Tiji Festival Trek
Based on 1 Reviews
Tiji Festival Trek Summary
- Tiji Festival Hike Duration: 14 Days
- Highest Elevation: 4,190 meters
- Trekking Hour: 6 hours
- Group-Size: 2 – 14 People
- Tiji Festival Dates 2025: Fri, May 16, Sat, May 17, and Sun, May 18, 2025
- Trip Mode: Guest House
- Meals on Trek route: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Transportation: Car/Plane/bus
Overview
The Tiji Festival is a unique and fascinating celebration that takes place in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. It is a three-day annual festival that is celebrated by the people of Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, which is now part of Nepal.
The Tenji Festival is celebrated to mark the triumph of Buddhism over the ancient Bon religion and features sacred dances, known as “Cham dances,” performed by local monks. These dances serve as a form of meditation, believed to drive away evil spirits and bring peace and prosperity to the region.
Moreover, the festival provides a vibrant occasion for the local community to unite and celebrate their cultural heritage. Participants dress in traditional attire and engage in various activities, such as horse racing, archery, and other traditional games.
Hiking to the Upper Mustang region to witness the Tenji Festival offers an unique and memorable experience for several reasons. Initially, the region’s status as a restricted area requiring a special permit adds an element of exclusivity and seclusion to the destination. Additionally, the festival presents a rare opportunity to observe a deeply traditional cultural event that has been preserved through generations.
Finally, the journey itself is an adventure through a breathtaking and rugged landscape, distinct from other parts of Nepal. It has dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and picturesque mountain villages, creating a blend of cultural richness, adventure, and natural beauty that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
How much does Mustang Tiji Festival Trek Package Cost/Price?
The cost of Tiji festival trek package with a Gokyo Treks local Agency in Nepal ranges between US$ 1699 to US$ 2350. Naturally, the lo Manthang hiking for Tiji festival trek cost will vary according to the group size you are traveling to and the service you choose. However, this figure price includes transportation, a guide, porters, hotels and food accommodation and hiking permits, facilities.
Likewise, Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara round-trip flight is included in the price. Despite that, taking flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara – Kathmandu saves your time, and riding the bus reduces trip expenses.
It’s a standard trek package price for 14 days hike in upper mustang territory. If you are 2 holidaymakers Tiji festival trek cost US$ 1899 for 14 days trek according to the given trekking plan. We can modify the trek route and the prices according to your wishes also. Here is the price list for the Tiji festival treks.
Price Per Person for 2 weeks Tiji Festival Trek Package.
Number of Tourist | Price Per Person |
---|---|
1 Person | US$ 2350 |
2 Person | US$ 1899 |
3 Person | US$ 1895 |
4 to 6 person | US$ 1850 |
7 to 9 Person | US$ 1750 |
10 and more than 10 Person | US$ 1699 |
If you’re wondering to know about what is included and what is excluded from this trip price, kindly check on the cost given on a tab button.
Itinerary
Upper Mustang Tiji festival trek itinerary details
It is classical with a short, itinerary compared to most walks in this region. The particular festival exploring trip is designed for world travelers who wish to hike at the upper mustang to watch Tiji festival. Travelers who wish to reach Lomanthang on a more relaxed trip can try this trip plan. However, request us if you need a customized itinerary.
1 Day Arrival at Kathmandu valleyUpon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, we will receive you in a private vehicle and drive to the hotel in Kathmandu. In the afternoon, Restricted Area Permit (RAP) arrangement via department of Immigration office in Kathmandu. Our representative will brief you on Mustang Tiji Festival trekking information.
Take a Tourist bus and drive to Pokhara. During the journey, tourists can see the villages, colorful landscapes, and the valley like the Trisuli river and Marshyangdi river. Both rivers are most popular for rafting in Nepal. Moreover, you will cross one of the longest bridges over the Madi river, which is also popular for rafting adventure lovers. Continue to drive further along the valley, crossing the rivers, we reach Phewa Lake tourist bus station. You can begin your 5 minutes hike to the hotel to maintain or stretch your body because of a long drive. Otherwise, we arrange a private taxi transfer to get to your hotel.
Early flight to Jomsom airport located at an altitude of 2,720 meters. Jomsom is the district headquarters of Mustang, so landing at Jomsom Airport, we take a quick breakfast and start the hikes to Kagbeni Guesthouse. Kagbeni is one of the famous religious sites for Hindu pilgrims to Pitri-Puja. It is also called Pitri- Moksastala which is done to remove the lost soul of ancestors from hell and help them to reach heaven resulting in blessing to all the family members.
In addition, Kagbeni village is a gateway to exploring upper mustang and Lo Manthang as well as to go Corolla border. Kagbeni is a most interesting typical Tibetan village and the entry point of the upper Mustang trekking routes. Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni Tourists can remark on the most scenic view of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak, and Dhampus peak en route.
The trail leads up toward the east bank of the Kaligandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe Village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst whitewashed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchards. Continues to loom massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang Village and cross the river, continue climbing north where the Kali Gandaki follows. Cross the main river and now leaves the Kaligandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3030 meters.
The climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to pass and cairn of rock at 3540m. The trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and the trail descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. Mount Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream, and climbs up to a ridge at 3,800 meters. The route climbs sharply up and down over a series of high passes, before the final descent to Geiling.
From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek NYLA and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar chu (river), we will arrive at a MANI (Prayer WALL) perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600 meters the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five floors of white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thanks as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha.
The sandy trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang – Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally, from a ridge at 3850 meters. There is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream and climb up into the plateau of Lo- Manthang. Likewise, Tsarang to Lo Manthang trek distance is 13.9 kilometers/8.64 miles.
After a good lunch in a woman thang guest house, we participate in the opening ceremony of the Tiji festival (starting at 3 pm and ending at 5 pm). Overnight at Lo-manthang guest House.
Another day in Lo – Manthang gives you the chance to explore its many sights; the Tall Champa Lakhang (God house,) the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Raja’s Palace. Besides Lo-Manthang there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja’s summer palace, Kimling, and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Namgyal (The Monastery of Victory) is the newest and most active Gompa in Lo. In the eastern valley lies the village of Chosar, also rich in gompas and the valley is the main trading route to Lhasa. After Lunch, we can watch the stunning mask dances performed by monks in the Tiji festival starting at 2 pm and ending around 6 pm). Overnight at Hotel.
Explore the Royal palace and monastery in the morning and enjoy the last and final celebration of the Tiji festival in Lo Manthang in the afternoon.
This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo-Manthang. We cross the highest pass this trek and arrive in Ghar Gompa (3920 Meters). This monastery is very old and older than the Samye monastery in Tibet, supposed to be built around 730 AD. After crossing the pass around 4100m, we descend downhill to Dhakmar 3,520 meters where we fix our campsite for stay overnight.
From Dhakmar the way goes down to until Ghami (3,460m) the huge greenery village in Mustang where we can see the ancient monastery and stupas with. You can see the local houses here like caves. After the trail goes ascends until Nyi La pass and descends to Samar through the same route. We fix our camp to stay overnight here or we can stay at the Dhakmar lodge. And Lo Manthang to Dhakmar distance is 14 kilometers/8.70 miles and takes about 6 hours to complete.
Today, we trek descend downhill to Chhusang. After Chhusang, climb little more than arrive in Tangbe village and finally, we reach Kagbeni Guest house for a lunch stop. The distance from Samar to Kagbeni is approximately 13.1 km / 8.1 miles (as the crow flies), and offers panoramic red stone cliffs.
Later Lunch, Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom Airport which is situated 2,720 meters above sea level. Kagbeni to Jomsom airport distance is 12.5 km (7.77 miles) via Kaagbeni Sadak and Kali Gandaki Corridor. We trek to Jomsom the windy valley of the Kaligandaki River. You can walk on the Kali Gandaki river banks hunting ammonite fossils. The fossils are coming out from the holy Damodhar Kunda lake. Shaligram refers to a fossilized shell used in South Asia as an iconic symbol and reminder of the God Vishnu as the Universal Principle by some Hindus.
The background story of Shaligram
This black stone is known as the Shaligram stone. It was due to a curse that Lord Vishnu turned into a stone. A curse is so powerful that even the most powerful God, one among the trinity could not do anything but accept it. Lord Vishnu received this curse from one of His most loyal devotees, Vrinda. Hike further to Jomsom airport and stay overnight in a Jomsom hotel.
Early morning, we drive downhill to Pokhara city instead of flight. It’s a thrilling journey that can offers the spectacular Mountain Views including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Machhapuchre. Reaching Pokhra, Guide will arrange a private taxi to transfer to your hotel on Phewa lakeside.
In the morning, we’ll drive back through the scenic countryside, and during the route will stop for breakfast and lunch. It takes 7 hours back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, the guide will transfer to the hotel.
Guest can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu costs US$ 115 (extra charge) for each foreign passenger. Various Airlines like Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines are operating several flights daily starting from 7 am. Drop you at the Kathmandu international terminal building for your further flights. Trip Finish.
Not satisfied with above plan?
Are you interested in planning a custom trip? this might take 2 to 3 minutes.
Cost
How much does the Tiji festival trek package price?
It’s a 14 Days cultural Tiji Festival Trek price start at US$ 1699 and might reach up to US$ 2350 per person on double occupancy basis. Taking flights to and from Pokhara saves your time and riding the bus minimize the tour expenses. Gokyo Treks and Expedition agency notify this express Tiji Festival Trek Package price for 2025 and 2026 based on group size you are travelling with.
For the deluxe and luxury trekking tour plan, we add Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu round trip airfare. Additionally, we add 3-5 star category hotel deluxe air-conditioned rooms in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast. Likewise, we add standard guest houses with attached bathrooms on possible places on mustang trek. AND WE ARE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZING YOUR TOUR AND PACKAGES PRICE AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS.
Tiji festival trek upper Mustang Package Includes:
- Kathmandu international airport transfer with a private car on your arrival day.
- Single night twin sharing on tourist standard accommodation in Kathmandu.
- 2 Nights Tourist standard accommodation in Pokhara Phewa Lakeside.
- 13 Breakfast serve with a cup of tea/coffee, 13 Lunch and 13 Dinner [main course] during the Mustang Tenje festival trekking days
- 10 Nights Twin Sharing accommodation in a hotel with sharing toilet/bathroom basis along the Mustang trek routes.
- Pokhara to Jomsom single way airfare with airport departure tax.
- Jomsom to Pokhara transfer by regular Bus on a sharing basis.
- Tourist Bus transfer from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu as a round trip.
- Annapurna Conservation Area permits and their fees
- Upper Mustang special permits cost USD 500 for each guest every 10 days.
- Pokhara city sightseeing (Devi’s fall and Gupteswor Mahadev cave) Guide and a private car transfer.
- Fully escorted trek with English-speaking license holder local guide and every 2 guests (12 kg + 12 kg) = 1 Porter basis.
- Insurance, Food, accommodation, and salary of Nepali trekking guides and porters.
- Agency’s duffel bag (50 liters capacity), and trek poles if Necessary – return after the trek.
- First aid medical kit including Oximeter to check your Oxygen level, Pulse rate to monitor every day to prepare for altitude mountain sickness.
- In a worst case, help with all Helicopter Rescue and evacuation arrangements (but not the rescue bills).
- Trek completion certificate and Mustang trek map – keep as a souvenir.
- Nepal Government Tax, VAT, and as well as Company service charge.
Tiji festival trek upper Mustang package excludes:-
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara city.
- Any kinds of battery charges, laundry service, phone calls, and hot showers during the trekking.
- Tourist personal trekking equipment including warm clothes.
- Personal nature expenses, all types of beverage drinks.
- Travel Insurance which covers emergency rescue, evacuation, personal loss, or damage.
- Any donation and monument entrance fees.
- Gratuities for guide and porters [Tip is a culture, so they expect highly].
Group join
Mustang has a typically barren landscape. It is dry and empty, with few plants growing. But many ancient caves still exist there to visit in a combo trek. Therefore, we can organize a group to join the Tiji festival trek upper Mustang starting on any date but we can also run this private trip if that works for you. Please email us for more information.
FAQ
Question: Is pick-up service available on my arrival day in Kathmandu?.
Answer: Yes sure. Provide us with your flight details and request us to pick you up. Our representative will come to pick up you at Kathmandu international airport.
Question: Do I need experience for my express Tiji festival trek in upper Mustang?.
Answer: Yes, some trekking experience is recommended for the Express Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang due to the challenging terrain and high altitude.
Question: What kind of accommodation and food can I expect on my trip?
Answer: We provide tourist standard lodge accommodation during the trek routes. Rooms along the routes are clean with a cozy bed with a nice mattress and blankets. However we recommend you take your own sleeping bags if you have one with you otherwise, you may rent them while you are in Kathmandu.
Similarly, every lodges have thier own restaurants where they cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian meals. Such as Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, bread, soups, and rice with vegetable curry. Furthermore, dinner and breakfast we provide in the same lodge you spend the night and Lunch will serve on the way to the next place you hike.
Question: How do I manage to drink water on my trip to Tiji festival?.
Answer: You can buy bottled mineral water to drink. We advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles, as currently there are no provisions for disposing of these. Instead, we advise you to buy boiled water or buy AQUA tablets in a Pharmacy to purify the normal water. And normal water is available at the mustang guest houses.
Question: Can I charge my mobile phone or a digital camera on my trip?
Answer: Tourists can recharge Mobile phone or camera battery at the guest houses in a small fee. We recommend you bring an extra pair in case. Remember to bring your adapters!
Question: Are there any communication facilities in a Tiji festival trekking?.
Answer: Yes! at this Mustang Tiji festival trekking, you can get telephone services as well as the internet. Alternatively, you c use wi-fi at the lodges en route.
Question: When should I book my trip and what are the payment terms?.
Answer: We recommend booking your trip with us as early as possible. While we strive to accommodate last-minute bookings, a 15% advance deposit is required to secure your reservation. This deposit allows us to make all necessary arrangements for your trip however, the remaining payment can be settled upon your arrival in Nepal.
Question: Who will carry my luggage on the Tiji festival trek upper Mustang?.
Answer: We provide porters to transfer your luggage from Jomsom Airport. As we are a responsible agency, every porter carry a maximum of 24 kilos of your backpack which means 2 guests (12 kg luggage of each guest): 1 porter basis.
Question: How much distance do I walk each day?
Answer: When walking/trekking in the mountains, the distance you cover each day can vary greatly due to gradient, terrain, and altitude. As such it is very hard to give specific distances for each day, however, you have to be prepared to walk for roughly about 6 hours each day.
Question: Do I need walking poles for my Tiji festival trekking?.
Answer: It is better to hike with walking poles. Learn how to use trekking poles for balance and stability, whether on the sidewalk or on trails. Walking poles can help prevent slips and falls. They are just recommended but not compulsory.
Question: How much additional money do I need per day?
Answer: It depends upon your spending habits, however you can allocate US$ 10 to 15 per day to buy bottles of water, energy chocolates and tea/coffee. If you want wish to upgrade accommodation, plan you budget accordingly. Manage those funds in a cash Nepali rupees as ATM often stop working in Jomsom bazaar and Credit card payment option is not available.
Tiji festival trek in upper Mustang trek highlights
- Discover Annapurna and Dhaulagiri family and some of the border mountains.
- Walking through dry cultivated fields, Excellent views of Dhaulagiri and Blue Mountain.
- Lo Manthang is a windy town and focal point of corolla border Mustang to Tibet.
- Hidden kingdom with World’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki valley
- Meet the mixed communities with Shakye muni Buddhism and their lives..
Tiji festival trek time!
The best time to watch the Tiji Festival in Mustang is in late May, when the festival is typically held. This period offers favorable weather conditions and is ideal for experiencing the cultural celebrations in Upper Mustang.
Mustang Tiji festival trek difficulty level
The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is considered moderately challenging. It involves navigating rugged terrain and high altitudes, which can be demanding. Physical fitness is important, as trekkers should have good cardiovascular endurance and strength to handle long days of hiking and acclimatize to the altitude effectively. While previous trekking experience is beneficial, it is not strictly necessary if you are in good physical condition and prepared for the trek’s demands.
Notes for Tiji festival trekkers!
The information as stated above is just a standard package plan, possible to customize at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. Tourist who doesn’t like to walk all the way to Lomanthang can choose a jeep ride from Jomsom. In this way, it takes about 1 full day to reach Lomanthang, watch the festival for 2 to 3 days and again return with a jeep or hike.
Local politics, landslides, cancellation of local flights, weather, transport, or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary en route.
It is, however, very incredible that the itinerary would be extensively altered. If alterations are necessary the leader will decide the best alternative option, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. When a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
“What makes the Tiji festival trek in the upper Mustang lodge special?”
Tiji festival trek in upper Mustang is a very famous festival in Buddhism that mainly happens in Lo-manthang. Tenji or Tiji festival is an annual event commonly pronounced also “Teeji” which is an abbreviated form of Tempa chhirim which translates to prayer for world peace.
Amazing Tenji festival is celebrating the victory of Buddha’s incarnation. Dorji Sonam over a demon called MA TAM RU TA, who Waxman eater & who caused storms and droughts to destroy people’s houses and livestock. The dance performed by the monks of lomanthang chhyode Gumba during these three days of the festival enacts the harassment of the MA TAM TU TA, the birth of Dhorji Sonam the demon’s son, and an attempt by Dhorji Sonam to a back and demon to the Buddha realm.
We at Gokyo Treks and Expedition believe in quality services. First safety and success satisfaction is our prime concern. We are a team of professional, experienced, trained, and licensed local guides who know the destination much better than others. Moreover, we give benefits to the local communities and help to conserve natural resources which reduced costs and consumption.
Tiji festival trek Review
Tiji Festival Trek in Mustang 2018
Great chance to experience Tiji festival trek in upper Mustang, our guide was Shree Ram and a nice carrier hire from Jomsom Bazaar. Fantastic landscapes and unforgettable encounters. Gokyo Treks and Expedition is the right agency to make a trek in Nepal!!! Thanks for all!. – Cristiano and Michael, Milano, Italy.
Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal
Thank you Cristiano for your time to review Tinji festival trek in the upper Mustang in Nepal.
From US$ 2398
2% Off US$ 1899No. of people | Price Per Person |
1 | USD 2350 |
2 | USD 1899 |
3 | USD 1895 |
4 - 6 | USD 1850 |
7 - 9 | USD 1750 |
10 + | USD 1699 |
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