Nepal: 19d Tiji Festival – Upper Mustang

  • Moderate
  • 4,010 M
  • 12 Days Tea House
  • 6 Days Hotel Days
  • 12 Days Trekking Days

The Tiji festival is a three-day ritual known as “The chasing of the Demons”. And it is centered on the Tiji myth. Tiji tells the story of a deity named Dorje Jono. Dorje Jono is the person who battles against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. The demon father wreaks havoc on Mustang by creating a water shortage which, in this extremely arid land, is the most precious life-sustaining resource. Dorje Jono eventually defeats the demon and banishes him from the land.

Tiji is a celebration and reaffirmation of this myth. Throughout the festival, the events and story of the myth are re-enacted. The festival is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring) and ushers in the wetter monsoon season. Tiji comes from the words “ten che” meaning “the hope of Buddha Dharma prevailing in all worlds”. And it is a spring renewal festival that also celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

In 1964 Michel Peissel was the first Westerner to observe the Tiji festival. At this time, the Mustang region was still completely closed off to foreigners. And one had to obtain special permission from the government of Nepal in order to enter the region. Despite his arrival on the last day of the celebration (he was unaware of the observance of Tiji, the experience left a lasting impression on him. “The scenes I witnessed were so extraordinary and so unexpected that I dared not believe my eyes and even today I have some trouble in believing in the reality of what I saw that day.”

Note: B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner, O/N= Overnight

Route map

Mustang tiji festivals

Day to day schedule to Nepal: 19d Tiji Festival – Upper Mustang

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

    Maximum Height: 1350m (4429ft)

    Arrival and pick up from the international airport in Kathmandu, after some refreshment, we will invite you for a traditional Nepali dinner.o/n in a hotel.

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

  • April 29, Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley and processing for Mustang permit

    Maximum Height: 1350m (4429ft)

    Early rising for a lovely breakfast in the hotel and then it’s time to visit Pashupatinath- the most venerated Hindu temple of Nepal and Boudhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa architecture of the world. It really will impress you for sure. In the afternoon the trip continues to the famous sightseeing of Bhaktapur and Patan -the medireview principalities of Kathmandu valley. You will visit the old royal palaces, temples, stupas, and monasteries and will see lots of striking intricate wood and stone works. In the late afternoon, we return to your hotel in Kathmandu.

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

  • April 30, Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara (820m/2690ft)

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

    This day we take 25 munites fly to Pokhara or early morning drive to Pokhara (200km) Enroute 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, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is the city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Fewa. You can even do some shopping during evening hours in the colorful town of Pokhara.

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

  • May 01, Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2850m / 9350ft)

    Flight Hour: 30 Miinutes
    Trek Hour: 3 Hours
    Trek distance: 13 km (8 mile)
    Maximum Height: 2850m (9350 ft)

    Early in the morning, after breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000ers such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age-old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching Ekley-Bhatti village. After a good stop here an hour of the easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village situated on the main age-old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via the Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributary, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki

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

  • May 02, Day 05: Trek to Chele (3050m / 10006ft)

    Trek Hour: 5 Hours
    Trek distance: 15 km (9.3 mile)
    Maximum Height: 3050m (10006 ft)

    This day our journey starts with a special permit checkup and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. During the walk, we have a scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trail follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of a conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach Chele village.

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

  • May 03, Day 06: Trek to Syanbochen (3475m / 11400ft)

    Trek Hour: 6 Hours
    Trek distance: 20km (12.4 mile)
    Maximum Height: 3475m (11400 ft)

    The climb continues along steep, treeless and dry terrain, along the side of a spectacular 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. The Annapurna Range, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climbing above Samar to a ridge, we then descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley along the surrounding of cool streams and junipers trees, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800m. Today we also pass by Ramchung Cave.

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

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

    Trek Hour: 7 Hours
    Trek distance: 26 km (16.1 mile)
    Maximum Height: 3500m (11482 ft)

    This day we will have a pleasant walk passing very long Mani walls a sacred store wall made of the Buddhism followers. The route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five-story white Dzong and the red Gompa are interesting and we will visit these to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha’s. Tsarang is a large spread-out village inhabited totally by Lobas. Tsarang is a maze of trees, willow fields and houses separated by stone walls, at the top of the large Charang Chu canyon. The huge five-story monastery fortress is perched on the edge of the Kali Khandaki gorge, on the east end of the village.

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

  • May 05, Day 08: Trek to Lo-Mangthang (3700m /12139ft)

    Trek Hour: 5 Hours
    Trek distance: 19 km (11.8 mile)
    Maximum Height: 3700m (12139ft)

    This day we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna range and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. As today is the starting day of tiji festival (start from 3pm to 5 pm), you can explore the first day by watching all the dances and celebrations that take place, including horse racing and a giant tug-of-war. We’ll see Tibetan women in their traditional clothing and colorful jewelry, monks in their robes and dancers in elaborate costumes.

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

  • May 06, Day 09: Lo-Manthang - Tiji Festival

    Maximum Height: 3700m (12139ft)

    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 sent 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 is 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 ready for the Tiji festivals from 2pm to around 6pm.

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

  • May 07, Day 10: Lo- Manthang - Tiji Festival Ends,

    Maximum Height: 3700m (12139ft)

    This day is the last day of Tiji festival which ends with the ceremonial destruction of the evil remains, represented by some long black yak hair and red torma cakes minced to a dark red gurry. The demons 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 devils 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: Trek to Yara (3900m / 11975ft)

    Trek Hour: 7 Hours
    Trek distance: 23 km (14.2mile)
    Maximum Height: 3650m (11975ft)

    This day it is a challenging trail lead up and downhill, the trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara is harder but more satisfying and interesting then the west side of the valley crossing through river with the panorama views of Throung peak, Damodhar Range, the Yara village is one of the best village of whole Lo-Manthang and it seems more successful and it is established in a very suitable place.

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

  • May 09, Day 12: Trek to Tange (3300m / 10826ft)

    Trek Hour: 7 Hours
    Trek distance: 20 km (12.4mile)
    Maximum Height: 3300m (10826ft)

    After breakfast, get up and ready for trek, first few hours through River bank then after crossing River, the trail climbs up till the pass of 3850m then trail lead through grassless, bare hills, Tange is small village but most of the house are attached each other, on the roof tops can see piles of fry woods, which also reflect the prosperity in their society.

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

  • May 10, Day 13: Trek to Chusang (2900m / 9514ft)

    Trek Hour: 8 Hours
    Trek distance: 38 km (23.6mile)
    Maximum Height: 2900m (9514 ft)

    After breakfast, we trek downhill through river up to Paha then continue to trek uphill about 6hrs to Chusang.

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

  • May 11, Day 14: Trek to Muktinath (3775m / 12385ft)

    Trek Hour: 7 Hours
    Trek distance: 26 km (16.1mile)
    Maximum Height: 3775m (12385ft)

    Early in the morning after breakfast, we start trek, it is the hardest day today, cross Gyula pass 4077m, and continue trek to Muktinath with the best panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, the Muktinath is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus and Buddhist. The most well-known holy place is a Vishnu temple where are 108 spouts, fashioned in the shape of cows’ heads, pour 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.

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

  • May 12, Day 15: Trek to Jomsom ( 2700m / 8858ft)

    Trek Hour: 4 Hours
    Trek distance: 23 km (14.2mile)
    Maximum Height: 2700m (8858ft)

    An early breakfast, we better start early as the wind gets up after 11 am making walk a bit more challenging. Chill out on this section and enjoy the views of many different mountain ranges.

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

  • May 13, Day 16: Fly to Pokhara (820m/2690ft)

    Trek Hour: 30 Minutes
    Maximum Height: 820m (2690ft)

    After an early breakfast we check in the airport for fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, transfer to the lakeside hotel. We make use of the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While we walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal enjoying the Fish Tail Mountain reflected in the lake. You can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour’s walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Evening time, we spend exploring around the lakeside.

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

  • May 14, Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu,

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

    It is a 25 minute flight to Kathmandu or, we start our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the sceneries through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.

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

  • May 15, Day 18: free day in Kathmandu or free Day,

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

  • May 16, Day 19: Transfer to International airport in Kathmandu

    Included standard meals (Breakfast)

What is included?

  • Arrival and transfer transport from to international and domestic airport in Kathmandu
  • Hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Government licensed trekking guide and porters during trekking
  • 3 meals a day during trekking (B, L, D)
  • Welcome dinner by arrival
  • Domestic flight ticket (Pok-Jom-Pok)
  • Mustang special permit and conservation fee
  • Accommodation in hotel and lodge
  • Transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara with tourist bus
  • Sightseeing with cultural guide and private transport as per mention in program

What is excluded?

  • International Airfare
  • Personal expenses and tips for staff
  • Travel insurance incase of emergency
  • Extra transport or horse in case of road block and any accident
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Domestic flight Kathmandu to Pokhara

Trip Dates and Availibility

From/To Availability
From 28 Apr, 2024 To 16 May, 2024 Guaranteed when booking Inquire

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