Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

18 Days
Moderate

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 invites you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of Nepal’s most culturally rich and geographically striking destinations—the Upper Mustang region—for the captivating Tiji Festival. This ancient celebration, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, unfolds amidst the stunning and secluded landscapes of the far northwestern Himalayas.

Upper Mustang, often referred to as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” lies within the rain-shadow area of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. This unique geography makes it a dry, arid land resembling the high plateaus of Tibet. The region is characterized by its wind-eroded cliffs, vast canyons, barren yet colorful hills, and ancient cave dwellings carved into red rock faces. Despite its harsh terrain, the landscape is hauntingly beautiful, with dramatic high passes and sweeping mountain views at every turn.

The Tiji Festival is a rare and vibrant event that encapsulates the rich spiritual heritage of the Mustang people. Held annually in the walled city of Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Kingdom of Lo, the festival commemorates the victory of good over evil. According to legend, it tells the story of Dorje Jono, a deity who battles against his demon father to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. The three-day celebration features colorful masked dances, traditional music, and centuries-old rituals performed by monks from the local monasteries.

Trekking to Upper Mustang during the Tiji Festival offers not only a unique cultural experience but also a scenic and spiritual adventure. The trail follows the ancient salt trade route that once connected Tibet and Nepal. As you walk through picturesque villages like Kagbeni, Chhusang, and Ghemi, you’ll witness daily life untouched by time. These settlements are rich in Tibetan-style architecture, Buddhist stupas, prayer wheels, and centuries-old monasteries. Locals continue to practice a harmonious blend of Buddhism and Bon, the ancient pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, preserving traditions that date back over a thousand years.

Unlike other trekking regions in Nepal, Upper Mustang is a restricted area, which has helped protect its unique culture and landscape from modern influence. Special permits are required, ensuring a more exclusive and serene experience, far from the crowds of the popular trekking routes.

With Life Himalaya Trekking, your journey is led by experienced local guides who provide deep insights into the region’s history, beliefs, and way of life. Every step of the trek is designed for comfort, safety, and a culturally immersive experience. From staying in traditional teahouses to interacting with locals during village visits, this adventure is more than just a trek—it is a deep dive into a world that few have the chance to see.

Join us and be part of this extraordinary Himalayan adventure. Witness the Tiji Festival, trek through one of the most mystical regions on Earth, and return with memories that will last a lifetime.

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

day 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

Trek Duration

Transfer from the airport

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

day 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

day 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).

Trek Duration

6 hours drive

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

day 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

day 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

day 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

day 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

day 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

day 08 In Lo-Manthang for acclimatization and local hike.

Breakfast

Accomodations

3-Star Hotel

Transportation

25-minute flight

day 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

day 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.

Trek Duration

Airport transfer

What's 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)
Conservation trek permit fee. 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

What's 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.