Mustang Tiji Festival

Nepal
Trekking
Moderate
16 Days
3840 m

The Tiji Festival is a vibrant three-day Buddhist celebration held annually in the walled city of Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, this colorful event commemorates the victory of the deity Dorje Jono over a demon that was plaguing the kingdom. The festival features elaborate masked dances performed by monks in ornate costumes, ritualistic ceremonies, and the chanting of ancient scriptures. These dramatic performances symbolize the triumph of good over evil, with the final day culminating in the symbolic destruction of the demon through a ceremonial arrow shooting. The Tiji Festival offers a rare glimpse into Mustang's rich cultural heritage, attracting both devotees and curious travelers to witness this centuries-old tradition in one of Nepal's most remote and mystical regions.

Beyond its religious significance, the Tiji Festival serves as an important social gathering for the local Loba people, strengthening community bonds and preserving their unique cultural identity. The festival transforms Lo Manthang into a lively hub of activity, with monks playing traditional horns and drums, locals dressed in their finest Tibetan-style attire, and the air filled with the scent of burning juniper incense. Visitors during this time can explore the ancient monasteries and royal palace while immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere. As one of the last remaining authentic Tibetan Buddhist festivals, Tiji provides an unforgettable experience that combines spiritual devotion, historical pageantry, and the stunning backdrop of Mustang's dramatic Himalayan landscapes. The festival typically occurs in May, with dates determined by the Tibetan lunar calendar, making it a highlight for travelers seeking meaningful cultural encounters in Nepal's forbidden kingdom.

Trip Facts

Activities
Trekking
Starting Price
USD$ /PP
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Max. Altitude
3840 m
Best Season
Autumn
Trip Hours/Day
5 - 6 Hours
Trip Grade
Moderate
Group Size
2 - 10

Highlights & Attractions

Masked Cham Dances – Monks perform elaborate rituals reenacting the victory of Dorje Jono over evil.
Demon Destruction Ceremony – Climactic final-day ritual where a demon effigy is torn apart.
Held in Lo Manthang, a medieval walled city with a royal palace and ancient monasteries.
Opening Procession – Monks in ornate masks parade through the streets.
Explore Thubchen Gompa (15th-century monastery with stunning murals).

Trip Itinerary
Include & Excludes
Trip Notes
Reviews

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Airport pickup & transfer to hotel
Briefing about the trek & Tiji Festival
Explore Kathmandu (optional: visit Swayambhunath or Durbar Square)
Day 02: Fly to Pokhara (820m) & Drive to Jomsom (2,720m)

Scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara
Connect to Jomsom (20-minute flight or drive via Beni)
Overnight in Jomsom (windy valley town)
Day 03: Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m) – 3-4 Hours

Enter the Mustang restricted zone
Explore Kagbeni's medieval streets and monastery
Permit verification at ACAP checkpoint
Day 04: Trek to Chele (3,050m) – 5-6 Hours

Trek through Kali Gandaki Gorge
Pass through Tangbe and Chhusang villages
First views of Mustang's iconic red cliffs
Day 05: Trek to Syangboche (3,800m) - 6-7 Hours

Cross Taklam La Pass (3,624m)
Traverse Dajori La Pass (3,735m)
Panoramic views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri
Day 06: Trek to Ghami (3,520m) - 5-6 Hours

Walk alongside Mustang's longest Mani Wall
Visit ancient Ghami Gompa
Day 07: Trek to Charang (3,560m) - 4-5 Hours

Explore 500-year-old Charang Monastery
Prepare for entry into Lo Manthang
Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840m) - 3-4 Hours

Enter the walled city of Lo Manthang
Visit the Royal Palace, Thubchen Gompa, and Champa Lakhang
Day 09-10: Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang

Day 1: Opening ceremony with masked dances
Day 2: Main "Chasing the Demons" ritual
Day 3: Final prayers and blessings
Free time to explore caves and monasteries
Day 11: Trek to Drakmar (3,810m) - 6-7 Hours

Detour via sacred Ghar Gompa
Dramatic red cliff landscapes
Day 12: Trek to Ghiling (3,806m) - 5-6 Hours
Day 13: Return journey with mountain views

Descend through Samar and Syangboche
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m) - 5-6 Hours

Final trek along Kali Gandaki River
Celebration dinner in Jomsom
Day 15: Fly to Pokhara & Kathmandu

Morning flight to Pokhara
Connecting flight to Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport

Package Includes

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang ($500 for 10 days)
Full Board on Trek: 3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
First Aid Kit (oxygen meter, basic medications)
Porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers, max 15kg/porter)
Experienced Trek Guide (licensed, English-speaking)

Package Excludes

Nepal Visa ($30-50 depending on duration)
Travel Insurance (mandatory; must cover altitude up to 3,000m + evacuation)
Early Termination: Extra transport/hotel if leaving trek early
Kathmandu Sightseeing (entrance fees for UNESCO sites ~$20-30)

Trip Notes

Why Choose this Trek?

Only trek offering the ancient Tiji Festival experience
Explore the last forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang
Unique Himalayan desert landscape with red cliffs and caves
Lower altitude (max 3,840m) than most Nepal treks
Less crowded trails compared to Everest/Annapurna
Rich Tibetan Buddhist culture preserved for centuries
Visit 15th-century monasteries with original murals
See mysterious 10,000+ man-made sky caves

Reviews

Related Trips - Mustang Tiji Festival

Similar trips to Mustang Tiji Festival that you might be interested.

Mustang Tiji Festival