Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2025

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Country

Nepal

Duration

16 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Activity

Jeep Tours in Nepal

Best Season

April to first week of June

Start / End Point

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Max. Altitude

3,800 m

Nature Of Trek

Jeep, Lodge Tour.

Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Highlight

  • Enjoy the Tiji Festival in the beautiful and naturally secluded city of Lo-Mangthang.
  • Explore the beautiful surroundings and gorges of Kaligandaki.
  • Enjoy delicious cultural and ritual cake Torma made by local monks.
  • Pokhara valley, Fewa lake, and apple vineyard.
  • Breathtaking views of mountains like Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others.
  • Explore Champa Khakang, Namgyal Gompa, and Tsechen Shedrubling Monastery School to learn about Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Mountains like Nilgiri and Tibetan mountains will be your companion during the trip.

16 Days Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep tour

The Mustang Tiji festival jeep tour offers you a unique experience of the cultural event along with comfort. The Tiji festival provides the best view of the colorful dances and rituals. You can see traditional buildings and lively markets through Lo Mangthang's old streets. Also, you can easily explore nearby sights like ancient monasteries. With the convenience of transportation and the immersive cultural experience of the Tiji Festival, a jeep tour offers a memorable and enriching journey through the heart of Mustang's cultural heritage.

Mustang Tiji festival is an essential event in Nepal that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It highlights the importance of water and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Mustang region. People must come together and celebrate their history, traditions, and way of life. The festival has become a significant tourist attraction, bringing much-needed revenue to the region. The festival's continued existence ensures that the people of Mustang will continue to preserve and pass down their culture and history to future generations.

About Tiji Festivals

Tiji festival is one of the biggest Buddhist-Tibetian festivals celebrated in the Lo-Manthnag City of Upper Mustang. It is a culturally significant event followed by many people across the area. The name Tiji comes from Tempa Chrim. The Tiji means Prayer for World Peace. It has been a native ritual among the people of Upper Mustang.

This festival originated in the 15th century after Dorje Jono, a revered deity, defeated a demon named Ma Tam Ru Ta. He was the one who destroyed the region. The festival rituals include masked dances by the monks and a battle between the deity and the demon. This gesture symbolizes the victory of rightness over negativity.

It is done for three days. The monks from the Choedhe Monastry lead the proceedings. On the first day, they begin with the “Red Hat Dance,” symbolizing the perishment of evil forces. On the second day, masked dancers also perform the “Chaham Dance,” reliving the battle between Dorje Jono and Ma Tam Ru Ta. Finally, on the last day, prayers and rituals are conducted to remove any remnants of negativity.

The Tiji festivals show the spiritual significance of Buddhist people. Thus, it attracts a large number of people from across the world. The tourists get to witness the rich cultural heritage of this region. The festival plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Mustang culture.

Best Reasons to choose Upper Mustang jeep tour

Opting for the Upper Mustang Jeep tour is the easiest and most convenient way to explore the region’s beauty. With a jeep, you can cover more ground in less time, allowing you to explore a larger area of the stunning Upper Mustang region in a shorter period. This means you can see more attractions, experience more of local culture, and make the most of your trip without worrying about fatigue from long walks.

The jeep tour provides a faster and less physically demanding option than a walking trek. Thus, it is suitable for every individual, no matter what their age is. While a walking trek allows you to immerse more in local culture and interact with the people, a jeep tour allows access to more remote places that might be difficult to reach on foot. Although the choice completely depends on individual preferences, there are some reasons why you can choose a Jeep tour:

  • Accessibility to remote areas
  • Comfortable travel
  • Efficient exploration
  • Flexible itinerary
  • Enhanced safety on rugged terrains

The Significance of the Mustang Tiji Festival

The Mustang Tiji festival is significant not only for its mythological story but also for its cultural and historical importance. It is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the triumph of good over evil, highlighting the importance of water as a precious resource in a region where it’s scarce. The festival has become a major tourist attraction and brings much-needed revenue to the region.

The Mustang Tiji festival showcases Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and its people’s way of life. It celebrates their history, traditions, and customs, offering visitors a chance to experience the unique practices of the Mustang region. The festival features vibrant dances, colorful costumes, and intricate rituals rooted in centuries of tradition. The people of Mustang have preserved their culture and history through this festival, ensuring its passage to future generations.

Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2025 Itinerary

Note: B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner
Day 01:

Arrival in Kathmandu - May 18

Highest Altitude

1350m / 4429ft

We will pick you up at the international airport and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshments, you can visit Kathmandu on your own. We will welcome you in the evening with a typical Nepalese dinner and discuss the program and route.

Day 02:

Sightseeing around Kathmandu - May 19

Highest Altitude

1350m

The very next morning, after breakfast, you will be immersed in a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley for a full day. You can visit the center of pilgrimage, Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath, which are very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhnath might make you feel calm and at peace. Till then, our staff member will be busy preparing a special permit for Mustang.

Day 03:

Jeep drive to Pokhara - May 20

Trek Distance

200 km (124.2 miles) drive

Trek Duration

6 Hours Drive

Highest Altitude

820m/2690ft

This morning, you will drive to Pokhara (200km). En route, we will see more of Nepal’s countryside, which offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms, and beautiful mountain scenery. In the afternoon, we will reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, the five peaks of Annapurna, and others. Pokhara is a city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and attractive, Fewa Lake.

Day 04:

Jeep Drive to Marpha - May 21

Trek Distance

144 km (89.4 miles) Drive

Trek Duration

Drive Hour: 6 Hours

Highest Altitude

2600m (8530 ft)

Day 4 of the trek begins with a scenic jeep drive from Pokhara to Marpha village at 2600m. The journey offers breathtaking views along the way. Upon arrival, explore Marpha village, visiting attractions like the historic Kawaguchi House and Marpha Gompa. Immerse yourself in the local culture and take in the charm of this picturesque village.

Day 05:

Jeep Drive to Samar - May 22

Trek Distance

50km (31 miles) Drive

Trek Duration

Drive Hour: 4 Hours

Highest Altitude

3660m (12007ft)

Today, our journey starts with a special permit check-up and continues upstream to the riverbank of Kaligandaki. During the drive, we have scenic picturesque places to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trail follows the uphill and downhill continues along treeless and dry terrain, along the side of a spectacularly deep canyon to pass a rock cairn at 3540m. The trail then makes a long, gradual descent to some Chortens on a ridge and descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. En route, visit Tiri Gaon and explore the Samar village and surroundings, including NEW TEMPLE.

Day 06:

Trek and Drive to Ghami - May 23

Trek Distance

22km (13.6 miles) Drive

Trek Duration

Drive Hour: 4 Hours

Highest Altitude

3550m (11646 ft)

Drive by jeep to Ghami (3550 m). En route, visit Rangchyung Cave Chorten/cave temple and the village of Ghiling. Here, the jeep will take another trip to Ghami. After walking through Chorten, we can explore Sakya Gompa and visit it.

Day 07:

Drive to Lo-Mangthang - May 24

Trek Distance

25km (15.5 miles)

Trek Duration

Drive Hour: 2 Hours

Highest Altitude

3800m (12467 ft)

Today, we head out to our final destination, the capital of Mustang, where the king of the Mustang still resides. En-route, drive to Yara then after reaching Yara Gaon we take a hike to Luri Gompa. It is one of the oldest monastery and Holy site of Mustang region. On the way we explore village and visit Gompa. This day we are crossing one of the longest Mani Wall and drive to Lo-Manthang and visit Champa Lhakhang, Thubchen Lhakhang, Shakya Chyodi Gompa and King’s Palace. Also, you can enjoy the Starting day of the Tiji Festival.

Day 08:

Explore Day in Lo-Mangthang - May 25

On this day, we explore the surrounding areas of Lo-Manthang and spend time in this mystical and isolated city. You will awake to the mystical sounds of monks chanting and the heady scent of temple candles. The King of Mustang wears a whole crown of tiny river pearls set off by dozens of large red coralline tones interspersed with matched ornaments of turquoise.

Lo-Manthang is the western valley of Tingkhar, the site of Raja’s summer palace, and the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalayas, which are worth exploring. Kimling, Phuwa, and the Gompa of Namgyal (The Monastery of Victory is the newest and most active Gompa in Lo) are also here. After exploring the lo-Manthang, we will be ready for the Tiji festivals from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Day 09:

Another Explore Day in Lo-Mangthang - May 26

On the last day of the Tiji festival, the evil remains’ ceremonial destruction occurs. Some long black yak hair and red torma cakes, minced into a dark red gurry, represent the evil remnants. They are set out on an old tiger skin and attacked by bow, arrow, slings, and old guns. Each overturning of the devil’s remains triggers a wild cannonade from the old muzzle-loaders and a wave of cheers and smoke.

Day 10:

Jeep Drive to Chusang - May 27

Trek Distance

75km (47mile)

Trek Duration

Drive Hour: 6/7 Hours

Highest Altitude

3040m (12860 ft)

Explore the village again and drive to Chusang. On the way we visit Lo Gekar Gompa and Dhakmar.

Day 11:

Trek and Drive to Muktinath - May 28

Trek Distance

25km (15.5mile)

Trek Duration

Drive Hour: 5 Hours

Highest Altitude

3785m/ 12417ft

After breakfast, we drive to Muktinath, which offers the best panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Buddhists. The most renowned holy site is a Vishnu temple, featuring 108 spouts shaped like cows’ heads, from which holy water flows. This water is channeled from a stream located above the temple. The temple, constructed in Tibetan style, houses large brass idols of Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, and Kali.

For the trek, we will start from Jharkot and go to Muktinath. Today, we also trekked for around two hours.

Day 12:

Drive to Tatopani via Jharkot village - May 29

Trek Distance

71km (44mile)

Trek Duration

Drive Hour: 6 Hours

Highest Altitude

2972m/ 9750ft

After a morning visit to the Temple of Muktinath and the Buddhist Monastery nearby, we start our drive to the Tatopani via Jharkot. Then, drive further to Tatopani. You can enjoy a hot spring in Tatopani.

Day 13:

Drive to Pokhara - May 30

Trek Distance

103km (64mile)

Trek Duration

Drive Hour: 6 Hours

Highest Altitude

820m /2690ft

After having breakfast, we start our journey towards Pokhara. The road takes you through the awe-inspiring Kali Gandaki gorge. Upon reaching Pokhara, we have the afternoon free to unwind and explore this charming lakeside city. You can stroll along Phewa Lake, visit the International Mountain Museum, or relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Day 14:

Drive to Kathmandu - May 31

Trek Distance

200km (124.2mile)

Trek Duration

Drive Hour: 6 Hours

Highest Altitude

1350m (4429ft)

Day 16 begins with a delicious breakfast before we hit the road back to Kathmandu. Along the way, we’ll pass through quaint villages, terraced fields, and lush forests, soaking in the natural beauty of Nepal’s countryside.

Day 15:

Free day in Kathmandu - June 01

Free day in Kathmandu offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s rich cultural heritage. You can visit iconic landmarks such as Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, or the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. Alternatively, you may choose to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.

Day 16:

Departure - June 02

This is the final day of your trek. After breakfast, our guide will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport in a private van. With a heavy heart, we will say a final goodbye. Have a safe journey.

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What is included?

  • Transportation to and from the airport
  • Hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Government licensed guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Mustang special permit and conservation fee
  • Professional, Government license holder Trekking guide.
  • Accommodation in lodge during jeep Tour with 3 meals a day
  • Private jeep from Kathmandu-Kathmandu

What is excluded?

  • Monument entrance fees during sightseeing in Kathmandu valley and Trekking
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • International flight ticket and airport tax
  • Travel insurance in case of emergency
  • Any extra services which is not included above
  • Tips for local staff
  • Domestic flight ticket
  • Extra transport if incase natural or political disturbance which is beyond our control
  • Personal expenses: like bar bills, soft and hard drinks

Essential Information

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Difficulty Level

The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour falls under easy to moderate difficulty level. Little walking is involved since the jeep will take you to different places. However, you must be in excellent physical condition to thoroughly enjoy the trip.

You don’t need any mountain climbing skills or other skills to complete the excursion, and there are no technical obstacles that might halt your trip completely. You will most likely be going on a slightly difficult trek to see monasteries and caves and will also walk on terrain; however, the biggest challenge you will likely face might be the altitude.

Document and Paperwork Required For Tiji Festival Tour

If you are on course to experience the Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, you must know that you need special permits and documents to reach the Upper Mustang. Since 1992, tourists have always been welcome to visit Upper Mustang, but a special permit is necessary.

Despite coming across one of the most restricted areas in history, Upper Mustang sees more local and foreign tourists yearly. The Jeep Tour of the region is gaining more attention, but first, you need to get a special permit from ACAP and the Nepal Immigration office.

You must also always keep your necessary travel documents, such as a visa, passport, photo, and travel insurance, with you so you can show them whenever necessary. As mentioned earlier, the Upper Mustang is a slightly restricted area, so there is considerably tighter security than in other places. However, with a permit and other necessary paperwork, you can enjoy the amazing Tiji Festival without worry.

Reaffirming the Myth

The Tiji festival celebrates and reaffirms this ancient myth. During the festival, the story and events of the myth are dramatically re-enacted through dance, music, and colorful performances. The festival occurs at the end of the dry season, in late winter or early spring, just before the monsoon season.

Tiji comes from “Ten Che,” which means “the hope that Buddha’s teachings will win out in every world.” It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and reminds people of the importance of water, a scarce resource in this region.

Michel Peissel, a French ethnologist and explorer, was the first Westerner to witness the Mustang Tiji festival in 1964. At the time, foreigners were not allowed to enter the Mustang region without special permission from the government of Nepal. Arriving on the festival’s last day, Peissel was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds he encountered, not knowing what to expect.  He described the experience as “strange and unexpected,” even now, he still finds it hard to believe that what he saw was real.

FAQs For Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2025

Food and Accommodation During Trip

Many tourists are often concerned about the food they might get on the Upper Mustang Trip. However, the best part is that the food is exceptional even in the restricted area. Since the region is one of the best tourist spots, you can get all kinds of international foods like Thai, Continental, and Italian and enjoy local cuisines like Dhido, Dal Bhat, Roti, etc.

You will have three meal options during the trip, including breakfast. Breakfast is the most common meal option for tourists during the trip. The Breakfast menu includes Tibetan bread, French Toast, cornflakes, Chapati, Eggs, porridge, pancakes, and vegetable soups.

After breakfast, you will be full for a few hours before diving into lunch. There are a variety of lunch options that you can choose from as well. You can choose Western lunch options such as momos or dumplings, pizzas, soups, bread, steak, noodles, and potatoes, or indulge in local cuisines.

Some popular local cuisines for lunch are sherpa stew, Dal Bhat, Local meat and fish, Dindo, fried rice, and other local specialties that are very good for cold climates. After a long day of trekking, you are now ready for dinner.

Some of the dinner options are Dal Bhat, Chapati, Roti, Thukpa (Noodles), Spaghetti, Macaroni, Yak Steaks, Local Meats and Fish, different soups and stews, and local drinks.

Regarding accommodation, you will stay at three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. When you are in Upper Mustang, you and your local guide will stay at local guesthouses that provide impressive services. Each hotel has a twin bed, an attached bathroom, and hot water.

However, it is essential to understand that guesthouses don’t have the luxury of several-star hotels, so some guest houses may have shared bathrooms and sinks. Finding a single room for each guest in upper-altitude hotels or houses might be difficult. You can find excellent accommodation facilities up to Kagbeni, and some hotels in Mustang also offer lodging, but many hotels have limited services.

In the case of internet facilities, there is no problem even after Kagbeni, as many teahouses have WIFI connections. However, when the altitude increases towards Upper Mustang, it becomes unreliable and erratic.

Altitude Sickness

The Upper Mustang Tiji Jeep Tour is described as easy to moderately complex. However, one factor can always make your trip very difficult, and that is altitude sickness. People have noted that altitude sickness only occurs above 4000 meters. We can safely assume that it occurs in some rare cases. People still suffer from sickness despite being at over 3000 m altitude, the altitude we will tour during the Jeep tour.

In altitude sickness, dropping down a level of altitude is essential to calm your body. You can also be ready for higher altitudes by getting as much rest and acclimatization as possible so that the sudden increase in altitude won’t cause any sickness. You can also pack with some medicine like Diamax or others in an emergency.

However, it is better to prevent altitude sickness than get ready for his treatment, so here is some advice you can follow to avoid altitude sickness overall.

  • Keep eating a healthy and local diet that gives stamina, and avoid eating extra chilly or oily foods.
  • Purchase necessary medicinal items like Diamax, bandages, etc, for any emergency.
  • In higher terrains, you must walk slowly and carefully. Avoid walking faster, as this can cause you to tire quickly and weaken your body.
  • Always keep yourself hydrated, as this is a necessary step in preventing altitude sickness. Do not consume alcohol, as it can cause severe dehydration while walking.
  • If you feel the symptoms of altitude sickness, you must lower your altitude or stop immediately. Although altitude sickness is not extremely dangerous, failure to cope can worsen it.

The Mustang Tiji festival is an annual three-day celebration in the Kingdom of Mustang, Nepal, known as “The Chasing of the Demons.” The festival is the story of Tiji, which tells the tale of the god Dorje Jono, who battles against his demon father to save the people of Mustang from destruction. Enraged and wreaking havoc, the demon father blocks off the only water source in Mustang’s dry and arid land, causing a severe water shortage. To end the suffering of his people, Dorje Jono defeats the demon and restores the water supply, bringing prosperity and peace to the region.

 

Off-Roading Adventure

If you want an off-road adventure, the Mustang Jeep trek is the best option. Mustang is an exhilarating journey through rugged terrain. The jeep ride in the area is like a thrilling roller coaster raised through nature’s playground. The rugged uphill and downhill terrain gives a bouncing adventure over rocky trails. Each turn presents a new challenge, whether conquering steep inclines, passing through deep mud, or traversing rocky landscapes.

The jeep adventures cater to those who love exploring but have less time and seek a more comfortable trip than trekking. You will learn more about the special Mustang Culture as you drive through remote paths. This off-the-beaten-road jeep tour offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains. If you are an adventurer looking for a more thrilling experience in the Himalayas, you can opt for the jeep tour in Upper Mustang.

Why To Choose Himalayan Leaders?

Booking your Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep tour with the Himalayan Leader is wise for several reasons. We are a government-certified company with the mission of customer satisfaction. Wondering what advantages you get exploring with us? Do not worry. Embarking your journey with us provides you with numerous benefits. We are a group of experienced team. Our well-trained guides and well-maintained jeeps ensure a safe and well-guided tour.

Furthermore, you will receive full assistance from accommodation and meals to transportation throughout the journey. Thus, you can focus on soaking in the beautiful scenery. With our commitment to responsible tourism and safety, you can embark on this adventure with peace of mind. Also, we offer you all the packages at the most affordable prices. With the best amenities provided, an experienced team, and affordability, booking with us can be the best choice for you.

Plan your trip on your own date

Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.

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