Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

19 days

Duration

Moderate

Trip Level

Min 2 person

Group Size

3800 m

Max-altitude

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?

Observing three-day vibrant ritual Buddhist Tiji Festival

Explore the former forbidden Kingdom of Mustang

Spectacular scenery, really admirable, but a lifetime experience

Explore ancient Buddhist monasteries and caves

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 (1^st day)
10.	6th May	Tiji Festival in Lo-mangthang (2^nd day)
11.	7th May	Tiji Festival in Lo-mangthang (3^rd 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

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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)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will greet and welcome by our agency’s representative in front of the Arrival gate with a Display board of Himalayan Exploration Treks then transfer to your Hotel.

Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.

During the free day in Kathmandu, you may have a chance to visit the heritage site of Kathmandu Valley, followed by a pre-trip departure meeting regarding upcoming trekking peak climbing, where you meet the trek guide and other team members. They will brief you about the team formation, equipment, and nature of peak climbing and other necessary information

Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara (920 m) 6h00 drive.

This is the picturesque drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu, traversing several beautiful villages, forests, rivers, and mountain scenery. Finally, get to Pokhara in the afternoon.

Day 4: Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni (2870 m) 20 min. by plane 3h00 walk.

Early morning get to prepare for the flight to Jomsom by plane with wonderful Himalayan scenery of the giant Himalayas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You will meet other staff there, arrange all the backpacks, and then trek to Kagbeni.

Day 5: Kagbeni – Chele (3050 m) 6h00 walk.

The trail goes through the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River after checking all formality in Kagbeni. There are several climbs over many ridges. We have wonderful mountain scenery and walk along the sandy and windy trails. Many ups and downs lead you through the small villages with narrow ways among the white-painted houses and cultivated land, and once crossing over the Kali Gandaki River that heads to Small ridges, get Chele.

Day 6: Chele – Geling (3806 m) 6h00 walk.

The trail gradually ascends through barren land and picturesque mountain scenery to a pass, then makes a long descent passing by some chhortens on the ridge. Then further pretty descend to Samar village where the stunning scenery of Annapurna and Nilgiri. The trail goes into a gorge, crosses a stream, and takes another valley. Then ascends to a hill (3,800 m), taking on ridges, and pretty descend to Geling.

Day 7: Geling – Charang (3,500 m) 6h00 walk

Start the trek after breakfast; the trail leads a pretty interesting pass Nyi – La and longer descends beneath colorful cliffs through the valley and across a stream then head on another pass at 3,600 m and long downhill to Charang.

Day 8: Charang – Lomangthang (3,700 m) 5h00 walk.

As usual, on other days, the trail goes a little descent and crosses a bridge, ascends steeply with a rocky trail to get to a ridge, and further continues climbing to reach the region of Lo, which King Ame Pal established as a kingdom in the 1380s, with wall city of Lomanthang as the capital and the people of these areas called Lobas. Finally, a short descent and cross a stream, then climb up to enter the plateau of Lomanthang.

Day 9: Tiji Festival in Lo-mang thang (1st day).

The celebration of the Tiji festival begins with first-day activities

Day 10: Tiji Festival in Lo-mang thang (2nd day)

Tiji festival 2nd-day activities.

Day 11: Tiji Festival in Lo-mang thang (3rd day)

Tiji festival 3rd-day activities and closing ceremony.

Day 12: Lo – Mangthang – Ghami (3,520 m) 6h00 walk.

The climax of the trek has been finished descending back through some village’s ancient monasteries and offering the last glimpse of Lomangthang and walking down to Ghami.

Day 13: Ghami – Samar (3,150 m) 6h00 walk

This is the same route we take while heading to Lomangthang bypassing Nyi-La and descending to Samar with beautiful scenery of Annapurna range.

Day 14: Samar – Kagbeni (2870 m)

Trek to Kagbeni is easy to walk, passing through a narrow path among white-painted houses, cultivated fields, and the beautiful scenery of Annapurna and Nilgiri are in front. Finally, get to Kagbeni. There is an opportunity to visit a monastery that beliefs to build in the 15th century.

Day 15: Kagbeni – Jomsom (2800 m) 3h00 walk.

Today is the last trek to Jomsom, an easy walk along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Jomsom is a busty place due to an administrative quarter of the Mustang district. The Eco-cultural Museum in Jomsom offers an opportunity to explore ancient Thakli traditions, culture, flora, and fauna.

Day 16: Jomsom – Pokhara

Early morning, get to prepare all the baggage flight to Pokhara by plane. The wonderful Himalayan scenery of the giant Himalayas Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif can see from the plane.

Day 17: Pokhara – Kathmandu

You will transfer to the airport to fly to Kathmandu by plane with magnificent views of the mountains. Arriving in Kathmandu, you will be free all day.

Day 18: Free day in Kathmandu

You will be free all day and may have a chance to visit once in the heritage site. Or this day can be occupied as security day in case of flight interruption due to weather.

Day 19: Final departure

You will be transferred to airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight to your home country

DEPARTURE/RETURN

Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu

DEPARTURE TIME

Please report at least 2 hours before the flight.

INCLUDED

All domestic flight, Hotel/Airport transfer

Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast

All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks

All necessary documentation and permits

All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)

Professional guide and porters

A First Aid Kits

Applicable Government Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

International Airfare

Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)

Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)

Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters

Travel Insurance

Guide and Porter gratuity

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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