Mustang Tiji Festival - 18 Days

Mustang Tiji Festival
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Mustang Tiji FestivalMustang Tiji Festival Mustang Tiji Festival Mustang Tiji Festival
  • Duration:18 Days
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude: 3810
  • Starts at: Kathmandu
  • Ends at: Kathmandu
  • Best Time: March-May & September-November
Highlights
  • Mini Tibet in Nepal
  • History of Nepal
  • Witness the majestic panorama of Annapurna I (8091m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) on the trek
  • Enjoy trekking in one of the restricted areas of northern Nepal
  • Observe the grand festival of Tiji with the locals
  • Explore the historic land of Lo Manthang and its numerous attractions

Mustang Tiji Festival celebrates the grand festival for locals and tourists who love and respect the culture. mustang is known as Mini Tibet in Nepal. Endemic to the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, the 3-days long masked-dance festival marks the victory of good over evil. It is held inside Lo-Manthang every year during mid-May and is marked by traditional dances, masked ceremonies, hymns, and numerous cultural performances.

 Mustang Trek takes the trails along with the barren lands of the Upper Mustang. While offering views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tibetan Himalayas on the horizon. Mustang is known as Behind the Mountains. This is the fact every year thousands of Tourists visit the Mustang.

The Upper Mustang Trek commences upon your arrival in Kathmandu Nepal. While we are busy obtaining the restricted area permit on your behalf. You’ll embark on a scenic  Kathmandu Day Tour. Now, our journey starts to drive to Pokhara and catch a short flight to Jomsom.

Your trek at Jomsom and gradually advance into the Kali Gandaki Valley. You walk through the scenic Tibetan-styled villages of Chele, Ghami, and Charang and arrive at Lo Manthang. The festival of Tiji is held inside Lo Manthang in mid-May. You will spend 3 days at Lo Manthang to observe the Tiji festival.

This festival reflects the legend of a mythical hero called Dorje Jono. Who freed the world from the chaos of evil. Dances performed on each of the last three days of this festival revolve around the glorious feats of Dorje Jono. As well, the rituals also pray for world peace and harmony. Explore other esteemed destinations in Lo-Manthang as well. Afterward, you’ll retrace your path and turn back to Jomsom.

You should try the local brandy ‘Marpha,’ made from fresh local apples. Mustang Trek is accessible throughout the year. To observe the Tiji festival you must consider trekking during April and May. Which is the best time for exploring the Tiji Festival?

Tiji Festival navigates around the arid lands of Upper Mustang. For such an adventure, you need expert guidance and assistance. As such, we, at Ace Vision Treks & Tours, make sure that your trip to Upper Mustang is worth your while.

A Local reliable Tour Trekking Company offers various transportation, guides, and accommodation, to suit your travel needs. Let us know about your time and customize your trip to Nepal. We plan a faithful and memorable trip to Nepal. We are experienced in the Mustang region trekking in Nepal.

Itinerary

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will warmly receive you at the airport and bring you to your hotel. You’ll meet the trek guide and discuss the trip in detail. Afterward, you can choose to relax or go out to take a stroll in the nearby market.

  • Max. Altitude:1, 300m.
  • Accommodation:Hotel

While we are busy obtaining the restricted area permit for you, you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the historical Kathmandu city. Accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you’ll embark on a tour of some of the pristine UNESCO World Heritage Sites namely Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, and Boudhanath. You can also choose to rest or prepare for the trek on this day.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

You’ll start early today. After an early breakfast, you will embark on a scenic road journey west of Kathmandu to the touristic city of Pokhara. The 200km journey may take 6hr to complete and goes through the Prithvi Highway along the massive Trishuli River. Once at Pokhara, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:820m.
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

After early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a short trans-Himalayan flight to Jomsom (2, 720m.). The flight will take you over the pristine Annapurna Himalayas and to the other side of Jomsom. Do not forget to grab a window seat so you can enjoy this beautiful scenery. Jomsom, also known as the ‘windy city of Nepal’, serves as the headquarters of the Mustang district. From here, you’ll gradually trek through the Kali Gandaki valley to reach Kagbeni.

  • Max. Altitude:2, 810m.
  • Time:3-4 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Kagbeni is the official gateway to Upper Mustang which is evident from the location of the village. Leaving Kagbeni, the trek gradually advances along the steep cliffs onto the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki valley. You’ll find numerous tiny villages en route comprising of lush fields of wheat, barley, and buckwheat. You will cross Tangbe and Chhusang villages before arriving at Chele.

  • Max. Altitude:3,050m.
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Cave You’ll encounter multiple detours while crossing the Kali Gandaki Valley. You’ll pass along the large, colorful rock canyons that are home to man-made ‘sky caves’ built centuries ago and are believed to have been built as burial sites and war shelters. You’ll also pass along the Rachung Cave en route which is one of the highlights of the trek. Along the way, you can enjoy the majestic panorama of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Tilicho ranges before arriving at Shyangbochen.

  • Max. Altitude:3,800m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Leaving Shyangbochen, you’ll trek to Dhakmar village. The trail en route is really windy, hence, you’ll take numerous stops to avoid the high winds during the noon. You will pass the Nyi La Pass (4010m) to descend and reach Ghami. Thereon, the trail goes past numerous monasteries as you head north. After a few minor detours, you’ll arrive at Dhakmar.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 820m.
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Leaving Dhakmar, the trail advances to Lo Manthang. To add fun to the trek, you’ll take another route and make a stop at Ghar Gompa. Ghar Gumba or Lo Gekar Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world. It was built around the 7th century by the incarnated Saint Padmasanbhava before leaving for Tibet. From Ghar Gumba, you’ll make your way toward Lo Manthang. Lo was the capital of the Mustang kingdom before the entire region was annexed by Nepal in the 18th Century.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 810m.
  • Time:4-5 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The celebration of Tiji begins in the early afternoon. The crowds are invited with the loud blurts of the Tibetan horns, Dhungchen. An enormous Thangka (painting) depicting the imagery of Padmasanbhava or Guru Rinpoche is hung on the southern wall of the square. The dance commences only in the evening when all the local authority takes their place. The masked dance depicts the age-old myth based on the life of Dorje Jono, a supreme force who repealed all the demons from Earth.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The second day of the festival is known to be more vibrant. Female performers come out in their traditional attire and jewelry. The dance continues the tale of ancient myths and the battle between the mighty force and the demons. The dancers in disguise as animals accompany the dancers. While dancing, the dancers perform various rituals to pray for the beginning of the monsoon.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The third day also marks the end of the Tiji festival. It generally ends with ceremonial music and the portrayal of the demise of the demon in dramatic dance form. More music, dance, and shooting guns accompany the last day of the festival. The rituals on the final day also include setting an old Tiger skin on fire before dispersing the remains. As the Tiji festival ends, you can visit the nearby Namgyal Gompa and Thinggar.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The trail ascends steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo Manthang. A lengthy rocky descent will follow until you reach Lo Gekar. From here, you’ll cross the Mui La Pass (4170m). Reaching Dhakmar, the trail leaves this Buddhist village through a series of monasteries. The trail descends and then climbs a ridge to reach Ghami.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 520m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Leaving Ghami, you’ll make your way toward Samar. An early morning trek will pass along the canyon and stone walls. Crossing the Ghami La Pass (3765m), the trek continues along the barren trails to reach Jhaite. Passing Tamagaon and Shyangbochen, the trail leads you to Bhena. You’ll pass through a few small settlements before arriving at Samar village.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 660m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Leaving Samar, you’ll re-enter the Kali Gandaki valley and head to Kagbeni village. It may take longer than usual to arrive at Kagbeni as you push your way through the rugged trail. You will encounter high sand hills and cliffs en route to Kagbeni. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River on the final moments of the trek.

  • Max. Altitude:2, 810m.
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, you’ll leave Kagbeni and trek to Jomsom. The trek concedes at Jomsom and goes along the Kali Gandaki River. The last part of the trek offers the beautiful sights of Annapurna I (8091m), Nilgiri (7061m), and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). Once at Jomsom, you can explore the city and enjoy the local apple alcohol called ‘Marpha’.

  • Max. Altitude:2, 720m.
  • Time:3-4 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, you’ll catch your flight back to Pokhara. En route, you will get to see some extraordinary sights of the Annapurna, Lamjung, and Nilgiri Himalayan ranges, along with Mt. Machhapuchhre (6993m). To enjoy the success of the trek, you can choose to take a short tour of the city and indulge in fun activities including boating and cycling. Phewa Lake and Lakeside offer lively nights to participate in.

  • Max. Altitude:820m.
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast

Today, you’ll bid farewell to Pokhara and make your way back to Kathmandu. You’ll embark on a tourist bus and drive along the Trishuli River to arrive at Kathmandu. The ride may last anywhere from 6-7 hours. In Kathmandu, you head back to your hotel and rest. As this day is your final one in Nepal, you can head to the local streets and shop for gifts and souvenirs.

  • Max. Altitude:1,300m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

After concluding one of the most esteemed treks in Nepal, you will prepare to leave Nepal and head to your destination. A company representative will accompany you to the airport and help you with any remaining formalities.

    Cost Details
    What is Included
    • Airport Pick up and Drop
    • 3 Night Deluxe Accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan
    • 2-night Accommodation in Pokhara with B.B. plan
    • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by Tourist Bus (let us know about Private vehicles and Flights)
    • Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara Flights
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trekking
    • Lodge or Tea House accommodation during the trek
    • Upper Mustang Restrict area permits
    • Annapurna Conservation Area entry permits
    • An experienced English-speaking trekking guide
    • Porters to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
    • Staff food, accommodation, salary & insurance
    • All governmental procedure
    What is not Included
    • Your Nepal visa.
    • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, Water, laundry, Wifi
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
    • Personal trekking Equipment
    • Tips for trekking crews
    • Entrance fees for Visit Monastery in Upper Mustang
    • You will require 2 passport size photos
    • Any other expenses which are not mentioned on the price include sections
    Price Per PersonUS$1855US$1955
    Total PriceUS$3710
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