emergency rescue evacuation
Phone calls
Photography and video charge
Internet
monastery entry fee
International air ticket
Tips for your trekking guide & porters at the end of the trek
If you’re forced to extend your trek due to bad weather or natural disaster circumstances, we are not liable to pay any compensation or otherwise be responsible for any expenses you may incur
Anything not mentioned in the ‘includes section’

Route Map

Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang

Fixed Departure Dates ( Limited Seats Available)

Trip Dates Trip Costs Actions
Opened

29 Apr, 2024 - 15 May, 2024

$2500 Join Now
Opened

18 May, 2025 - 03 Jun, 2025

$2500 Join Now

Important Information

CHECKLISTS FOR TIJI FESTIVAL TREK

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will  work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging During Tiji Festival
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. The rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN NEPAL

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes Camp shoes or thongs Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket Jumper or piled jacket Hiking shorts Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella Hiking pants T-shirts or blouses Underwear Sun hat

Rucksack Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional) Water bottle Torch, batteries, and bulbs