Max. Altitude
3,950 m.
Best Season
Oct -Dec & March-May
Activity
Trekking
Start / End Point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Overview of Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
Life Himalaya Trekking presents an awesome adventure destination to the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival, where you can enjoy full delights observing an ancient event that still exists in the hidden corners of Far North of Western Himalaya range of mountains.
Upper Mustang is located on world highest and largest plateau an extension of Tibet south west landscapes, a dry and arid country and yet scenic and beautiful with rolling high eroded cliffs and hills of red canyons, valleys, and high scenic passes.
The walk leads you through interesting villages where the Mustang people lives happily attached with its ancient culture and traditions which is similar to across the border Tibet with Buddhist and Bon religion and practices.
Highlights of Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
- A classic and ancient event of Tiji festival in the hidden and high country of Mustang,
- scenic and cultural adventure beyond high mountain Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya
- Remote traditional farm villages of Upper Mustang enriched with immense Buddhist culture
- Daily super views of mountains in the backdrop of old traditional culture and monasteries
- In a wide and highest extension of Tibetan plateau with windscape landscapes
- Visiting villages and monastery of Tibetan origin with similar custom and culture
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek Itinerary
01
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
At Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport on fresh arrival where you will be warmly received by Life Himalaya Trekking staff and then with transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city, after refreshment our guide / leader will brief you on Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking, with other related information of the trip, includes welcome dinner in a nice Nepali restaurant with culture programs.
Meals
Welcome dinner
Accomodations
3 Star Hotel
Transportation
Transfer from the airport
02
In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour at places of interest
A free day in Kathmandu after your long flight from home countries, morning tour of Kathmandu at places of interest around world heritage sites with time in the afternoon preparations for Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking.
Accomodations
3 Star Hotel
03
Drive to Pokhara
Morning starts with an overland drive on Nepal’s main busy and interesting highway towards picturesque Pokhara valley, drive leads through Himalayan foothills around towns and farm villages with wonderful country landscapes, after an exciting drive reaching at famous touristic Pokhara, and then transfer to your hotels near beautiful Phewa Lake with afternoon free for short walks (options by air of 30 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara).
Accomodations
3 Star Hotel
Transportation
6 hours drive
04
Morning Flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni
After a pleasant overnight in Pokhara, morning drive to airport for short scenic flight to Jomsom with close views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of mountains as the flight touches at Jomsom airport located on the shelf of Kali-Gandaki River.Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district, after Jomsom first day trek begins on Kali-Gandaki River valley around windswept country, few hours of good walk with great views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri’s brings you at Kagbeni village.A nice village of Tibetan style located on the start and ending point of Upper Mustang area and to Forbidden City of Lo Manthang, on an old Himalayan Caravan trade route of Nepal and Tibet.
Maximum Altitude
2,700 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
4 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
Transportation
45 minutes flight
05
Trek to Chele
Morning walk starts with uphill climb into a canyon of high red eroded cliff edge, following upper upstream of Kailgandaki River, within unique landscapes of cliff walls, a nice walk with views brings you to our overnight stop at Chele, a moderate size village also spelled as Tsele.
Maximum Altitude
3,050 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
6 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
06
Trek to Geling
From Tsele or Chele, morning begins with a climb to Gyakar village, and from here walk around dry and barren landscapes to reach at Samar village, one of the lovely looking villages of Mustang area.After Samar village with short stops walk to Bhena and then leading with a steep climb to a ridge top of Yamda La pass at 3,860 meters high, offering grand vista of Mustang area with high mountains of Mt. Dhaulagiri.
From here on down-hill to overnight stop at Geling village via Syangboche village.
Maximum Altitude
3,540 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
5 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
07
Trek to Tsarang (Charang)
Morning with time visit to its old monastery with Buddhist mani prayer wheels propelled with water power, after monastery tour trek to Ghami village and then cross Ghaymi Khola (stream) walk leads following a long and interesting line of Mani walls (holy prayer stone) from here walk to Dhakmar village, after hours of pleasant walk reaching at Tsarang village surrounded by large fields of crops buck wheat’s with overnight stop and visit of Tsarang old monastery.
Maximum Altitude
3,560 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
6 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
08
Trek to Lo-Manthang
Today a short walk to Lo -Manthang of few hours trek to reach our main destination of this great adventure to enter the wall city (actually a large village) the fort guarding the city / village surrounded by high wall. At one time stood as a forbidden kingdom after monarchy rule ended in Nepal few past decade, on the walk coming across several chortens and mani stones, between Tsarang and on Lo Manthang trail with grand views of arid landscapes in the shade of Nilgiri’s, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peaks.Walk leads to Lo La pass at 3,950 meters with views of Lo Manthang the walled city and then descend reaching a nice trail to Lo Manthang for two night stops.
Maximum Altitude
3,700 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
4 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
08
In Lo-Manthang for acclimatization and local hike.
Lo Manthang highest overnight stop of this journey, with time to explore this fascinating village with old Tibetan like houses enclosed within great high wall, visit historical and cultural centre the main attraction of Lo-Manthang.The four main monasteries are Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall. Advance permission required to enter king’s palace to visit interior of the old palace and to grant audience with former king or Raja of Mustang if possible.
09-10
Observe the Tiji Festival
We have allowed two days to observe and to be part of this great colorful Teji and active festival where you can witness – ‘The Chasing of the Demons’, as the lamas (monks) perform a centuries-old ceremony to chase demons from Lo Manthang. Gripping human skull-tops laced with streamers, lamas chant prayers and perform, almost 50 separate religious dances. They are interrupted now by masked demons who flail wooden swords at the frightened spectators
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations
Lodge
11
Trek to Dhakmar
After an interesting time in Lo-Manthang morning walk starts on the same route back to Marang village, and then walk west using an old path to Dhakmar village for overnight stop.
Maximum Altitude
3,810 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
6 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
12
Trek to Ghiling
From Dhakmar village, morning walk heading on the same route with long series of Mani Walls, and then cross a bridge over Ghami Khola to reach at Ghami village for overnight, time permitting visit Geling monastery.
Maximum Altitude
3,806 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
6 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
13
Trek to Tsusang
Slowly this fascinating walk comes to an end after a short climb to Syangboche village, and to Yamda La with grand views, then downhill to Bhena and Samar villages.Walk leads by a stream passing Gyakar and Chele villages and finally ending this nice walk at Tsusang village.
Maximum Altitude
2,980 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
6 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
14
Trek to Kagbeni
Morning walk back on same trail to Kagbeni village after an interesting and exciting time around Upper Mustang, a nice and pleasant walk brings reaches at Kagbeni village before concluding the walk at Jomsom.
Maximum Altitude
2,830 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
5 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
15
Trek to Jomsom
From Kagbeni with pleasant walks as the trail descend to Kaligandaki river valley to reach at Jomsom, an interesting country walk on river valley within dry and arid country with incredible views of windblown hills and canyons. A short walk of few hours brings you at large town in Jomsom the capital of Thakali people of Tibetan Buddhism sects. Kaligandaki and lower Mustang area famous for delicious apples and its products, here celebrate with local apple products cider, brandy and juices. The area is also famously known as Apple Pie Trail.
Maximum Altitude
2,720 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Duration
5 hours trek
Accomodations
Lodge
16
Fly to Pokhara and transfer to hotel
Morning transfer to Jomsom small airport for short scenic flight to picturesque Pokhara valley, Pokhara with massive Annapurna Mountain views with serene Phewa Lake where our hotels located. Afternoon free for individual activities and souvenir shopping or just relax and enjoy the views.
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodations
3-Star Hotel
Transportation
25-minute flight
17
Drive or fly back to Kathmandu
Morning a scenic overland drive back to Kathmandu with great experience and fond memories of Mustang Tiji Festival trekking, an exciting six hour drive brings you at Kathmandu with afternoon free for individual activities or at leisure.(By Air options a sweeping half hour scenic flight to Kathmandu)
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodations
3-Star Hotel
Transportation
6 hours drive or 30-minute flight
18
International departure
Last day in amazing Nepal and its massive Himalaya, after a memorable and enjoyable cultural adventure on Mustang Tiji Festival trekking, Life Himalaya staff transfer you to Kathmandu international airport for your flight back home or to next respective countries.
Meals
Breakfast
Transportation
Airport transfer
Required Equipments for Trekking in Nepal
- Breathable Underwear
- Sports Bra
- Base Layers
- Trekking Shirts
- Trekking Trousers and Shorts
- Fleece Jacket
- Down jacket (insulated jacket)
- Windcheater (water proof)
- Sun protection Hat
- Headband or Beanie
- Scarf or neckband
- Gloves (inner and outer )
- Hiking Boots
- Trekking Shoes
- Hiking Socks
- Thermal Socks
- Gaiters
- Duffel Bag
- Day pack
- Sleeping Bag
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Hydration bladder or Water bottle
- Head Lamps
- Batteries
- Personal towel
- Swiss army knife
- Sun lotion
- Medical & first-aid kit
- Woolen socks
- Waterproof jacket
- Lip Guard
- Insulated pants
- Baby wipers
Required Equipments for Climbing in Nepal
- Water bottle
- Batteries and bulbs
- Flashlight
- Personal towel
- Swiss army knife
- Rucksack
- Sun lotion
- Medical & first-aid kit
- Sewing kit
- Polypropylene/wool socks
- Other required equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Down Jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking shoes/boots
- Camp shoes
- Jumperorpile jacket
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shirts
- Full–sleeves shirt
- T-shirts
- Sun hat
- Gloves
- Woolen hat
- Long underwear
- Goggles or sun glasses
- Gaiters
- Sun block for lips
- Light cotton socks
- Mountain trekking boots
- Woolen socks to wear with boots
- Nylon wind breaker
- Insulated pants
- Nylon wind pants
- Long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts
- Sun hat
- Long cotton hiking shorts
- Fleece/wool for climbing
- Lightweight fleece
- Sleeping pad (karri mat) or thermarest
- Down high altitude sleeping bag
- Down jacket/trousers/vest
- Light cotton athletic socks and wool socks
- Water proof climbing jacket
- Head torch/batteries/bulbs
- Climbing sunglasses
- Lightweight thermal/insulated ski gloves
- Sun screen
- Warm climbing trousers
- Wool long underwear
- Other required equipment
- Climbing boots
- Gaiters
- Ice axe
- Harness
- Crampons
- Karabiners
- Tapes/slings
- Snow bars
- Ice screws
- Rock pegs
- Deadmen
- Crash hat
- Day bag
- Rucksack
- Lip salve
- T-shirts
- Ascenders
- Ascenders
- Kit bag
Whats Included
- Airport picks up and drops international and domestic.
- Complete departure information, about trek, flight ticket, guide, altitude sickness and reconfirmation and extend visa service (if necessary) and extra tour service before the trek starting.
- 2 nights 3 star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- 1 Night’s hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara To Jomsom
- Trek flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara Jomsom for member and involved Guide.
- Private transportation picks up and drops.
- Pokhara to Kathmandu tourist bus for guest and Staffs
- Best Lodge accommodation & full board meals throughout the trek.
- Hot tea and coffee in a cup with each meals.
- 17 breakfast, 14 lunch and 12 dinner included chosen from lodge menu.
- 13 Nights twin share accommodation during the trek.
- As per group size experience, government licensed holder trek guide, helpful and friendly strong, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff.( 5 trekkers 1 assistant guide )
- Warm Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag will be provided during the Upper Mustang trekking ( down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after the trip )
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permits)
- Â Conservation trek permit fee. Â Annapurna Mustang trail map.
- First Aid kits for the staffs and the groups.
- Services coordination for emergency and rescue operations
- Government taxes & office service charge
Whats Excluded
- Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
- Travel insurance
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa charge.
- All beverage and others personal expenses.
- Snacks and other personal expenses
- Hot shower during the trek
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek - Essential Information
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival adventure begins with an overland drive from Kathmandu to picturesque Pokhara valley located in the shade of Annapurna Himalaya, from here taking a short scenic flight to Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang area.
From here our walk starts on Kaligandaki River valley to reach once a forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang at Lo-Manthang where you can enjoy watching the great event TijiFestival.
Teeji Festival of chasing of the Demons, on this festival the lamas perform a centuries-old ceremony to chase demons from Lo Manthang. Gripping human skull-tops laced with streamers, lamas chant prayers and perform, almost 50 separate religious dances. They are interrupted now by masked demons who flail wooden swords at the frightened spectators
His Eminence, Late Chogye Trichen Rinpoche (1919 – 2007), Head of the Tsharpa branch of the Sakyapa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, who has graced many Tiji celebrations with his holy presence, and has played a major role in keeping alive the Sakyapa religious sects of Buddhism tradition in Lo Manthang.
After a great amazing time return journey back to Jomsom via Kagbeni for super flight back to Pokhara where this exciting and mesmerizing Upper Mustang Tije Festival concludes.
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