Govt. Regd. License No.: 212684

GET A QUOTE

Quick Questions? Email Us
[email protected]

Talk with an Expert (Indra)
+977 – 985 123 4552

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour

13 Days Tour Moderate

GET A QUOTE

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour

The Forbidden Kingdom- Mustang has two regions- Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang. Generally, the people of Mustang are influenced by Tibetan culture and Traditions. The lifestyle, dresses, and festivals are similar in Tibet and Mustang. Several festivals are celebrated around the year in this region, and Tiji is one of them.  Tiji festival in Lo-Manthang is celebrated according to the Tibetan calendar. The upcoming Tiji Festival 2025 dates are announced and will be celebrated on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of May 2025 in King Place Lo-Manthang.

Nagwang Kunga Sonam, a Shakya Trizin (head of a monastery), started the Tenchi for the welfare of mankind in the 14th century and was brought by King Samdup Rabten of Lo-Manthang. During this auspicious event, Monks will reside in Chhode monastery for three days performing Vajrakila, which was practiced by the Guru Rimpoche- Padmasambhava (The great Tantric Guru from Tibet) during the 8th century. Later, monks of Chhode monastery continue this celebration by chanting and dancing using masks. This is at present popular as the Tiji Festival.

Tiji Festival is celebrated in May following the Lunar calendar in the capital of the Former Mustang Kingdom- Lo-Manthang. The three-day celebrations are considered the battle between god and evil(positive and negative characters), followed by chants and dances by monks in colorful dresses.

Trip Photos

Quick Facts

Country : Nepal
Duration

13 Days

Festival Duration: 3 Days
Permit Required:

ACAP, TIMS, And Upper Mustang Entry Permit from the Immigration office
Transportation:

Flight, Jeep/car (4wd for Upper Mustang)
Guide:

English Speaking Tour Guide (other language-speaking guides also available)
Season:

March-November is the best time to visit Upper Mustang
Accommodation:

Tea-house/lodge

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour Highlights

  • Spiritual tour in the restricted zone of Nepal-Upper Mustang
  • Can observe the Buddhists practicing Tibetan Buddhism in this region
  • Unique festivals like Tiji are celebrated by preparing colorful Torma (ritual cake)
  • Tour through beautiful Pokhara Valley
  • Explore Apple Garden 3000m high and taste world popular Apple Brandy
  • Drive through the Deepest Gorge in the world- Kali Gandaki Gorge

Itinerary

May 17/ Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Greet and meet at the TIA premises. One of our staff will receive you and assist in transferring to the designated hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu.

May 18/ Day 2: Preparation Day and processing of Upper Mustang Permit

In the morning, we will complete all the formalities and procedures for the Upper Mustang Permit. After breakfast, we will go sightseeing around Kathmandu for a half day. We start with Swoyambhunath Stupa, known as Monkey Temple. From the hilltop of Stupa, we will observe the entire Kathmandu Valley. Then, we will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, known as Basantapur Durbar Square, the former king’s palace. You will see enriched Newari architecture on the premises of Durbar Square, which is reflected in every temple and monument. We will have lunch around Durbar Square and return to the hotel to prepare and shop, if necessary, for your trip. Overnight at Kathmandu.

May 19/ Day 3: Fly to Pokhara

We will fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara on the morning flight. Check in to the designated hotel and start sightseeing in Pokhara City. Lunch around lakesides. We will visit World Peace Stupa by crossing Phewa Lake by boat. It takes one hour of short hiking to reach Peace Stupa. Enjoy the serene vista and feel the calmness around Stupa. Half an hour’s descent to reach Chhore Patan, where we visit Davis Fall and Gupteswor cave. We will return to the hotel and can rest for a while and in the evening can stroll around the lakesides. Overnight at Pokhara.

May 20/ Day 4: Drive to Kagbeni Via Jomsom. Overnight at Kagbeni.

After breakfast, we will drive to Jomsom following the Pokhara-Mustang highway. On the way to Jomsom, we will have lunch around Ghasa. The scenic drive via the Kaligandaki River bank will be exciting and memorable. The hot spring at Tatopani, the apple garden at Marpha village, and the unique mud houses attract you unknowingly. Overnight at Kagbeni.

May 21/ Day 5: Drive to Samar, Explore the monastery around Samar, and drive to Ghami Village. Overnight at Ghami.

After breakfast, we will drive towards Chuksang and Samar. We need to show our Mustang Entry permit at the Kagbeni checkpost. Explore en route villages and caves before Ghami village. We will have lunch at Syangmoche(3800m) village, from where we can have beautiful views of Nilgiri Himal. We will drive for an hour to reach Ghami village. Overnight at Ghami.

 

May 22/ Day 6: Drive to Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar Monastery) for lunch in Dakmar and Charang. Overnight in Charang.

Today is an exciting day for us, as we will be nearer to Lo-Mantang- the capital of Mustang. We will Drive from Ghami to Charang by crossing the Ghami River to reach the Charan La pass. While crossing the pass, we may stop for a while to capture the majestic views of mighty Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Bhirkuti Himal. From Charang, we will reach Lo Gekar monastery, around a 30-minute drive, and then 10 minutes hiking. Lo Gekar Gompa was first established as a Tibetan Buddhist monastery before Samye Gompa in Tibet by Guru Rimpoche. We will have lunch at Dhakmar, a high red plateau desert where Guru Rimpoche once fought with demons at the Tibetan King’s request. It is believed that the blood of demons painted the cliff red. Overnight at Charang.

May 23/ Day 7: Drive to Yara and explore around Luri Gompa on foot. Back to Yara and then drive to Charang. Overnight at Charang.

We will have wonderful experiences of Upper Mustang, wherever we go, we have super feelings as we have an opportunity to observe the magnificent landscape of Mustang. When we reach the top of Yara, the sandy castle-like structure spellbound you. Visit Luri Gompa in the afternoon, which is 3.5 km away from Yara. The region is considered as seven wonders of Upper Mustang, which is located on top of a 100m high cliff. Drive Back to Charang and stay overnight there.

May 24/ Day 8: Drive to Lo- Manthang. Observe the first day of the Tiji festival. Overnight at Lo-Manthang

We will be excited to witness the wonderful Tiji festival. After breakfast, we will drive to Lo-Manthang, following the Tibetan Plateaus, cliffs, and caves along the way. The landscapes make your eyes busy to capture, which is, in fact, a dream to you. After reaching Lo-Manthang, we transfer to the hotel and have lunch over there.  Then, we go to the King’s palace to witness the first-day Tiji festival. We will observe the performance of monks who came from different parts of the world. Overnight at Lo-Manthang.

May 25/ Day 9: Drive to Chossar village for around one and a half hours.

Explore the town and go back to Lo-Manthang. Join the Second day of the Tiji festival from noon in the day. Overnight at Lo-Manthang.

May 26/ Day 10: Tiji Festival Final Day.  After the festival, Drive to Muktinath Overnight at Muktinath.

On the final day of the Tiji festival, we will be ready to move further when the festival is officially completed.  We will drive to Muktinath via Kagbeni. Overnight at Muktinath.

May 27/ Day 11: Hike to Jomsom from Muktinath. Overnight at Jomsom.

On this day, we explore Muktinath temple and Jwalamai premises. Today, we will have a three- to four-hour hike from Muktinath to Jomsom. Overnight at Jomsom.

May 28/ Day 12: Drive to Pokhara

Early morning breakfast and drive to Tatopani to enjoy a hot spring bath and relax over there. We can have Lunch at Tatopani or even drive further to have lunch. In the evening, we stroll around the lakeside after checking in to the hotel. Overnight at Pokhara.

May 29/ Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu and have a rest in the afternoon or have free time to do shopping.

Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Take a rest for a while before lunch. You have free time in the afternoon for shopping or relaxing on your own.

May 30/ Day 14: Departure

Our office assistance assists you in transferring to the international airport three hours before your scheduled flight.

Cost Includes

  • All Ground Transportation
  • All Domestic Air tickets (KTM- PKH both way)
  • Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara on BB basis(Twin Sharing)
  • 4WD jeep during Mustang trip
  • Three meals a day during the Upper Mustang trip
  • Accommodation on a sharing basis during the trip
  • ACAP Permit, TIMS card, and Upper Mustang Restricted area permit fee
  • Salary of Guide and Driver
  • Insurance of Guide and Driver
  • Sleeping Bag and Duffel bag during the trip
  • First-aid Kit
  • All Administrative costs and Government taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International air tickets
  • Nepal Entry visa fee
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Insurance that covers medical, emergency evacuation, loss, etc
  • Personal Expenses such as Laundry, alcoholic drinks, trip gear
  • Tips to Guide and Support Staff
Pokalde Adventure Tours & Travel Pvt. Ltd.