The Tiji festival is an eagerly awaited yearly celebration in the Lо-man thang region of the upper Mustang. This elaborate occasion usually happens in May and serves as a cheerful symbol of the start of a new season. It has deep roots in age-old customs and holds immense cultural importance for locals and tourists.
The Mustang Tiji festival dates are selected based on the Tibetan calendar to ensure the festival is celebrated at the best time. Great news! The highly anticipated Tiji festival in 2024 now has an official schedule. Mark your calendars for May 5th through May 7th, 2024! Experience the rich cultural traditions of Nepal’s Mustang District at the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek. Witness stunning mask and costume dances and celebrate the region’s unique heritage.
The Tibetan Buddhist Monks play a significant role in the festival by carrying out essential rituals that hold immense value for the locals. Tourists can observe these religious practices and gain insight into the region’s time-honored customs.
The Tiji festival is a remarkable event that brings to life age-old myths through captivating re-enactments. As per historical legend, the Mustang kingdom was once threatened by a demon who caused a severe water shortage that devastated the inhabitants. In response to this crisis, the brave deity Dorje Jono rose to confront his evil father and protect his people. After a fierce battle, Dorje Jono emerged victorious, and with his triumph came renewed prosperity and hoped for the nation.
The festival showcases the vibrant cultural heritage of Mustang through captivating dance performances and rituals. Careful attention is given to preserving the traditions and customs in their most accurate form. Witnessing this unique and awe-inspiring event is an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
What Do You Expect in The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek?
Brief Itinerary with Tiji Festival 2024 Dates
Days | Dates | Itinerary | Altitude in Meters | Distance |
1. | 28th April | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1350 | |
2. | 29th April | Trek Preparation | ||
3. | 30th April | Drive to Pokhara | 920 | 6h00 |
4. | 31st April | Fly to Jomsom, then trek to Kagbeni | 2870 | at 3h00 |
5. | 1st May | Trek to Chele | 3050 | 6h00 |
6. | 2nd May | Gheling | 3805 | 6h30 |
7. | 3rd May | Tsarang | 3500 | 6h00 |
8. | 4th May | Lo-mangthang | 3800 | 4h30 |
9. | 5th May | Tiji Festival in Lo-mangthang (1st day) | ||
10. | 6th May | Tiji Festival in Lo-mangthang (2nd day) | ||
11. | 7th May | Tiji Festival in Lo-mangthang (3rd day) | ||
12 | 8th May | Trek to Ghami | 3520 | 6h00 |
13. | 9th May | Samar | 3150 | 5h30 |
14. | 10th May | Kagbeni | 2870 | 7h00 |
15. | 11th May | Trek to Jomsom | 2800 | 3h00 |
16. | 12th May | Fly to Pokhara | ||
17. | 13th May | Drive to Kathmandu | ||
18. | 14th May | Rest day! | ||
19. | 15th May | Final Departure |
Tailor your holiday with help from a local travel specialist that matches your requirements.
The three days rituals events
On the 1st day of the Mustang Tiji Festival: The Tiji Festival starts with a worship ceremony and a gathering of monks who offer Vajrasatwa at the Tsode monastery. The festival officially begins when the monks play drums, cymbals, and horns to announce its start. The celebration continues by unveiling a large Thangka on the south wall of the square. Masked dancers then perform an energetic dance to banish any demons present.
On the 2nd day of the Mustang Tiji festival: The King and residents of the Lo kingdom came together for a special event dressed in traditional costumes. The addition of masked dances made the occasion even more captivating and exciting.
On the 3rd day of the Mustang Tiji Festival: The final day of the Mustang Tiji festival is the most significant of the three days. It is when all the demons and spirits are gathered and eliminated, and the festival concludes with cheers as the people burn a dummy of the devil. The Tiji festival holds great mythological significance as it has undergone a cycle of losing and regaining its worth, with the mysterious hidden behind it. The people living in Upper Mustang are committed to preserving the cultural traditions of the Tiji festival.
The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a top-rated event every May in Upper Mustang, coinciding with the full moon. It features significant religious ceremonies that attract visitors from all around the world who come to experience the Tiji festival themselves. The festival concludes only after all the preceding activities have been finished.
Day 1: Arrival day (1,300 m)
Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.
Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara (920 m) 6h00 drive.
Day 4: Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni (2870 m) 20 min. by plane 3h00 walk.
Day 5: Kagbeni – Chele (3050 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 6: Chele – Geling (3806 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 7: Geling – Charang (3,500 m) 6h00 walk
Day 8: Charang – Lomangthang (3,700 m) 5h00 walk.
Day 9: Tiji Festival in Lo-mang thang (1st day).
Day 10: Tiji Festival in Lo-mang thang (2nd day)
Day 11: Tiji Festival in Lo-mang thang (3rd day)
Day 12: Lo – Mangthang – Ghami (3,520 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 13: Ghami – Samar (3,150 m) 6h00 walk
Day 14: Samar – Kagbeni (2870 m)
Day 15: Kagbeni – Jomsom (2800 m) 3h00 walk.
Day 16: Jomsom – Pokhara
Day 17: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Day 18: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 19: Final departure
DEPARTURE/RETURN | Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu | ||||||||
DEPARTURE TIME | Please report at least 2 hours before the flight. | ||||||||
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Rates are quoted in US$ and payable in other currency also. All prices published on our website are set as low as possible. The prices may vary at any time subject to currency fluctuation, fuel prices, and unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, we guarantee our prices which have already signed up for your tour. Please custom quote if not suitable for you.
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