Nepal: 18 Days Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep tour

  • Moderate
  • 3,800 M
  • 11 Days Tea House
  • 7 Days Hotel Days

Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Highlight

  • Enjoy the Tiji Festival in the beautiful and naturally secluded city of Lo-Mangthan.
  • 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.

Document and Paperwork Required For This Package

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

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

You must also always keep your necessary travel documents like Visa, Passport, Photo, and Travel Insurance with you all the time so you can show them whenever it is necessary. As mentioned earlier Upper Mustang slightly restricted area so there is considerably tighter security than in other places but if you have a permit and other necessary paperwork, you can enjoy the amazing Tiji Festival without any worry.

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 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 can also enjoy local cuisines like Dhido, Dal Bhat, Roti, etc.

You will get three meal options during the trip which contains breakfast. Breakfast is the common meal option for tourists during the trip. The Breakfast menu includes Tibetian Bread, French Toast, cornflakes, Chapati, Eggs, porridge, pancakes, and vegetable soups.

After breakfast, you will be sorted for a few hours before diving into lunch. There are a variety of lunch options that you can choose from as well. You can either choose Western lunch options such as Momos or Dumplings, Pizzas, Soups, Breads, Steak, Noodles, and Potatoes or indulge yourself in local cuisines.

Some of the popular local cuisines for lunch are sherpa stew, Dal Bhat, Local meat and fish, Dindo, Fried Rice, and other local specials that are very good for cold climates. After a long day trek, you are now ready for dinner.

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

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

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. It might also be difficult to find a single room for each guest in upper-altitude hotels or guest houses. You can find excellent accommodation facilities till Kagbeni and also in some hotels in Mustang but in many hotels the services are limited.
In the case of internet facilities, there is no problem even after Kagbeni as many teahouses do have WIFI connection. However, when the altitude increases towards Upper Mustang it becomes unreliable and erratic.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Difficulty Level

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

You don’t need any kind of mountain climbing skills or any 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 terrains however the biggest challenge that you will likely face might be from the altitude.

Altitude Sickness

Although the difficulty level of the Upper Mustang Tiji Jeep Tour is described to be easy to moderate there is always one factor that can make your trip a very difficult task and that is altitude sickness. Although it has been noted that altitude sickness only occurs at a level above 4000 meters, it is safe to assume in some rare cases, people still suffer from the sickness despite being at over 3000 m altitude which is the altitude we will tour in during the jeep tour.

In case of altitude sickness, it is essential to drop down a level of altitude to calm your body. You can also be prepared for the higher altitude by taking as much rest and getting acclimatized so that the sudden increase in altitude won’t cause any sickness. You can also be equipped with some medicine like Diamax or others in case of emergency.

However it is better to prevent altitude sickness than get ready for his treatment, so here is some advice that you can follow to prevent 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 kind of emergency.
  • You have to walk slowly and carefully while walking in higher terrains. Avoid walking faster which can cause you to tire fast and can make your body weaker.
  • Keep yourself hydrated all the time as it is a very necessary step in preventing altitude sickness. Do not consume alcohol which causes severe dehydration at the time of walking.
  • You must lower your altitude or stop immediately if you feel the symptoms of altitude sickness. Although altitude sickness is not extremely dangerous failure to cope with the situation can make it worse.

The Mustang Tiji festival is an annual three-day celebration held in the Kingdom of Mustang, Nepal, also known as “The Chasing of the Demons.” The festival is based on 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. The demon father, who is enraged and wreaking havoc, causes a severe water shortage by blocking off the only water source in the dry and arid land of Mustang. To end the suffering of his people, Dorje Jono defeats the demon and restores the water supply, bringing prosperity and peace to the region.

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 takes place at the end of the dry season, in late winter or early spring, just before the monsoon season, when the land is parched and the water supply is dwindling.

Tiji comes from the words “Ten Che,” which means “the hope that Buddha’s teachings will win out in every world.” It’s a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of water, which is 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. Peissel arrived on the last day of the festival, not knowing what to expect, and was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds he encountered. He described the experience as “strange and unexpected,” and even now, he still finds it hard to believe that what he saw was real.

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, and it highlights 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 is also an excellent way to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and its people. It is a celebration of their history, traditions, and way of life, and it gives visitors a chance to experience the unique customs and practices of the Mustang region. The festival features vibrant dances, colorful costumes, and intricate rituals that are steeped in centuries of tradition. Through this festival, the people of Mustang have preserved their culture and history and ensured that it will be passed down to future generations.

Final Say

In conclusion, the Mustang Tiji festival is an essential event in Nepal that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, highlights the importance of water, and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Mustang region. People have to come together and celebrate their history, traditions, and way of life, and it has become a significant tourist attraction that brings 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.

Route Highlights for Mustang Tiji Festival:

  • Duration: 18 days
  • Best season: Oct-May
  • Jeep Tour: B (Moderate )
  • Altitude: 3,800 m.(Lomanthang)
  • Trek starting Point: Jeep drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Ending Point: Pokhara drive to Kathmandu
  • Culture: Different communities with a majority of Thakali, Tibetan Lobas, and their unique culture.
  • Mode of Jeep Tour: Fully Organized Jeep, Lodge Tour.
  • Himalayan Sights: Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri ranges, Nilgiri, Tibetan plateau, etc. the most isolated and unexplored corners of the Himalayas.

Day to day schedule to Nepal: 18 Days Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep tour

  • April 28, Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m / 4429ft)

    Maximum Height: 1350m (4429ft)

    We will pick you up at the international airport and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment and visit around Kathmandu on your own. In the evening we welcome you with a typical Nepalese dinner and also we discuss the program, and route.

    Overnight in 3*/ 4* Hotel in Kathmandu
    Included standard meals (Welcome Dinner)

  • April 29, Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu

    Maximum Height: 1350m (4429ft)

    The very next morning, after breakfast you will be taken for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the center of pilgrimage Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath, 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 in preparing special permit for mustang.

    Overnight in 3*/ 4* Hotel in Kathmandu
    Included standard meals (Breakfast)

  • April 30, Day 03: Jeep drive to Pokhara (820m/2690ft)

    Drive Hour: 6 Hours
    Drive distance: 200 km (124.2 mile)
    Maximum Height: 820m (2690 ft)

    This morning you will drive to Pokhara (200km) En route we will see more of the countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms, and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we 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 beautiful, Fewa Lake.

    Overnight in 3*/ 4* Hotel in Pokhara
    Included standard meals (Breakfast)

  • May 01, Day 04: Jeep Drive to Marpha (2600m/ 8530ft)

    Drive Hour: 6 Hours
    Drive distance: 150 km (93.2 mile)
    Maximum Height: 2600m (8530 ft)

    Intensive exploration of the Marpha village including Kawaguchi House and Marpha Gompa.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 02, Day 05: Jeep Drive to Samar (3620m/11876ft)

    Drive Hour: 5 Hours
    Drive distance: 45km (27.9 mile)
    Maximum Height: 3620m (11876ft)

    Today our journey starts with a special permit check-up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. During the drive, we have scenic picturesque places to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trail follows the up and downhill continues, along treeless and dry terrain, along the side of a spectacularly deep canyon to pass a cairn of rock 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, explore the Samar village and sourrounding incuding NEW TEMPLE.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 03, Day 06: Trek and Drive to Ghami (3550m/111464 ft)

    Drive Hour: 4 Hours
    Drive distance: 26km (16.1 mile)
    Maximum Height: 3550m (11646 ft)

    Drive-by jeep to Ghami (3550 m), en-route visit Rangchyung Cave Chorten/cave temple, the village of Ghiling, here jeep will take another trial to Ghami. Geling with a walk through Chorten, we can explore and visit Sakya Gompa.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 04, Day 07: Trek and drive to charang (3500m/11482 ft)

    Drive Hour: 2 Hours
    Drive distance: 18km (11 mile)
    Maximum Height: 3500m (11482 ft)

    Drive-by jeep to Tsarang/Charang, en route explore the village and visit Gompa. On this day we are crossing one of the longest Mani walls. If the jeep client is also interested to visit Dhakmar we can drive to Dhakmar which takes 30 minutes longer and they can explore around.

    For Trek: trek to Dhakmar/Tramar about 2hrs including Red Cliffs, in Tsarang visit Lo Gekar Gompa, Thubten Shedrup Dhargyeling, Ruin of King’s palace, the jeep will wait till the crew reaches back from Dhakmar. Then we further drive to Charang. If time permits you can visit Ghar Ghumpa one of the oldest monasteries in the mustang and marang villages.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 05, Day 08: Drive to Lo-Mangthang (3800m/12467 ft)

    Drive Hour: 2 Hours
    Drive distance: 19km (11.8 mile)
    Maximum Height: 3800m (12467 ft)

    Today, we head out to our final destination towards the capital of Mustang where the king of the mustang still resides. En-route visit Ghar Gompa and Sumdra Chorten, intensive exploration of Lo Manthang also Champa Lhakhang, Thubchen Lhakhang, Shakya Chyodi Gompa, and King’s Palace. Also, you can enjoy Starting day of the Tiji Festival.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 06, Day 09: Explore Day in Lo-Mangthang

    On this day we explore the surrounding areas of Lo-Manthang. This day will be spent 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 the Raja’s summer palace and surrounding panoramic views of the Himalayas are worth exploring. Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Namgyal (The Monastery of Victory is the newest and most active Gompa in Lo) are also here. In the eastern valley nestles the village of Chosar, also rich in Gompas, this valley is the main trading route to Lhasa. After exploring the lo-Manthang we are ready for the Tiji festivals from 2 pm to around 6pm.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 07, Day 10: Explore Day in Lo-Mangthang

    This day is the last day of the Tiji festival which ends with the ceremonial destruction of the evil remains, represented by some long black yak hair and red torma cakes minced into a dark red gurry. The demon’s red remnants are set out on an old tiger skin, where upon they are attacked by bow and arrow, slings, and the old guns. The poor devil remains are over-turned upon the ground, each time to a wild cannonade from the old muzzle-loaders and a wave of cheers and smoke.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 08, Day 11: Jeep Drive to Yara (3650m/ 11975ft) and hike or drive to Luri Gompa (3880m / 12729ft) and again drive back to Charang (3500m/11482 ft)

    Drive Hour: 5/6 Hours
    Drive distance: 50km (31mile)
    Maximum Height: 3920m (12860 ft)

    Explore the village again and drive to Yara. then after reaching Yara Gaon we can take a short trek to Luri Gompa 2/3hrs or can drive up to Luri gompa via ghar (3920m). Luri Gompa is one of the oldest monasteries and the Holy sites of the Mustang region. Drive back to Charang and stay overnight in Charang.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 09, Day 12: Drive to Chusang (3040m / 9974ft)

    Drive Hour: 4 Hours
    Drive distance: 48km (30mile)
    Maximum Height: 3040m (9974 ft)

    Wake up in the morning enjoy your breakfast and drive back to Chusang.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 10, Day 13: Trek and Drive to Muktinath (3785m/ 12417ft)

    Drive Hour: 5 Hours
    Drive distance: 25km (15.5mile)
    Maximum Height: 3785m (12417ft)

    After breakfast we start driving to the Muktinath with the best panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche, the Muktinath is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus and Buddhists. The most well-known holy place is a Vishnu temple where are 108 spouts, fashioned in the shape of cows’ heads, pouring forth water that is considered to be holy. This water is channeled from a stream running above the temple. The temple is built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, and Kali.

    For the trek: we start the trek from Jharkot to Muktinath, today also we trek around 2hrs.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 11, Day 14: Drive to Tatopani(11000m / 3609f) via Lubra village (2972m/ 9750ft)

    Drive Hour: 6 Hours
    Drive distance: 71km (44mile)
    Maximum Height: 1100m (3609ft)

    After a morning visit to the Temple of Muktinath and Buddhist Monastery nearby we start our drive to the Tatopani via lubra. Lubra valley is the last Bon village (pre-Buddhist practice). The place is full of legend and history. This cute little village is of special interest as it has a Bonpa-Monastery. Then drive further to Tatopani. You can enjoy a hot spring in Tatopani.

    Overnight stay in Lodge
    Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

  • May 12, Day 15: Drive to Pokhara (820m /2690ft)

    Drive Hour: 6 Hours
    Drive distance: 103km (64mile)
    Maximum Height: 820m (2690ft)

    After breakfast, we drive to Pokhara along the Kali Gandaki gorge and in the afternoon at leisure in Pokhara.

    Overnight in 3*/ 4* Hotel in Pokhara
    Included standard meals (Breakfast)

  • May 13, Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu

    Drive Hour: 6 Hours
    Drive distance: 200km (124.2mile)
    Maximum Height: 1350m (4429ft)

    Morning breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu.

    Overnight in 3*/ 4* Hotel in Kathmandu
    Included standard meals (Breakfast)

  • May 14, Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu

    Overnight in 3*/ 4* Hotel in Kathmandu
    Included standard meals (Breakfast)

  • May 15, Day 18: Departure

    Included standard meals (Breakfast)

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

What is excluded?

  • Monument entrance fees during sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • 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
  • Monument and monasteries fee,
  • Personal expenses: like bar bills, soft and hard drinks

Trip Dates and Availibility

From/To Availability
From 28 Apr, 2024 To 15 May, 2024 Guaranteed when booking Inquire

Best Seasons Listing

Best Season
Festival is celebrate according to the Tibetan calendar occur between end of April to first week of June

Trip Customization

Nepal Trekking

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