Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

Trip Overview

Tiji or Teji festival is the annual event of indigenous community of Upper Mustang, specially in Lo-Manthang region of Nepal. It is a celebration and reaffirmation of myth of 3 days ritual festival means “the chasing of the demons”. It tells the story of deity of Dorje Jono, who battled against the demon to save the Mustang Kingdom from destruction. And he defeated the demons and banishes him from the land caused from storms and drought that destroy peoples’ houses and livestock and translated into prayer for the world peace. There will be dance performance by monks on these 3 days ritual festival namely “Tsa Chham” on the first day, “Nga Chham” on the second day and “Rha Chham” on the third day. It is believed that the village will be purified from the bad evil spirits from then.

The Tenji festival falls on 27th to 29th days of third month according to Tibetan calendar (April/May of every year). It is organized by Chhyode Gumba which is monastery of Sakyapa sect located in Lo-Manthang, Upper MUSTANG.The festival is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring) and ushers in the wetter monsoon season.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m).

At the airport; you will be meet by representative of our company and transferred to the Hotel, where you will meet us. A pre-trek briefing will be held at approx. 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the evening and is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner. Welcome dinner at the authentic and typical Nepalese cusine with culutural dance.

Day 02: Full day Guided Tour in Kathmandu valley with City Tour Guide

SWOYAMBHUNATH, also known as the monkey temple, is climbed by a long set of steps and has great views of Kathmandu.
BOUDHANATH STUPA has many traditional Gompas hung with strings of multi-coloured prayer flags; it attracts many Sherpas and Tibetans for the circumambulations of the stupa (koras).
PASHUPATINATH is a Hindu temple with burning Ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, which is one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist temples

Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m)

We have breakfast then leave for Pokhara which is 200km west of Kathmandu, also known as The Lake City owing to the large number of lakes in the city. Driving along the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You follow the Marsyandi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns. You will enjoy the scenic drive. Upon our arrival in Pokhara, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas. We then check-in to our hotel and take a rest. We enjoy boating in the Fewa Lake and stroll in the city’s quaint streets. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 04: Pokhara to Kagbeni (2,820m)

You take the early morning flight to Jomsom from Pokhara which again will give close-up views of the Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, 20 minutes flight in a small aircraft land at Jomsom. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. This very easy, enjoyable start is at the same time picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and in the west the awesome mountain above Kagbeni, Nilgiri. Upon reaching Kagbeni there is a taste of scenes to come in Upper Mustang, what with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of wheat and barley and a large red gompa (Monastery) At the check-post at the north end of the village there is a sign saying ‘Restricted area, tourists, please do not go beyond this point. Here you will complete your paperwork formalities for you to enter this long-forbidden region of Nepal.

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3,075m)

We go up the Kali Gandaki valley through arid landscapes to Thangbe, large fortified village with Chorten being painted, dominated by its ''strong'' in ruins. We continue to go up this high desert valley with high cliffs eroded by wind and pierced with caves. We pass the village of Chusang (2980m) and then we follow the river one last climb leads to the village of Chele

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen (3,475m)

We leave the Kali Gandaki River by climbing through a deep canyon to the pass Chele La (3,600m): beautiful view of the village of Gyakar (3,562m), dominated by its “rock Sphinx". We slowly descend to the village of Samar (3,600m) then we climb to the Bhen La pass (3,830m) and finally reach the village of Bhen: with a beautiful view of the Damodhar Himal to the east. We climb to Yamda La pass (3,870m). We descend to the village of Syangmochen or Syanbochen (3,800m) and then, after one last pass, we begin the long descent to the village of Geling, dominated by a fort, a palace and two monasteries.

Day 07: Syanbochen to Dhakmar (3,810m)

We continue up the valley to the village of Chunkar (3,750m) and its beautiful "Stupa". We start the steep climb to the Nya La pass (3,990m) and then, after crossing a small pass second, the Ghami pass (3,770), we arrive at Ghami (3,510m), a pretty village in the middle of a green oasis. We pass a huge stone wall engraved ("mani"), and then we go back another desert valley to the north, dominated by beautiful cliffs eroded. Our path crosses several "stupas" before reaching the village of Dhakmar.

Day 08: Dhakmar to Tsarang (3,570m)

We go up to Mui La pass (4,145m) and then we go down to one of the oldest monasteries “Tibetan" Nepal: Ghar Gompa, the sect "Ningma" (unreformed), which are nicknamed "Red School", and more commonly called "red caps" because of the color of the cap. This monastery was founded at the same time as that of Samye, the oldest monastery of Tibet ...We admire the statues and frescoes and begin the long descent through the villages of Lo-Gekar (eleventh century monastery) and Marang to finally arrive to Tsarang in the fields of mustard, barley or buckwheat. Visit Mustang's second city whose palace and monastery are backed by a precipice.

Day 09: Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,820m)

We walk in the great valley to Tholung Lo La pass (3,945m) on which floats tens of prayer flags and where the view is great on the "capital" of the Mustang and its surroundings. Lo-Manthang short descent (3,820m) and then we spend the afternoon to discover this walled city through its maze of alleys. We visit the main sites and monuments of Lo-Manthang: the Jhampa Lhakang which houses a huge Buddha statue and huge mandalas, the monasteries of Thubchen Chodey and then, if the "Raja" is in residence, we may be visit the grand Palace.

Day 10: 1st Day of Tiji festival Celebration in LO-MANTHANG

Today is the first day of Tiji Festival. We spend our day observing the dances and celebrations. Horse racing and a giant tug-of-war are the major attractions. Tibetan women in their traditional clothing with colorful jewelry, monks in their robes and dancers in elaborate costumes make the entire environment vivid and vibrant.

Day 11: 2nd Day Tiji festival Celebration in LO-MANTHANG

We can enjoy a colorful ceremony accompanied by an unusual dance of Tibetan lamas. It is done to chase away all the hungry and evil spirits from the village. We can see many people across the region participating in this ritual of purification and renewal. After the observation, we can explore the intimate alleyways and courtyards of the city or simply rent a horse and visit some of the other villages in the area.

Day 12: Last Day of Tiji Festival celebration

Today, we walk to Namgyal Gompa, a monastery that lies on a hilltop. It is an important monastery that serves as a local court to the local community people. After our visit to the monastery, we continue our tour to Tingkhar, the last village to the north-west of Lo-Manthang. In the evening, we return back to Lo-Manthang and continue the celebration of Tiji festival.

Day 13: Lo-Manthang to Yara (3,580m)

After breakfast, leave the village of Lo - Manthang and keep gentle ascending to reach Lo La with sandy path. The trail slightly mounts on the ridge viewing the scenic landscapes until reaching small pass. Then, we walk through a steep and dusty descent in the narrow path. We again come to a wide plateau and tumble down the wobbly and knee crunching trail reaching Dhi village. After lunch we pass suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and ascend a steep path. Then, we chase down the upstream of Puyung Khola viewing the astonishing landscapes and countless caves at the stone walls. Eventually, we reach Yara village after walking 7 hours

Day 14: Hike to Luri Gompa (4,000m)

From Yara, it is a short trek to Luri Gompa which is built into the rock. There are two monasteries; one is situated below Luri cave monastery accessed by a steep climb. This is the oldest and most famous cave monastery in the Mustang region, constructed in the 15th Century. Inside the caves, we can see a big chorten and many images and statues of protectors and deities. There is also a highly sacred religious text however access to this is not permitted. Luri Gompa is a lunch camp. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure to rest and relax.

Day 15: Yara to Tangye (3,320m)

Long climb to a pass at 3,700m and then steep descent to the river Dhi Khola which we cross. Here the scenery is desert but always with a grandiose sense of a world away. We are taking a second pass at 3900m and then a gentle downhill steeply at first, but in the end, we join the village "hidden" Tangye.

Day 16: Tangye to Chhuksang (2,950m)

This is the longest day of walking the circuit but also the most beautiful! The stage is long because of the randomization to find water between departure and arrival. We begin the long climb to a pass at 4,100m: exceptional views across the Mustang, which is detached from red landscape of Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Short descent to PaHa; where we "lunch." Slow down by ridges, then a descent steeper but shorter leads us to the villages where the houses are Chusang high as fortresses.

Day 17: Chhuksang to Muktinath (3,710m)

Long climb through the gorge of a river to Gyu La (4,050m) and then we descend via the village of Muktinath where Chyongur to Hindu and Buddhist shrines side by side: pagoda temple of Vishnu, and especially a sacred spring, beside which burns a flame of natural gas. Great views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m, 7th summit of the world), Nilgiri (7,061m) and TilichoPeak (7,134m). Dhaulagiri comes from the Sanskrit words "Dhauali giri" meaning "White Mountain". It was climbed for the first time May 19, 1960 by Austro-Swiss expedition.

Day 18: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,670m)

It is a pretty long foothill excursion from Muktinath to Jomsom today and also the last day of trekking. However, descending is easier to ascend. First, we climb to the Lubra Danda and walk down to the Lubra village, one of the picturesque Thakali villages in this area. The stunning views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche and other surrounding snow-capped peaks are simply overwhelming. The wide and flat trail from there continually leads us to the district headquarters of Mustang, Jomsom, along with the windy Kali Gandaki River valley.

Day 19: Jomsom to Pokhara

An early morning we will take a short picturesque flight to Pokhara. The view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki is stunning. Relax whole day in Hotel or wander around Lake Side with fascinating mountains panorama view and nature charming. Explore the various interesting places like Mahendra Cave, David’s fall and the various lakes of course.

Day 20: Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we leave the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping.

Day 21: Free day in Kathmandu for self shopping and other activities

Day 22: Transfer to Kathmandu International airport for departure

Cost Include

Airport pick up drop service on private vehicle
4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at twin sharing room on BB plan
Full day Guided Tour in Kathmandu with English speaking Tour guide
Land transportation on private vehicle (Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu)
2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara at twin shairng room on BB plan
Domestic flight: Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara
Completely lodges treks which includes Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and room during the whole trekking periods.
Special permit of Upper Mustang
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and TIM Card entrance fees
First aid and medical kits
English Speaking Trekking Guide, Assistant Guide and Porters
Accidental and medical Insurance of Nepalese staffs
All government taxes and official charges.

Cost Non-Includes

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Rescue/ emergence and insurance cost
Beverage and hard drinks and alcohol
Nepal entry visa fee and airport tax during the departure.
Personal equipments and personal expenses.
Tips (usually people can keep US $2/day in total for tips and donation which is good amount)
In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides etc the extra charge should be born by themselves.

Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

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