Lo-Manthang is the capital of Upper Mustang and is affectionately known as “The Last Forbidden Kingdom” or “Mini Tibet” because of the strict Tibetan Buddhism followed by the people in the region. Known throughout Nepal and beyond for its picturesque beauty and mesmerizing terrains, Upper Mustang has been a major destination on the wishlist of millions of tourists worldwide.
Tiji Festival is one of the biggest and grand festivals of Lo-Manthang. The festival takes place in the month of May, every year, and is celebrated for a total of three days. The festival is celebrated to renounce the victory of God over the Demon and Good over the Evil. The extravagant festival is celebrated by re-enacting the story of how Dorjee Sonam defeats the evil demon and banishes him from Mustang. The three days festival is full of spiritual dances, singing, and cheers. The first westerner who witnessed the festival, Michel Peissel in 1964, described the festival as “extraordinary” and stated that he couldn’t believe his eyes on what he was witnessing and still can not comprehend to this day. It is one of those things that you have to see first-hand to believe.
Apart from the festivities, the modest way of living of the people in Lo-Manthang is also a major spectacle to behold, and the landscape, canyons, pond, palaces, monasteries, etc are bewitching, to say the least.
Highlights of the trek:
- Observe the unique Tiji Festival of the indigenous people of the Upper Mustang region.
- Catch glimpses of the rugged terrain, beautiful landscape, majestic Himalayas, monasteries, and sacred ponds.
- Admire Tibetan Buddhism, the way of living of the people in the Upper Mustang region.
- Explore the historical palaces, its courtyard, and the stone-walled buildings of Lo-Manthang.
