Tiji Festival Upper Mustang

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.

Accommodation Include

Two-night Hotel in Kathmandu and local Guest Houses during the trek.

Meals Include

BreakFast Include In Kathmandu
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner During the Trek

Best Season For Travel

Karma Sherpa

Trip Coordinator

itinerary

Day 01

Day 02

Day 03

Day 04

Day 05

Day 06

Day 07

Day 08

Day 09

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Our representative will pick you up from the airport after your landing and escort you to the Hotel.
You can complete the checking-in procedure and enjoy a night’s rest.

For Meals

Breakfast Included.

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Maximum Altitude

1400m

Day 02

Full Day Sightseeing and Touring of Kathmandu Valley

The tours start from today, there will be a short briefing about the tour and after that, we will head out for a thorough guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

For Meals

Breakfast Include

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Day 03

Travel to the city of Pokhara [By Flight or Drive]

Take a private vehicle (around 6 hours) or flight (25 minutes) towards the metropolitan city of Pokhara, depending on your convenience.
Explore the city in the evening for the countless attractions that Pokhara has to offer.
Overnight in Pokhara.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel?lodge

Maximum Altitude

820m

Day 04

Flight to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni [Trekking: 4 hours]

Early morning flight from Pokhara to the windy city of Jomsom.
After reaching Jomsom, start our trek towards Kagbeni.
Overnight in Kagbeni.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

2858m

Day 05

Trek from Kagbeni to Chele [Trekking: 5-6 hours]

Continue our ascent from Kagbeni to Chele.
Throughout our hike, we will see large buckwheat and barley farmlands, spectacular apple orchards, and flat-roofed stone houses.
Overnight in Chele.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3050m

Day 06

Trek from Chele to Ghiling [Trekking: 7 hours ]

Start our trek early morning with a steady climb from Chele towards the village of Ghilling.
Throughout our trek towards Ghiling, numerous tight-knit houses will appear and the breath-taking views of the hills and plateau will become apparent.
Overnight in Ghiling.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3806m

Day 07

Trek from Ghiling to Charang [Trekking: 5 hours]

Continue our trek towards Charang from Ghiling.
Charang is full of Mani Walls, Gompas, Dzong (Fortress), spectacular statues, and paintings, which we can admire throughout our trek.
Overnight in Charang.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3575m

Day 08

Trek from Charang to Lo-Manthang [Trekking: 6 hours]

The final stretch of trekking from Charang to Lo-Manthang on Day 8.
Lo-Manthang is famous for its stone-walled buildings, Buddhist monasteries, and one-of-a-kind custom. From Lo-Manthang, you can also admire mountains such as Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3700m

Day 09

First Day of the Tiji Festival

The first day of the Tiji festival will begin with a cultural dance by the monks called Tsa Chaam. This tells the story of the birth of Dorji Sonam, a reincarnated Buddha, to a demon.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel /Lodge

Day 10

Day 2 of the Tiji Festival

On the second day of the festival, Monks will perform Nga Cham, during which Dorjee Sonam tries to return the demon to the realm of the Buddha.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Day 11

Final day of the Tiji Festival

This festival will finally conclude by observing the Rha Chham dance. During this, Dorjee Sonam triumphs over the evil demon and banishes him from Mustang.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Day 12

Trekking from Lo-Manthang to Ghami via Lo-Geker

After bidding farewell to Lo-Manthang, our journey will be towards Ghami via Lo-Geker.
Overnight in Ghami.
Trekking hour: 6 hours.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3520m

Day 13

Trekking from Ghami to Samar [Trekking: 5 hours]

Continue our return by trekking from Ghami to Samar.
Make an ascend to a ridge marked by a cairn and then continue to climb until we meet the trail that comes from Tsarang.
Make our way to a pass and then descend towards Gheling Valley.
Continue further from the valley for a while and reach Samar.
Overnight in Samar.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3520m

Day 14

Trekking from Samar to Kagbeni [Trekking: 6 hours]

Start our trek by descending down from Samar back towards Kagbeni.
Relive the wonderful panoramic view of the Kagbeni hills, and landscape once again.
Overnight in Kagbeni.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

2858m

Day 15

Trekking from Kagbeni to Jomsom

The next day, continue the trek by heading from Kagbeni back to Jomsom.
Overnight in Jomsom.
We will stay overnight in Jomsom.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

2700m

Day 16

Jomsom to Pokhara

We will take a short flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara.

For Meals

Breakfast Included

For Accommodation

Hotel/lodge

Maximum Altitude

820m

Day 17

Travel back to Kathmandu (Flight: 30 minutes or Drive: 6 hours)

Make the return to Kathmandu. Like before, the travel can be done by airplane or a private vehicle depending on your comfort.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

For Meals

Breakfast Included

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Maximum Altitude

1400m

Day 18

Farewell and Departure

Our representative will pick you up from your hotel (approximately three hours prior to your scheduled flight) for you departure.

For Meals

Breakfast Included

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

itinerary

Our representative will pick you up from the airport after your landing and escort you to the Hotel.
You can complete the checking-in procedure and enjoy a night’s rest.

For Meals

Breakfast Included.

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

The tours start from today, there will be a short briefing about the tour and after that, we will head out for a thorough guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

For Meals

Breakfast Include

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Take a private vehicle (around 6 hours) or flight (25 minutes) towards the metropolitan city of Pokhara, depending on your convenience.
Explore the city in the evening for the countless attractions that Pokhara has to offer.
Overnight in Pokhara.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel?lodge

Early morning flight from Pokhara to the windy city of Jomsom.
After reaching Jomsom, start our trek towards Kagbeni.
Overnight in Kagbeni.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

2858m

Continue our ascent from Kagbeni to Chele.
Throughout our hike, we will see large buckwheat and barley farmlands, spectacular apple orchards, and flat-roofed stone houses.
Overnight in Chele.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3050m

Start our trek early morning with a steady climb from Chele towards the village of Ghilling.
Throughout our trek towards Ghiling, numerous tight-knit houses will appear and the breath-taking views of the hills and plateau will become apparent.
Overnight in Ghiling.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3806m

Continue our trek towards Charang from Ghiling.
Charang is full of Mani Walls, Gompas, Dzong (Fortress), spectacular statues, and paintings, which we can admire throughout our trek.
Overnight in Charang.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3575m

The final stretch of trekking from Charang to Lo-Manthang on Day 8.
Lo-Manthang is famous for its stone-walled buildings, Buddhist monasteries, and one-of-a-kind custom. From Lo-Manthang, you can also admire mountains such as Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3700m

The first day of the Tiji festival will begin with a cultural dance by the monks called Tsa Chaam. This tells the story of the birth of Dorji Sonam, a reincarnated Buddha, to a demon.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel /Lodge

On the second day of the festival, Monks will perform Nga Cham, during which Dorjee Sonam tries to return the demon to the realm of the Buddha.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

This festival will finally conclude by observing the Rha Chham dance. During this, Dorjee Sonam triumphs over the evil demon and banishes him from Mustang.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

After bidding farewell to Lo-Manthang, our journey will be towards Ghami via Lo-Geker.
Overnight in Ghami.
Trekking hour: 6 hours.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3520m

Continue our return by trekking from Ghami to Samar.
Make an ascend to a ridge marked by a cairn and then continue to climb until we meet the trail that comes from Tsarang.
Make our way to a pass and then descend towards Gheling Valley.
Continue further from the valley for a while and reach Samar.
Overnight in Samar.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

3520m

Start our trek by descending down from Samar back towards Kagbeni.
Relive the wonderful panoramic view of the Kagbeni hills, and landscape once again.
Overnight in Kagbeni.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

2858m

The next day, continue the trek by heading from Kagbeni back to Jomsom.
Overnight in Jomsom.
We will stay overnight in Jomsom.

For Meals

Included BLD

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Altitude

2700m

We will take a short flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara.

For Meals

Breakfast Included

For Accommodation

Hotel/lodge

Make the return to Kathmandu. Like before, the travel can be done by airplane or a private vehicle depending on your comfort.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

For Meals

Breakfast Included

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Our representative will pick you up from your hotel (approximately three hours prior to your scheduled flight) for you departure.

For Meals

Breakfast Included

For Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Trekking boot(1pair): well worn and comfortable with proper ankle support.
Sock(3 pairs): good and warm enough; worth spending money on quality socks.
Flip flop/Camp Shoe(1 pair): light weighted for evening use.
Water bottle(2): Nalgene/ sig style and a bladder bottle with the capacity of 1/2 liter water. Bladders are preferred.
Water Purification Drop(1): Affordable and easily available for purchase in Kathmandu (Pious Water Drop).
Lip Balm(1): Proper moisturizing containing SPF.
Sunglass(1): Actual UV rays safeguarding glasses.
Sun Cream: SPF 30+ recommended.
Bandana (1): Useful for various purpose.
Baseball Head/ Cap(1): Protects face from direct expose of sun during the hiking.
Warm Woolen Hat(1): Prevents from wind and cold above 3500m.
Flash Light / Head Torch(1): Leaves your hands free. Extra batteries are also necessary for head light.
Private First Aid Kit(1): Include prescribed medications/ personal medications. Some personal medicine might not be available in Nepal.
Travel towel(1): light weighted and compact.
Wash Kit (1): Appropriate and suitable for your skin/body
Instant Hand Sanitizer: Alcohol bases, enough for trek/on the basis of necessity.
Camera(incase you carry): Along with charger and enough battery to capture scenarios and memories.
Book/ Journal: Depending on interest.
Pack of Cards/Travel Board Games(if interested): Evening entertainment.
Trekking Snacks: Base on consumption; enough for trekking (can be purchased in Kathmandu).
Toilet Roll & Rubbish Bag: to make sure we don't leave waste materials in the mountains.
Trekking Poles(optional): recommended to anyone with knee issues.
Gloves(2 pairs): Thin in low altitude & thick warm enough in high altitudes.
Neck Warmer \Buff(1): Protection of Neck from direct wind and cold.
Walking Stick(1): Light weighted and comfortable for walking support.
Walking T-shirt(2): Merino wool, Capilene/Synthetic Fiber for quick dry.
Sleeping t-shirt(1): can be cotton or fabric.
Thermal base layers Top(1): mid weighted long sleeved t-shirt of merino wool/polyester, capilene power dry.
Insulating layers(1): mid weighted fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest(optional): advisable for those who catches cold easily.
Rain jacket (1): Wind proof and rain proof for safeguard.
Down jacket(1): very essential for trekking above 4,000 meters.
Hiking trousers(2): lick weighted and quick dry trousers( not cotton).Zip offs are preferred.
Sleeping trousers(1): light weighted yoga style for comfort sleep( no jeans).
Trekking short (1): in case of no zips off trousers. Low knee shorts are preferred.
Rain pants(1): Protection from rain and wind.
Thermal long Johns(1): To warm by in the evening or while sleeping.
Underwear: Depending on necessity; enough for trek ( can be washed and dried along the way)
Duffle Bag Pack(1): to store excess luggage at hotel. Our agency provides duffel bags during the trek. These are easier for the porters to carry.
Day pack with rain cover(1): to carry your personal items during the treks i.e. camera, private snacks, water bottles, etc.
Sleeping bags with inner: To have a warm and satisfying sleep in high altitude. Recommended for 3 season(Oct-Feb).

Trekking boot(1pair): well worn and comfortable with proper ankle support.
Sock(3 pairs): good and warm enough; worth spending money on quality socks.
Flip flop/Camp Shoe(1 pair): light weighted for evening use.

Water bottle(2): Nalgene/ sig style and a bladder bottle with the capacity of 1/2 liter water. Bladders are preferred.
Water Purification Drop(1): Affordable and easily available for purchase in Kathmandu (Pious Water Drop).
Lip Balm(1): Proper moisturizing containing SPF.
Sunglass(1): Actual UV rays safeguarding glasses.
Sun Cream: SPF 30+ recommended.
Bandana (1): Useful for various purpose.
Baseball Head/ Cap(1): Protects face from direct expose of sun during the hiking.
Warm Woolen Hat(1): Prevents from wind and cold above 3500m.
Flash Light / Head Torch(1): Leaves your hands free. Extra batteries are also necessary for head light.
Private First Aid Kit(1): Include prescribed medications/ personal medications. Some personal medicine might not be available in Nepal.
Travel towel(1): light weighted and compact.
Wash Kit (1): Appropriate and suitable for your skin/body
Instant Hand Sanitizer: Alcohol bases, enough for trek/on the basis of necessity.
Camera(incase you carry): Along with charger and enough battery to capture scenarios and memories.
Book/ Journal: Depending on interest.
Pack of Cards/Travel Board Games(if interested): Evening entertainment.
Trekking Snacks: Base on consumption; enough for trekking (can be purchased in Kathmandu).
Toilet Roll & Rubbish Bag: to make sure we don't leave waste materials in the mountains.
Trekking Poles(optional): recommended to anyone with knee issues.
Gloves(2 pairs): Thin in low altitude & thick warm enough in high altitudes.
Neck Warmer \Buff(1): Protection of Neck from direct wind and cold.
Walking Stick(1): Light weighted and comfortable for walking support.

Walking T-shirt(2): Merino wool, Capilene/Synthetic Fiber for quick dry.
Sleeping t-shirt(1): can be cotton or fabric.
Thermal base layers Top(1): mid weighted long sleeved t-shirt of merino wool/polyester, capilene power dry.
Insulating layers(1): mid weighted fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest(optional): advisable for those who catches cold easily.
Rain jacket (1): Wind proof and rain proof for safeguard.
Down jacket(1): very essential for trekking above 4,000 meters.

Hiking trousers(2): lick weighted and quick dry trousers( not cotton).Zip offs are preferred.
Sleeping trousers(1): light weighted yoga style for comfort sleep( no jeans).
Trekking short (1): in case of no zips off trousers. Low knee shorts are preferred.
Rain pants(1): Protection from rain and wind.
Thermal long Johns(1): To warm by in the evening or while sleeping.
Underwear: Depending on necessity; enough for trek ( can be washed and dried along the way)

Duffle Bag Pack(1): to store excess luggage at hotel. Our agency provides duffel bags during the trek. These are easier for the porters to carry.
Day pack with rain cover(1): to carry your personal items during the treks i.e. camera, private snacks, water bottles, etc.
Sleeping bags with inner: To have a warm and satisfying sleep in high altitude. Recommended for 3 season(Oct-Feb).

includes

Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
Farewell dinners.
Domestic transportation (Kathmandu- Pokhara -Kathmandu)
Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary.
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Soul Himalaya Trek bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map are yours to take.
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
Good hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu Valley in a private vehicle.
An experienced, English-speaking, and Government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide).
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation.
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS).
All government and local taxes.

FAQs

You will encounter many tea houses on your trek. A tea house is a lodge operated by the locals of a village to support their family and community. During the evenings and night the teahouses offer you beverages, food, warmth, and a chance to chat with other trekkers and locals. Teahouses are not five star hotels, but basic accommodation including breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a very affordable price. Many teahouses offer hot showers where you have to a small fee (usually around $2). Wifi and battery charge is also offered with a small fee.

As the name suggests, a camping trek is camping, in which you will have to accommodate yourself and your companions along with the staff in tents. The tents will consist of kitchens and bedrooms. All the tedious and cumbersome tasks will be done by our staff. These kinds of treks are said to be really adventurous and fun.

Yes, we are fully authorized by the government to conduct any kinds of activities relating to trekking and traveling. All of our guides are licensed and experienced mountain guides.

Yes, we insist you to take out insurance. You should have yourself insured before your arrival to Nepal and it should cover all expenses. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to ask us. Many of our trekkers have been happy with dog tag insurance. https

It is not compulsory. However, it has been a common trait and the guides and porters will be expecting a small amount of tips from you. A small amount to you can hold a great essence in their life and can go a long way to help them and their families. Feel free to ask us for a suggested standard amount.

Tiji Festival Upper Mustang

Annapurna Region