Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang

Highlights of Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang

1. Experience the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang
   Witness the colorful three-day celebration featuring sacred masked dances and rituals that symbolize the triumph of good over evil, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

2. Explore the Sky Caves of Choser
   Discover mysterious ancient caves carved into cliffs, once used for meditation, burial, and habitation by early inhabitants of the region.

3. Enjoy Panoramic Himalayan Views
   Take in breathtaking vistas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges along the trail, especially from high mountain passes.

4. Trek Through Unique Trans-Himalayan Landscapes
   Walk through striking red cliffs, hidden desert valleys, and dramatic ridgelines in a region shaped by wind and time.

5. Visit Traditional Tibetan-style Villages
   Encounter the timeless way of life in remote settlements like Ghami, Charang, and Tsarang, where rich cultural heritage remains preserved.

6. Discover Luri Gompa – a Sacred Cave Monastery
   Visit one of Mustang’s oldest and most revered cave monasteries, known for its mystical atmosphere and ancient Buddhist murals.

7. Explore the Walled City of Lo Manthang
   Roam the narrow lanes of this medieval capital, home to royal palaces, monasteries, and centuries of Mustang’s spiritual history.

8. Experience Untouched Tibetan Buddhist Culture
   Engage with a community that has preserved its identity and rituals for generations, offering a rare window into authentic Himalayan life.

What is included in Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang

• All Meals During the Trek
  
  

• Hygienic breakfast, lunch, and dinner in selected local hotels and lodges.
  
  

• Accommodation
  
  

• Clean and comfortable rooms in lodges throughout the trek.
  
  

• Professional English-Speaking Guide
  
  

• Friendly, experienced, and licensed English-speaking guide.
  
  

• Guide’s salary, food, and accommodation included.
  
  

• Porter Service
  
  

• 1 porter for every 2 trekkers.
  
  

• Porter’s salary, food, accommodation, and insurance fully covered.
  
  

• All Required Permits
  
  

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• Fees of special restricted area permit of Upper Mustang region
  
  

What is included in Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang

• Wi-Fi Access
  
  

• Hot Showers (available at additional cost in lodges)
  
  

• Accommodation & Meals in Kathmandu
  
  

• Personal expenses, drinks, snacks, tips, etc.
  
  

• Travel insurance & emergency evacuation
  
  

Trip Map

Benefits of Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang

1. Deep Cultural Immersion
   Gain firsthand insight into centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions by attending the Tiji Festival, a rare and vibrant spiritual celebration not found elsewhere in Nepal.

2. Unique and Restricted Region Experience
   Trek through Upper Mustang, a once-forbidden kingdom that remains one of Nepal’s most preserved and restricted areas, offering an exclusive travel experience.

3. Less Crowded Trails
   Unlike other popular trekking routes in Nepal, Upper Mustang remains quieter and less commercialized, allowing for a more peaceful and authentic trekking experience.

4. Unmatched Cultural and Historical Value
   Visit ancient cave dwellings, monasteries, royal palaces, and walled cities that reveal the deep historical layers of the Mustang region.

5. Spectacular Mountain Scenery
   Enjoy expansive views of the Himalayas—Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri—combined with surreal desert-like landscapes and dramatic terrain.

6. Adventure in the Trans-Himalayan Zone
   Explore a rare rain-shadow area behind the Himalayas, with dry landscapes, unique rock formations, and views unlike anywhere else in Nepal.

7. Support for Local Communities and Heritage
   Your presence during the Tiji Festival and trek contributes directly to the local economy and helps preserve traditional customs and sacred sites.

8. Spiritual and Personal Enrichment
   Experience moments of solitude, reflection, and cultural wonder in sacred monasteries and remote highland villages—ideal for personal growth and mindfulness.

9. Moderate Trekking Difficulty
   The trek is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels. It offers high-altitude adventure without extreme climbs or technical challenges.

10. Opportunity for Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration
    Ideal for trekkers seeking a route beyond the classic trails of Everest and Annapurna, the Tiji Festival Trek offers something truly unique and less explored.

Comprehensive guide for Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang

Tiji (short for “Tenchi”) commemorates the victory of the deity Dorje Jono, who battles the forces of darkness and brings harmony to the land. It’s rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, celebrated for centuries by the royal family of Lo, with monks performing sacred masked dances (cham) to ward off evil.

📍 Max Altitude: 4,005m (Luri Gompa)
🎯 Difficulty: Moderate
🍂 Best Season: Spring (May, for the Tiji Festival)
💰 Cost: Starting from $2,200 per person (varies by group size and services)

The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a 17-day cultural and spiritual adventure into the ancient Tibetan kingdom of Mustang. This journey takes you through some of the most surreal landscapes in Nepal, culminating in a rare opportunity to witness the sacred Tiji Festival in the walled city of Lo Manthang. The trip starts in Kathmandu, then travels through Pokhara, Lower Mustang, and into the restricted Upper Mustang region. Along the way, you'll explore sacred monasteries, ancient caves, dramatic red cliffs, and vibrant Tibetan-style villages.

✅ Includes

• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner during the trek)

• Domestic flights & ground transportation

• Restricted Area Permits (Upper Mustang & ACAP)

• English-speaking licensed guide & porter (with insurance)

• Accommodation in teahouses and lodges

• Hotel stays in Kathmandu & Pokhara (before and after trek)

• Entrance to cultural sites & guided tours

• Tiji Festival entrance & logistics

❌ Excludes

• International flights

• Travel insurance & emergency evacuation

• Personal trekking gear & clothing

• Tips for guide/porter

• Beverages & snacks

• Hot showers in remote teahouses

  This trek is ideal for adventurers, culture lovers, and spiritual seekers looking to go off the beaten path and witness a rare, culturally immersive event in one of the most restricted and preserved regions in the Himalayas.

Packing List for Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang

1. Clothing:
Trekking boots, 3-4 pairs of trekking socks, 2 pairs of trekking pants, 2-3 moisture-wicking base layers, 2-3 quick-dry t-shirts, insulating fleece/down jacket, waterproof jacket/pants, warm hat, sun hat/cap, light & warm gloves, buff/scarf, 3-4 pairs of underwear, and pajamas for rest.

2. Gear:
Daypack (25-30L), sleeping bag (rated for 0-5°C), trekking poles (optional), water bottle (2-3 liters), water purification tablets, headlamp (with extra batteries), dry bags/zip-locks, camera, sunglasses, and first aid kit (basic medical supplies).

3. Toiletries & Personal Items:
Toothbrush & toothpaste, biodegradable soap/shampoo, wet wipes/hand sanitizer, toilet paper, quick-dry towel, lip balm, sunscreen (high SPF), and antibacterial gel.

4. Documents & Money:
Passport, Nepal visa, trekking permits (TIMS & Langtang National Park), cash in Nepali Rupees, and photocopies of important documents.

5. Optional Extras:
Snacks (energy bars, nuts), book/journal, power bank, small travel lock, earplugs/eye mask, and trekking gaiters (if trekking in muddy or snowy conditions).

6. Miscellaneous:
Travel insurance (with trekking coverage), personal medications, and plastic bags for packing out trash.