trip Overview
Tiji Festival is a famous festival celebrated once a year at Lo-Manthang of Upper Mustang in Nepal. According to the local calendar, this festival falls in May. As the meaning of Tiji is “pray for world peace”, people use to celebrate this festival by wishing for world peace. Also, the festival symbolizes the hope and strength of all devotees.
There is a beautiful story behind the celebration of this festival. The story is that the god named Dorje Jono battled against his demon father saving the kingdom from destruction.
People mainly celebrate this festival in memory of the victory of good over evil. Also, People celebrate this festival by praying to God for water and good crops.
The celebration of this festival keeps ongoing for three days with full energy and enjoyment. The locals use to celebrate the festival by performing sacred colorful dances and prayer chants. Local Buddhist Choedhe monastery organizes the festival and over 65 monks of the monastery perform a sacred dance.
On the 1st day of the festival, monks perform the ‘Tsa Chaam’ dance enacting the birth of Dorje Sonam – a reincarnation of Buddha to a demon. Likewise, On the second day, Enacting Dorje trying to return the demon to the Buddha realm, monks perform the ‘Ngacham’ dance. On the third and last day, Monks perform the ‘Rhachham’ dance enacting the victory of Dorje over demons.
This trek is a perfect chance of witnessing cultural aspects along with the natural diversity of the area of Upper Mustang. Nepal Dream Path Treks and Expedition organize Tiji Festival Trekking in Upper Mustang every year with the best service at an affordable price and required permits.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara; sightseeing and boating in Pokhara.
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom [2,800m] and trek to Kagbeni [2,810m] [25min fly &3-4 hrs walk].
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele [3,080] [5-6 hrs walk].
Day 06: Trek from Chele to Ghiling [3,570] [7-8 hrs walk].
Day 07: Trek from Ghiling to Charang [3,560] [6-7 hrs walk].
Day 08: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang [3,810] [4-5 hrs walk].
Day 09: First day of Tiji Festival.
Day 10: Second day of Tiji Festival.
Day 11: Third day of the Tiji Festival.
Day 12: Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar [3,820] vai Gar Gumpa [6-7 hrs walk].
Day 13: Trek from Dhakmar to Syanboche [3,800m][5-6 hrs walk].
Day 14: Trek from Syanboche to Chhusang [2980] [5-6 hrs walk].
Day 15: Trek from Chhusang to Muktinath [3,760] [5-6 hrs walk].
Day 16: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom [2,800m] [4-5 hrs walk].
Day 17: Fly to Pokhara for a full day of sightseeing and free for other personal activities.
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 19: Final departure.
Detail Itinerary
30min drive B&B Plan Hotel/Resorts
Nepal Dream Path Treks guide will meet you on arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA). Staff will transfer you to your respective Hotels, then the Nepal Dream Path Treks guide will brief you at the Hotel, about Kathmandu, trekking do's and don'ts, and related information that you might require during the trekking.
On the first day or night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed regarding the time for your sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of your interest. Kathmandu contains 4 World heritage sites certified by UNESCO.
25 min flight B&B Plan Hotel/Resort
Morning flight to Pokhara, an interesting flight with views of the Himalayas range. On reaching Pokhara you are transferred to respective Hotels nearby Lake Phewa for the overnight stay. You have time for sightseeing at Pokhara. In the evening time, you are free for personal activities.
25min fly &3-4 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
After a delicious breakfast transfer to the airport and a scenic mountain flight to Jomsom. After that, the trek starts on North West side bypassing the gateway between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range. It is a pleasant walk with a view of the high mountains, charming villages, and the best apples in Nepal. We will reach Kagbeni for the overnight stay.
5-6 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
Our Himalayan journey continues with the uphill trails toward the east bank of Kali Gandaki. After an hour of climbing, the trailheads to the north side pass a small and peaceful village, Tangbe. After reaching Chusang village the trail follows the southern part of Kagbeni through whitewashed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple gardens. Then the trail crosses the Kali Gandaki and leaves the Kali Gandaki valley then climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chaile. Overnight stay at Chele.
7-8 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
Our journey leads to the steeply up trail along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass then we reach Samar village. After that, the trail goes uphill and downhill with a splendid view of Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and many other snow-covered peaks. We are passing such nice villages and caves where the people used to live in the 12 or 13th century. Finally reaching the Ghilling then dinner and overnight stay at Ghilling.
6-7 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
The trail continues uphill to Nyi la pass 4080m, then downhill to Ghami village [3,520m] and crosses a small bridge and right after that, the amazing MANI prayer wall with the mountain views. Charang La pass, which is another spectacular pass on this day's itinerary, and finally reaches Charang after a two-hour walk from Charang La. Overnight stay at Charang.
4-5hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
Today is a short walk to Lo Manthang from Charang with really nice views of caves, and we feel like we are walking in the desert. When we reach the top of the pass then we can look down on the capital of Mustang, where we can see many villages with colorful monasteries. We descend towards Lo Manthang and overnight stay there.
Today you will get an opportunity to observe the opening ceremony on the first day of the greatest festival, the Tiji Festival. The festival is celebrated over three days. You will celebrate this festival with the locals and have a great experience of Nepalese culture and society.
Today is the second day of Tiji. You will get the chance to enjoy this festival with us on this day with lots of music and dance by monks wearing masks and costumes.
The third day of the Tiji festival is the final day of the festival. This festival comes to a close with harmony and happiness among everyone. I hope you will enjoy this festival and you would like to come back to see this festival again in the near future.
6-7 Hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
The trail leads to the southwest from Lo Manthang with beautiful scenery and great snow-covered peaks. After that, the trail continues with green grassy hills and reaches the highest point of this trip, Pangta [4,240m]. The trail then goes downhill until we reach Charang River. After crossing the Charang River we reach Gar Gumpa which is the oldest monastery in Mustang. Dinner and overnight stay at Dhakmar.
5-6 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
After breakfast, our trekking starts by following the small stream through the field and past the stupa. The trail goes downhill then we reach Ghami village and goes steep up the hill to Nyi La pass. After that, we descend to reach the Syangboche. Dinner and overnight stay at Syangboche.
5-6 Hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] tae house
After a delicious breakfast, we will continue our trek from Syanboche to Chhusang. We will see spectacular mountain views such as Annapurna 1, Dhaulagiri, and many more other peaks. On the way, we will pass charming villages, caves, etc. Overnight stay at Chhusang.
5-6 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea house
The trail follows to the Northeast from Chhusang with a gentle breeze blowing and a tantalizing view of mountains. The trail goes quite steep which some people may find tough. It is an enjoyable walk after the pass, we will see great views of Muktinath, Jharkot, etc. Our overnight stay is in Muktinath.
4-5 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] tea house
This is the last day of trekking where the trail goes through the Jharkot village. Most of the trail goes downhill with a great view of the lovely mountains. When we reach the village we can visit attractive monasteries like Jharkot Monastery and the old fortress of Jharkot. We then continue our trek towards Jomsom via Kagbeni village. Overnight at Jomsom.
20m fly BB Plan Hotel/Resort
After 20 minutes, the morning flight takes us from Jomsom to Pokhara. Once we arrive at Pokhara airport, we will drive to the hotel. The afternoon is free to do any sightseeing activities in Pokhara Valley or free time to do as you wish. Overnight stay at Pokhara.
25m fly and 30m drive BB Plan Hotel/Resort
Transfer to Kathmandu by flight or by bus, once we reach Kathmandu you can use the free time for shopping, rest, or guided tour on your request with Nepal Dream Path Treks & Expedition team. If you want to expand your holiday please do not hesitate to let us know. On the last evening, we will enjoy our farewell dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.
Today as per your international flight time, Nepal Dream Path Treks staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from this wonderful high Himalayan country, Nepal with the wonderful memory of the Tiji festival in Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang trek in Nepal with us.
Equipment List
- Sun Hat
- Worm hat (it means worm one to protect your head from cold)
- Headlight
- Sun Cream/lip guard
- Sunglasses
- Tooth pest/Brush/soap
- Gloves
- Down Jacket
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Jumper/fleece jacket
- T-shirt
- Long underwear
- Windbreaker trouser
- Towel
- Wool socks
- Cotton socks
- Trekking boots
- Sewing kits
- Water bottle
- Swiss knife
- Extra batteries
- Flip flops
- Raincoat/ Umbrella
- Rucksacks(For a Day)
- Sleeping Bag
- Medical & first aid kit
What's included?
- All transportation and Arrival, Departure transfers as per the Itinerary.
- Standard Accommodation in the cities and tea houses on the trek.
- Full day guided tour of Kathmandu including private vehicle, Entry permits, and a well-experienced city guide.
- All meals are included during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee).
- Guide, porters, and other support staff as per your requirement and our agreed price.
- ACAP fees.
- Special Permit for restricted area of Upper Mustang.
- Necessary equipment during the trek.
- All taxes and fees are required for the program.
What's not included?
- Meals in the cities.
- Personal expenses (Laundry, bar bills, water, etc)
- Travel Insurance (Essential).
- Personal trekking gears are not mentioned in the contract.
- Tips for staff.
- Nepali Visa