Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek - 17 Days

Mustang · 17 Days

Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek - 17 Days

· Moderate · Max altitude 4,005m (13,140 ft) at Luri Gompa · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

17 Days

Max Altitude

4,005m (13,140 ft)

at Luri Gompa

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Hotel + Lodge + Homestay

Overview

The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek is a 17-day cultural and trekking pilgrimage timed to witness one of the most spectacular Tibetan-Buddhist festivals in the Himalayas - the three-day Tiji Festival held annually in Lo Manthang, the walled medieval capital of Upper Mustang. The festival features masked monk dances symbolizing the victory of good over evil, centuries-old ritual drama, and a vibrant atmosphere drawing pilgrims from across Mustang and Tibet.

Combining the iconic Upper Mustang highlights (Sky Caves, Ghar Gompa, Luri Gompa) with three days inside the festival itself, this trek is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion.

Highlights

  • Witness the three-day Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang
  • Masked monk dances (cham) symbolizing destruction of demons
  • Royal courtyard ceremonies in the walled medieval capital
  • Visit Thubchen, Jampa and Chodey monasteries
  • Explore the Sky Caves of Choser
  • Hike to Luri Gompa - hidden cave monastery
  • Walk through red cliffs of Dakmar village
  • Pre and post-festival trekking through Upper Mustang's iconic landscapes
  • 25-minute scenic flight Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Sacred Muktinath Temple visit at trek's end

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Pokhara

⏱ 25-min flight 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Hotel and Phewa Lake.

Day 2

Pokhara to Lete (2,480m)

⏱ 6-7 hours drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive through Kali Gandaki Gorge.

Day 3

Day Hike to Titi Lake (2,600m)

⏱ 3-4 hours round trip 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization and birdwatching.

Day 4

Lete to Samar (3,660m)

⏱ 3 hours drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter Upper Mustang.

Day 5

Samar to Syangbochen (3,850m) via Chungsi Cave

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave.

Day 6

Syangbochen to Dakmar (3,820m)

⏱ 6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Red cliff village.

Day 7

Dakmar to Lo Manthang (3,840m) via Ghar Gompa

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive at the walled medieval capital.

Day 8

Tiji Festival Day 1

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Opening ceremony in royal courtyard. Visit Thubchen, Jampa and Chodey monasteries.

Day 9

Tiji Festival Day 2

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ritual drama of demon destruction.

Day 10

Tiji Festival Day 3 + Choser Sky Caves

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning Choser caves, afternoon final Tiji ceremony.

Day 11

Lo Manthang to Yara (3,650m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek through desolate canyons.

Day 12

Rest Day at Yara - Visit Luri Gompa (4,005m)

⏱ 3-4 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hidden cave monastery with Buddhist murals.

Day 13

Yara to Tange (3,240m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dry riverbeds and barren valleys.

Day 14

Tange to Chhusang, Drive to Kagbeni (2,810m)

⏱ 5-6 hr hike + 1 hr drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gateway to Upper Mustang.

Day 15

Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,800m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sacred temple visit.

Day 16

Muktinath to Pokhara

⏱ 7-8 hours drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long scenic drive back.

Day 17

Pokhara to Kathmandu

⏱ 25-min flight 🍽 Breakfast

Return to Kathmandu.

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What's included

Included

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in selected hotels and lodges
  • Clean and comfortable rooms in lodges throughout
  • Professional English-speaking licensed guide (food, accommodation included)
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (salary, food, accommodation, insurance included)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang
  • All land transportation by private jeep
  • Insurance for guide and porter
  • First aid kit

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Wi-Fi access
  • Hot showers (extra cost)
  • Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses, drinks, snacks, tips
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal trekking equipment

Trek guide

A Three-Day Festival in the Forbidden Kingdom

The Tiji Festival - short for "Tenchi" - is the most important cultural event in Upper Mustang. Held annually over three days in May at the royal courtyard of Lo Manthang, the festival commemorates the victory of the deity Dorje Jono over the forces of darkness. Monks perform sacred masked dances (cham) handed down for centuries by the royal family of Lo.

The festival is rooted in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Watching the dances unfold inside the walled medieval capital - drums, prayer chants, brightly costumed dancers - feels like witnessing the Middle Ages.

Tiji Festival Schedule

  • Day 1: Opening ceremony in the royal courtyard. Visit Thubchen, Jampa and Chodey monasteries.
  • Day 2: Second day's ritual drama representing the destruction of demons.
  • Day 3: Visit the Sky Caves of Choser, then final day of Tiji where evil spirits are banished and harmony restored.

When is Tiji?

The festival dates change annually based on the Tibetan lunar calendar but typically fall in late April or May. Confirm exact dates with us when booking.

Geography and Climate

Mustang sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs - dry year-round and ideal for the May festival window. Temperatures are mild (10-20°C days, 0-5°C nights) with strong UV.

Permits

  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang
  • ACAP

Altitude

Highest point: 4,005m at Luri Gompa. Moderate altitude exposure.

Best Season

May only for the Tiji Festival. Confirmed dates released by Lo Manthang monastery 6 months in advance.

Fitness

Moderate. 5-7 hours of walking daily. The festival days are mostly stationary.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -10°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal layer, 5 pairs socks, sun hat (essential), beanie, buff, dust scarf, modest clothing for monastery visits

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes, comfortable shoes for festival days

Accessories: 50L daypack, 70L duffel, -10°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, glacier sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter, telephoto lens for festival photography

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 6 photos, cash

Medical: First-aid kit, sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm SPF, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea

Frequently asked questions

When exactly is the Tiji Festival?
Dates change annually based on the Tibetan lunar calendar. Usually late April or May. We confirm precise dates 6 months in advance.

Is the festival open to all visitors?
Yes - all permitted Upper Mustang visitors can attend. Photography is allowed but be respectful.

How crowded is Lo Manthang during the festival?
Significantly busier than usual. Lodge availability is tight - book at least 6 months ahead.

Can I take photos of the dances?
Yes, but no flash. A 70-200mm telephoto lens is ideal for capturing the dancers.

What is appropriate festival etiquette?
Sit when others sit, stand when others stand. Don't talk loudly. Don't block the dancers' path. Show respect to monks.

How does the festival weather compare?
May in Mustang is dry, mild and sunny - ideal trekking weather.

Can I attend other Mustang festivals?
Yes - Yartung horse festival (August) and Lhosar (New Year) are also options. Contact us for festival-timed itineraries.

Are children welcome at the festival?
Yes - children find the colors, masks and music captivating. Appropriate for ages 8+.

How is the food during the festival?
Limited but adequate. Lodges sometimes overwhelmed - patience required.

Should I bring a gift for monks?
Donations to the monastery are warmly received. Cash directly to the monastery office.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $2500

per person

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