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17 Days
Moderate
4,200m
Nepal
2-16 pax
Hotel, Tea House
Bus , Flight
B L D
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Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a special journey that gives visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into a land where ancient traditions are still alive. Travelers will immerse themselves in vibrant colors, captivating music, and ancient storytelling in the lost kingdom of Lo Manthang.
For the next 17 days, you will travel to a secluded area situated in the north of Nepal, near the border with Tibet. Here you can explore the area, where you will see the wind-shaped cliffs, profound canyons, and villages that are still following old customs.
Visitors can also see yak caravans that happen to pass by and some ancient monasteries that have been there for hundreds of years. Each step you take on this trek will give mesmerizing moments. Your Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek package begins with your arrival at Kathmandu Airport.
To make your adventure more valuable, you will travel to Kathmandu city the next day, sightseeing the world-famous UNESCO-listed heritages. Next, you will drive to Pokhara, take a flight to Jomsom, and then take a jeep drive to Kagbeni, where you will finally kick off your hiking journey in the Mustang region.
From Kagbeni, you will pass through charming villages such as Chele/Tsaile, Syangmochen, and Charang before reaching Lo Manthang, the ultimate highlight of your journey. While trekking, you will also be able to see the spine-tingling vistas of snow-clad towering peaks, including Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Thorong, and others in the distance.
You will experience the bustling Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang’s walled city, also known as Tenchi, which lasts three days. During the festival, you can watch the masked monks from Chhode Monastery performing holy dances in elaborate robes and masks with the captivating rhythms of drums and the haunting call of Tibetan horns.
This festival honors the tale of Dorje Jono, who defeats the demon father for protecting the kingdom. It will provide a rare glimpse into Mustang’s preserved way of life from centuries ago. After experiencing this 3-day spectacle in the forbidden city, you will return, passing through Ghami Village, Syangmochen, and Chhusang, and end the trek in Jomsom.
Therefore, to see the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang, Nepal, a rare event where the age-old tales, holy rites, and stunning views merge to form an amazing 17-day cultural trip, get your calendar marked in May.
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After landing at Kathmandu Airport in Nepal, staff members from Morning Star Trek will arrive there to greet you with a garland. They will transfer to your standard hotel in Thamel after helping with the airport check-in process. Then, you can rest in your room after a long flight from your home.
Later, you can meet us in our office for a brief session about the 17-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek itinerary. Then, you can return to the hotel after wandering through the bustling alleys of Thamel.
Max. Altitude: 1,324m/4,344ft. (Kathmandu )
Accommodation: Standard Hotel with bed and breakfast
On this second day, you will stay one more day in Kathmandu City, sightseeing the world-class UNESCO-listed heritage sites. You will start your day after a hearty first meal and then drive toward the Boudhanath Stupa, where you can feel the spiritual energy and serene ambiance.
Then, we will drive you to Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Mahadev. After that, we will go to Swayambhunath Stupa, which is also known as the Monkey Temple. In the late afternoon, you will visit Basantapur Durbar Square to end the sightseeing tour. In the evening, we will do last-minute preparation for the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek. You can check your trekking gear and do some shopping if needed.
Max. Altitude: 1,324m/4,344ft. (Kathmandu )
Accommodation: Standard Hotel with bed and breakfast
Today, you will journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the morning by comfy tourist bus. The bus will follow the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, traveling through lush woods, tiny towns, rural villages, and rolling hills. After seven to eight hours of long driving, you will arrive in the city of lakes, Pokhara.
We will settle in a standard hotel near the Lakeside area. You can explore the Lakeside area, featuring fantastic nice restaurants and bars that offer a range of local to international dishes. Tomorrow, you will take flight to Jomsom on this 17-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek itinerary adventure.
Activity: 7 to 8 hours drive
Max. Altitude: 822m/2,697ft. (Pokhara )
Accommodation: Standard Hotel with bed and breakfast
On this fourth day of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek package, you will rise early, finish your breakfast, and take a short flight to Jomsom town in the Mustang region. This flight will offer breathtaking vistas of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks. After landing in Jomsom, you will get on a jeep to reach Kagbeni Village.
Then, you will settle in a local teahouse for a night before starting the Tiji Festival Trek Lo Manthang adventure. You can also visit Kag Chode Thupten Sampheling Monastery, where you will witness the monks preparing for the Tiji Festival. You can also get a glimpse of local customs, rituals, and traditional old dances.
Activity: 25 minutes flight and 1 hour drive
Max. Altitude: 2,800m/9,186ft. (Kagbeni)
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
On this fifth day of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek adventure, you will finally kick off your hiking journey from Kagbeni Village after a mouthwatering breakfast. You will follow the trail of the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River, which will take you toward the Tangbe Village.
From Tangbe, you will walk about one to one and a half hours to reach Chhusang, where you will cross the river and pass a striking red rockfall. While trekking, you will leave the valley behind and gain elevation on the way to Chele/Tsaile, which will be your overnight destination for the day.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,100m/10,171ft. (Chele/Tsaile)
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
Your day will start with a short climb, followed by a steady uphill after a substantial breakfast in Chele. You will wander through that, which will lead you to the Samar, a small hamlet. From here, you will scale up toward Bhena La at 3830 meters, where the route meets the road again. The journey passes through the highway, offering mountain views in the distant backdrop.
Then, you will trek upward at Syangmochen La (3,800 meters), where the uphill section ends. Afterward, you will descend steeply toward the Syangmochen Village. Today, you will have hiked about six to seven hours to reach this village on this 17-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek itinerary.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,570m/11,713ft. (Syangmochen )
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
On this seventh day of the Tiji Festival Trek Lo Manthang journey, you head toward the village of Charang, sitting at a height of 3560 meters. You will make the ascent to Muila Bhanjyang, standing at 4172 meters, where you will be treated to the panoramic sights of the surrounding gigantic peaks and the Kali Gandaki Valley below.
From the pass, you will trek downward to Ghar Gomba, which is the oldest monastery in the Mustang region. Then, you will leave the main trekking route and continue downhill to the village of Marang. Afterward, you will head to Charang village to sleep the night during the Tiji festival trek.
Activity: 5 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,560m/11,680ft. (Charang )
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
To see the exciting start of the Tiji Festival, you will start your early climb today to Lo Manthang, Mustang’s capital. You will walk downhill into a canyon and cross a river to make the ascent to a high pass at 3950 meters. From the top, you can relish in the panorama of the walled city, Lo Manthang.
Then, you will drop in elevation, which will straight lead you to the Lo Manthang Village. Upon reaching, you will settle into comfortable lodging and take a rest. You can later take in the festive mood exploring the city. You will stay four nights here in this city before returning.
Activity: 5 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,840m/12,598ft. (Lo-Manthang)
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
Today is the 1st day of the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang City of the Upper Mustang region. The festival starts with the unrolling of a 3-story Thangka depicting Padma Sambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche. You will spend your day watching cultural performances and vibrant local dances with locals dressed in traditional attire.
You will see the performance of Dorje Jono, who is known to be the incarnation of Lord Gautama Buddha, slaying a demon, marking the end of the plague, and restoring the tranquil harmony in the region. You can spend your day enjoying the yummy dinner in your accommodation and sleeping early for tomorrow’s big day on this Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek.
Max. Altitude: 3,840m/12,598ft. (Lo-Manthang)
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
After breakfast, you might choose to climb to the Chhoser Cave Complex on this second day of the Tiji Festival. Then, after returning from here, you can watch the captivating dances performed by Tibetan Lamas. Locals traditionally attend the festival in an assortment of bright costumes, featuring a variety of cultural items such as twelve-foot horns and other handcrafted items used for the events, which are just marvelous and fun to watch.
In the late afternoon, you can visit old monastic houses such as Thubchen and Jampa Lhakang, which not only have beautiful murals but also tell about the region’s Buddhist heritage. After that, you can return to your teahouse for a delicious dinner and have a chat with trekking companions about the day you have spent.
Max. Altitude: 3,840m/12,598ft. (Lo-Manthang)
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
Today is the final awesome day of the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang City. After a tasty breakfast at the tea house, you will be going for a short walk to Namgyal Gompa, the hilltop monastery, which is also the community court of the local people. Thus, after your return, you will be present at the festival’s grand finale.
The performances illustrate the triumph of good against evil, with the bright costumes, masks, and cheerful music that can be heard all around. The festival’s hues, enthusiasm, and the beat of the drums give great vibes, which will be an unforgettable moment of the 17-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek itinerary.
Max. Altitude: 3,840m/12,598ft. (Lo-Manthang)
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
On this twelfth day of the Tiji Festival Trek Lo Manthang excursion, you will start the return journey after a warm breakfast. You will follow the same general route to reach the Ghami Village, situated at an altitude of 3520 meters. You will trek to Charang La and make your way toward the village of Charang before branching off at the base of the pass.
Similarly, you will slowly trek downhill along Nepal’s longest Mani Wall, which stretches 555 meters. Then, the route will dip into the river valley before climbing again, which will lead you to the hamlet of Ghami Village. In about 7 to 8 hours, you will reach the Ghami Village for the overnight stay on this Tiji Festival Trek.
Activity: 7 to 8 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,520m/11,549ft. (Ghami Village)
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
After a delicious breakfast, we will travel from Ghami Village to Syangmochen Village, admiring the scenery. You will traverse through small villages, where you can catch a glimpse of traditional Mustang culture and meet amiable local villagers.
Along the way, you may also see the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding snow-capped Himalayas, such as Nilgiri and the Annapurna range. After five to six hours of trekking, covering a length of 15 kilometers, you will finally arrive at Syangmochen Village.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,500m/11,483ft. (Syangmochen )
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
After breakfast, you will hit the trails, retracing the route to reach the Chhusang Village at 2980 meters. You will stroll through numerous small settlements, where you will encounter the traditional Mustang life. Along the way, you will walk past the through terraced fields and enjoy the sweeping views of ice-covered mountains.
Chhusang Village is the destination you would reach after approximately 6 to 7 hours of trekking from Syangmochen. This 17-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek itinerary includes a night’s stay here before proceeding to Jomsom for the retreat.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 2,980m/9,777ft. (Chhusang )
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
Today, on the fifteenth day of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek package, you will begin the hike to Jomsom town, passing through several scenic villages along the way. On the way, you will walk past the Tangbe Village, where you will see whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, apple orchards, and Buddhist monuments.
Next, we will reach Kagbeni Village and continue the journey toward Eklebhatti, where we will stop for a brief time to take a rest. Following that, the final leg will take you to Jomsom town, where you will stay in a comfortable accommodation and enjoy the local markets that evening.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 2,720m/8,924ft. (Jomsom )
Accommodation: Local Teahouse
You will rise early in the morning today as you have a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara just takes twenty-five minutes. On this flight, you can take in aerial vistas of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. After landing in Pokhara, you will drive to the hotel and leave your belongings to explore some tourist locations in Pokhara City.
You can visit famous destinations like Devi’s Fall, Bat Cave, Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwar Mahadev, World Peace Pagoda, and others. Finally, you can visit Phewa Lake and go on a boat ride or glide across its calm waters to enjoy the serene setting surrounding the lake. Tomorrow, you will head back to Kathmandu city to wrap up the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek package.
Activity: 25 minutes flight
Max. Altitude: 822m/2,697ft. (Pokhara )
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard Hotel with bed
After a lovely breakfast at the hotel, you would take a tourist bus for a trip to Kathmandu city, the capital of Nepal. On this seven- to eight-hour-long journey, the bus will be going through the hills, terraced farmlands, rural villages, winding rivers, etc., displaying the diverse landscape of Nepal.
It will then be the end of the 17-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek itinerary when you are taken to your hotel in Kathmandu. You can take your time in the evening and explore Thamel Street and visit the Garden of Dreams. For having an unforgettable night in Nepal, you can enjoy the nightlife in Thamel.
Activity: 7 to 8 hours drive
Max. Altitude: 1,324m/4,344ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard Hotel with bed
If our standard itinerary doesn't fully meet your needs, we are happy to tailor it to your specific preferences and requirements.
To experience the Tiji Festival at its finest in the Upper Mustang area, attend the festival in Lo Manthang around mid-May. The colorful Tiji Festival, with its plethora of events and activities, is the main attraction. It’s a real feast for the eyes, ears, and soul that the three-day celebration of colorful masked dances, rituals, and traditional ceremonies offers.
In May, the weather in Mustang is quite nice with daytime temperatures of about 70°F (21°C) and nights being a bit cooler, near 55°F (13°C). Truly, spring in Mustang is perfect for trekking; one gets fantastic weather, the sky is clear, and the trails are without snow, making it very comfortable for trekking, and even so, one can have a view of the Himalayas.
During this season, you are guaranteed to have not only the best conditions for trekking, but you will also have the most beautiful and memorable trek through the mysterious “Forbidden Kingdom” of Upper Mustang.
The 17-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek itinerary offers a moderately demanding journey in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. You will be involved in daily walks of 5 to 7 hours and reach the highest altitude of around 4200 meters.
You don’t have to be skilled in mountain climbing, but you must be ready to face obstacles like long hours of hiking, high altitude, and steep paths. Being well prepared and packing right is the key to overcoming the difficulties of this 17-day journey. Our Morning Star Trek guide will also assist you 24/7 during the trek.
Trekking in Upper Mustang involves gradual ascents to high elevations, with the highest point reaching around 3840 meters in Lo Manthang. So, there is a chance of getting acute mountain sickness (AMS) when walking above 3000 meters with mild symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and so on.
So, the key to staying away from altitude sickness is pacing slowly, resting, proper acclimatization, and drinking a lot of water. The itinerary provided by the Morning Star Trek for the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek package allows sufficient rest at each stop, ensuring the body adjusts naturally.
If you want to go on the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek, which is known to be a moderately complex adventure, then you need to work on your endurance by doing regular light exercises like hiking, jogging, running, cycling, or doing some cardio exercises, before starting your trip in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal.
Moreover, if you work on your legs and core, the uphill and the downhill parts will be easier for you when you walk, and stretching will give you more flexibility and fewer aches. With decent fitness and proper preparation, even an inexperienced person can do this trek and take pleasure in the beautiful scenery and the vibrant Tiji Festival without sweating or facing any other problems.
Morning Star Trek will handle all your accommodation and food while trekking in the Upper Mustang region. You will stay in a hotel with a bed and breakfast plan while you are in Pokhara and Kathmandu. From Kagbeni, the starting point of the trek, you will be lodged in a local teahouse.
These teahouses offer a clean room with two beds and shared bathrooms. The reservation during the Tiji Festival fills so fast, so you have to book early for the accommodations in Lo Manthang. Although teahouses have simple facilities, the warm hospitality and their home-cooked meals will fill your heart, offering unforgettable memories during the 17-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek itinerary.
In the food options, you will be served with authentic special local dishes like Dal Bhat, Tsampa (roasted barley flour), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), Momos (dumplings), and Tibetan bread. You can also enjoy warm beverages like butter tea, milk tea, and local chyang that will keep you cozy and energized during the high-elevation Tiji Festival.
On your Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek, you will be provided with the luxury of the airport hotel transfer, both at the time of arrival and departure, which is a part of our Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek package. You will get the pleasure of a tourist bus ride while going to Pokhara from Kathmandu city, which will take you through the varying beautiful landscapes of Nepal.
Likewise, you will be flying from Pokhara to Jomsom. Our package does not include the flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. There will be an additional cost for the ticket if you want to upgrade your flight, so please inform us beforehand. You will then be taken to Kagbeni Village by a shared jeep from Jomsom.
Maintaining contact in Upper Mustang is challenging due to its remote location at high altitude. The mobile network is minimal, and Wi-Fi is rare, which is available primarily in Lo-Manthang by prepaid connections. Visitors should have a SIM card that covers their trip or a satellite communication device in case of an emergency.
Limited communication makes this a perfect break from your regular digital routine, allowing you to fully enjoy the fantastic scenery of the area, the rich Tibetan culture, and the lively Tiji Festival, which will make your stay memorable with unforgettable memories away from constant online distractions.
Upper Mustang of Nepal falls under the restricted region, so every foreign trekker around the world must get a special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter. This permit price is 500 USD per individual, which is issued for a minimum of ten days, even if your visit is less than ten days.
If your visit extends more than 10 days, you will be charged 50 USD per individual per day. On the other hand, you will also require a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card and an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit to trek in Upper Mustang of Nepal legally. If you fail to show these permits, strict actions may be taken against you, or you will not be allowed to enter.
It is recommended that you carry a travel insurance policy that will cover the entire Tiji Festival Trek Lo Manthang excursion. A travel insurance coverage protects the traveler from unexpected events such as cancellations, delays, lost luggage, sickness, or evacuation in an emergency. Mishaps can occur even on the most precisely planned vacation with skilled guides.
The right insurance will cover you for the most minor trekking incidents, such as a sprain, and the largest medical emergencies and natural disasters, providing the assurance you need during your travels. Travel with a happy heart, knowing your travel insurance is your protective angel throughout the journey.
The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek package cost does not contain meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, except a hearty breakfast with a warm drink (tea or coffee). It will also not include your expenses, such as bar bills, battery charges, Wi-Fi connections, bottled water purchases, hot showers, or additional porterage.
Furthermore, it does not cover tips for guides and staff, which are customary. Moreover, you will also be required to pay for travel insurance, domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and entry fees for sightseeing, monasteries, photography, and videography. You will be responsible for paying for any additional services that are not included in the “Includes” section.
A 17-day Tiji Festival trek in Upper Mustang is available both as a private and group trek. With private treks, you can hike at your own pace, stay a bit longer at scenic spots, and have a journey that’s more customized and personal, reflecting the Mustang’s peculiar nature.
People who enjoy nature and share a hike are brought closer together by a shared experience, which allows them to deeply engage with their stories, laughter, and festival energy. Any of these options will provide you with breathtaking views and full attendance at the Tiji Festival, so you can decide to experience a beautiful, peaceful trip or an exciting hike with other adventurers.
General
Upper Mustang is located in the center of the north of Nepal. It is a Himalayan shadow region that is widely recognized for its unique Tibetan culture and very beautiful view.
Tiji is a vibrant 3-day Buddhist festival in Lo Manthang City in the Upper Mustang region, showcasing the triumph of good over evil and praying for protection and peace in the area.
The Tiji Festival takes place each May with dates set by the Tibetan lunar calendar, welcoming the farming and spring season in the Mustang region.
Tiji, short for “Tempa Cherim,” meaning a prayer for world peace, is celebrated over three days in the walled city of Lo Manthang in the Upper Mustang region.
Tiji lasts for 3 days, featuring the sacred dances with masks, rituals, and celebrations for peace and prosperity.
The doors to the festival are open to everyone. They can be residents or people from another country who are drawn to the event’s vibrant spiritual festivities.
The Tiji Festival Trek is a moderately challenging journey with varied terrain and altitude, which anyone can join with reasonable fitness.
Preparation & Fitness
The walk is very demanding; however, with a good-paced plan and average fitness, you can still participate.
You should pack a sleeping bag, extra shoes, sturdy boots, sunscreen, warm clothes, trekking poles, warm socks, and other items to travel comfortably.
Insurance and Visa
The question of having comprehensive travel insurance as a cover for emergencies, injuries, delays, and any other unexpected events while you are traveling goes without saying.
You will require a Nepal tourist visa and a special restricted-area permit for Upper Mustang, which our company, Morning Star Trek, will arrange.
Yes, you can buy insurance in Nepal that covers trekking, high-elevation risks, and, most importantly, emergency evacuation.
Guides & Support Staff
Yes, you will receive a well-trained guide from a Morning Star Trek organization who will ensure your safety, assist you in finding your way, and provide you with information about local culture while you are trekking.
Yes, you can hire a porter to lift your luggage, making your trek even more effortless and comfortable.
Accommodation and Facilities
Of course. This 17-day trek follows a teahouse route with basic to comfortable lodges, which can be chosen as per your budget.
Hot showers, internet, and electricity are available in limited teahouses, but you may incur additional costs. Wi-Fi is scarce, so consider buying a SIM card for data and internet services. There are blackouts occasionally, so carry power banks or extra batteries for your devices.
Food and Drinks
Most local teahouses usually offer plain local and some western-style food. In addition, they prepare a variety of snacks, provide hot meals made from local ingredients, and serve hot drinks to their customers to help them regain their strength during the trek.
Weather & Seasons
The Tiji Festival in Nepal’s Mustang area is a springtime event which is held in May. It marks the beginning of the farming season.
The weather in the Mustang region in the daytime is warm, around 15–20°C, while nights are cold. In the winter season, there can be light snow.
Health & Safety
The Upper Mustang route is a gradual climb to a high elevation, which gives your body time to acclimate; therefore, there is no need for drugs to prevent altitude sickness. But you may still carry one in your bag for safety purposes.
Boiled water is provided daily, and mineral water can also be bought at teahouses. For a better trekking experience without any problems, you can carry at least two reusable bottles to stay hydrated.
This 17-day journey in the Upper Mustang is usually safe with gradual altitude gain. Your guide, who has received first aid training, will assist you in an emergency. For a smooth trip, you must, however, pay attention to your guide and take health precautions.
Booking & Payment
You can reserve the trek by contacting Morning Star Trek’s email, phone, or website and confirming the payment options.
Refunds may be available based on the timing of the cancellation, but they may be subject to costs. However, before booking, we urge that you review our company’s terms and conditions.
Transportation & Flight
The hike includes a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return, as well as domestic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom. From Jomsom, take a shared vehicle to Kagbeni.
Yes, you can upgrade from ground transportation to air transportation to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu and back with an additional price in the package.
Based on 10 reviews
Have Questions?
+977 9767224414