- Airport pick up and drive according to itinerary and plan.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara according to program and demand.
- 1 day sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- 1 day sightseeing in Pokhara.
- Upper Mustang Trekking permits.
- TIMS Cards: Trekking Information Management System.
- Food and accommodation during the Trekking as per contract.
- Hot drinks: Tea, Coffee, etc. during the trek.
- Tourist bus from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
- Local Bus from Muktinath to Pokhara.
- Insurance for local staffs: Guide-Porters.
- Entry fee of Annapurna Conservation Area Trekking.
- Applicable Nepal government tax.
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Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 14 days
AnnapurnaTrip Grade
ModerateTrip Type
TrekkingMaximum Elevation
4230 MAccomodation
TeahouseDestination
AnnapurnaBest Time
Tiji Festival DatelineTrip Start
KathmanduTrip Ends
KathmanduOverview
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek – 14 Days
The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek – 14 Days is a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan journey that takes you deep into the remote and mystical region of Upper Mustang, one of Nepal’s most restricted and culturally preserved trekking destinations. The highlight of this trek is the rare and spiritually significant Tiji Festival, a colourful three-day Buddhist celebration held annually in the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, the former royal capital of the Kingdom of Lo.
Steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Tiji Festival is a vibrant display of centuries-old rituals, sacred masked dances, and symbolic spiritual ceremonies. Each year, monks from the revered Chhoede Monastery perform ritual dances in elaborate costumes, re-enacting the mythological story of Dorje Jono, a deity who defeats evil to restore balance and peace in the region. The celebration draws hundreds of locals, pilgrims, and global travellers seeking a profound connection with Himalayan spirituality.
Experience the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang
During this cultural trek, you’ll time your arrival in Lo Manthang to coincide with the Tiji Festival—short for “Tenchi,” meaning “the hope of Buddhism prevailing.” The three-day festival includes sacred dance performances, fire rituals, symbolic banishment of evil spirits, and large communal gatherings in the city square, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayan desert.
Each day of the festival offers unique insight into Mustang’s spiritual life:
Day 1: Gathering of monks, locals, and travellers for opening prayers and blessings.
Day 2: Masked ritual dances symbolizing the struggle between good and evil.
Day 3: The climactic expulsion of evil spirits, believed to bring peace, harmony, and good harvest.
Explore the Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang
The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek – 14 Days is not only about cultural experience, but also an adventure through breath-taking Himalayan landscapes. The trail follows the ancient Salt Trade Route along the Kali Gandaki River, crossing high-altitude deserts, barren cliffs, colourful rock formations, and medieval Tibetan villages. Each stop along the way offers encounters with ancient monasteries, Buddhist stupas, prayer flags, and a lifestyle untouched by time.
Key highlights of the trek include
- Visiting ancient cave monasteries and gompas perched on cliffs
- Walking through timeless villages like Tsarang, Ghami, Samar, and Dhakmar
- Exploring Lo Manthang’s royal palace, centuries-old chortens, and mural-filled temples
- Be explorer yourself in one of the last surviving Tibetan Buddhist cultures in Nepal
Restricted Area Permits and Local Guide Requirement
Because Upper Mustang is a restricted trekking region, special permits are required, and independent trekking is prohibited. You’ll need:
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (only issued through authorized trekking agencies)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Generally, government rules require that all trekkers be accompanied by a licensed Nepali trekking guide, ensuring both safety and preservation of the cultural environment. Most agencies also require a minimum of two trekkers to process permits.
Optional Horse Riding Around Lo Manthang
If you’re looking for a more relaxed or traditional way to explore Mustang, horse riding is available in and around Lo Manthang, especially during the festival. Riding horses like the locals allows you to experience the dry valleys, canyons, and high-altitude trails without long walking hours.
Tiji Festival Dates – Plan Your Trek in Advance
The Tiji Festival is based on the Tibetan lunar calendar, so dates change every year. Confirm the festival schedule before booking:
In 2025, the Tiji Festival was celebrated from May 24 to May 26.
In 2026, it is scheduled for May 13 to May 15.
We recommend booking your trek at least 3 to 5 months in advance to secure permits, lodges, and transportation.
Why Join the Tiji Festival Trek with Us?
Authentic cultural experience in a restricted Himalayan region
Exclusive access to the Tiji Festival with local insight
Breath-taking Himalayan desert landscapes and Tibetan architecture
Comfortable itinerary, acclimatization, and experienced guides
Small group departures with a focus on safety, comfort, and cultural respect
Whether you’re a photographer, spiritual seeker, or cultural explorer, the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek offers something unique—a deep dive into Himalayan tradition, faith, and untouched beauty.
📩 Book Your Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek – 14 Days Today!
Don’t miss this rare chance to witness one of the Himalayas’ most powerful festivals in one of the most secluded regions of Nepal. Join Glacier Family Treks & Expedition for a fully organized and guided trek into the heart of Mustang, timed perfectly to attend the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang.
👉 Reserve now and become part of a spiritual Himalayan journey unlike any other.
Itinerary
We will meet you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. You will attend the team meeting and pre-trip discussion about the walk after getting some rest. Where the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival trip will begin, and where you will meet your trip leader or guide. Himalayan Connection will host a welcome meal including delectable Nepali food and a cultural performance in the evening.
Planning Your Trip and Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley Camp: Kathmandu’s Thamel Height: 1,400 m. Explore world heritage sites like as the Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath stupa, Durbar squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, as well as the Newari culture. But, it depends on your demanded program.
O/N in Hotel in Kathmandu.
7-8 hours Pokhara (810m) driving from Kathmandu by Tourist bus. 25 minutes by airplane and 6–7 hours by car. The main draws include breathtaking views of the mountains, lovely lakes, paragliding, temples, pagodas, caves, and a lot more. Ready yourself for the once-forbidden trip through the Upper Mustang Kingdom.
Check in hotel at LAKE side.
Travel from Pokhara to Kagbeni (2,810m) by air to Jomsom from Pokhara or by Land from Pokhara to Kagbeni. Depends on your demanded program.
Magnificent views of the mountains, the world’s deepest gorge, wind valley Jomsom, breathtaking flights between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, an apple farm in the picturesque Kali Gandaki valley, charming Kagbeni town, and more.
After breakfast, 6- 7 HRS walk to Chhusang (3050 m) from Kagbeni. Tea house accommodations- The winding valley walk, the high Himalayan desert, the cliffs’ many colors.
O/N in local tea house.
Crossing a suspension bridge, walking along the River Kaligandaki through the Gyakar Village and Lunch at Samar Village then walk farther to Shenbochen via Chungsi Cave.
O/N at Shenbochen, Lodge.
SYANBOCHEN TO GHAMI (3,520M) will take about 5-6 hours of walking. Ghami’s old hamlet, its inhabitants, their culture, traditions, and way of life, mud and wooden dwellings, and much more… One of the most stunning locations on the Upper Mustang Trek.
GHAMI TO TSARANG (3560 m). Today, from Ghami to Tsarang will be 5-6 hours. Will be seen Nepal’s longest mani wall, red cliff, historic Tsarang village, culture and tradition, old royal palace and fortress, hundreds of years old red Gomba, and more.
The Opening day of Tji Festival. Be sure that we will start our morning earlier than normal days to get earlier to Lo-Manthang as the first day of Tiji Festival Ceremony which is important to see. But, generally, it will start a bit later about at 13:00 o’clock. So, we will start our trek at 06:00 o’clock.
When we get to Lo Manthang Village, check shortly in the lodge, light lunch and participate in the on-going ceremony of Tiji Festival in the city.
O/N in lodge.
The second day of Tiji Festival, a traditional dance will be performed by the monks. And, the main propose of performing dance by Lamas (monks), is to chase out the negative spirits of the whole region of Mustang. Local tradition dresses, longer horn, terrifying masks, Tormas and Yak-Butter cakes will be prepared as the offerings.
O/N in same lodge at Lo Manthang.
Today is the closing ceremony day of Tiji Festival of Lo Manthang. Everyone will walk to Namgyal Gumba which is situated on the top of the hill in Lo Manthang. They the rituals at this monastery and get back to Lo Manthang so, the belief is evil spirit of Demons, is not completely destroyed.
O/N in same lodge at Lo Manthang.
After having full experience of Tiji Festival, back to Yara Village (3580m) from Lo-Manthang. We will walk about 7-8 hours.
Today, we’ll do Dhi Pass (4100 m) and Dhi Village as well.
O/N at Yara Village.
From Yara to Tyange Village (3340 m) will take today about 6-7 hours. We follow the Dhechang River to cross. This River flows from the one of Holy Lake – called Damodar Kunda. The muddy pillar over the hundreds years make us just wow…
O/N at Tyange Village.
One of the longest and hardest day of entire trekking about 9-10 hours of total walking. We will have pack-food for the day and full of drinking water. Nowhere can be taken hot food and drinking water on the route.
O/N at Tetang or Chuksang.
After breakfast, trek t0 Muktinath through Tetang village and by crossing Gui-la (4021m). After getting 8 to 9 hours of walking, we get to Muktinath (3760 m).
To avoid the airplane from Jomsom-Pokhara, we will take a local bus directly from Muktinath to Pokhara. It will take full day about 10-12 hours.
Check in hotel at Lake Side, Pokhara.
Sightseeing in Pokhara: Cave, Stupa, Mountaineering Museum and Tibetan Camp.
In the afternoon, chill-out at Fewa Lake Side.
O/N in hotel Pokhara.
Drive to Kathmandu by Tourist bus, about 7-8 hours of local driving.
Check in hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is your last moment free day in Kathmandu. It will be for your shopping day for your friends and family.
Final dinner with us!
O/N in hotel.
Drive to International Airport for your final departure from Nepal.
What's Include in Cost
What's Excluded in Cost
- Nepal entry visa.
- International flights and airport tax.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, Hot or Mineral water
- Laundry service and Bar Bills
- Internet and Battery charge
- Alcoholic drinks with mineral water.
- Rescue in emergency.
Fixed Departure
Equipment
🧳 Personal Equipment List for Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
👕 Clothing
Warm down jacket (windproof & lightweight)
- Thermal inner layers (tops and bottoms)
- Fleece or wool sweater
- Light trekking shirts (long & short sleeve)
- Trekking pants (convertible is useful)
- Waterproof shell jacket and pants
- Comfortable hiking socks (multiple pairs)
- Warm hat and sun hat or cap
- Gloves (inner liner and insulated outer)
- Buff or scarf (for wind and dust protection)
- Sleepwear (thermal or fleece)
- Lightweight sneakers/sandals for camp
- Undergarments
💊 Medicine & First Aid
- Personal prescribed medications
- Diamox (for altitude sickness – consult doctor)
- Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or paracetamol)
- Antiseptic cream and band-aids
- Anti-diarrhea tablets
- Rehydration salts
- Blister care (moleskin or Compeed)
- Lip balm and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Mosquito repellent (for lower altitude areas)
🥾 Trekking Equipment
- Trekking poles (adjustable)
- Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or lower)
- Backpack (30–40L for day use)
- Duffel bag (for main gear, carried by porter)
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3 litres)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank or solar charger
- Camera (optional but useful for festival moments)
- Lightweight towel
🧼 Toiletries & Personal Hygiene
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Quick-dry towel
- Soap or body wash (biodegradable)
- Wet wipes or baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissue paper and toilet paper
- Small mirror, nail clippers, tweezers
- Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
- Sunscreen and moisturizer (for dry weather)
Advisory
Advisory for Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
Trekking Permit: You must get a special permit for Upper Mustang. A minimum of two trekkers is required, and permits are issued only through a registered Nepali trekking agency.
Trekking Guide: Hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for this trek. Independent trekking is not allowed.
Festival Dates: The Tiji Festival 2026 will be held from May 13 to May 15 in Lo Manthang. Plan your trek accordingly to arrive before the festival begins.
Physical Fitness: Moderate fitness is needed. The trail is not too steep, but the altitude can be challenging (up to 3,800 meters).
Pack Wisely: Carry warm clothing, sun protection, personal medicines, and basic toiletries. Weather can be dry, dusty, and cold—especially at night.
Respect Local Culture: The festival is a sacred event. Dress modestly, ask before taking photos, and follow your guide’s instructions during ceremonies.
Altitude Awareness: Take time to acclimatize properly. Stay hydrated and alert for symptoms of altitude sickness.
Connectivity: Mobile and internet service may be limited. Inform family or friends in advance.
Tipping to Guides and Porters – Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
Tipping in Nepal is not mandatory, but it is a well-accepted and appreciated gesture to show respect and gratitude for the hard work of your guide and porter, especially on long treks like the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek.
Trekking Guide: USD 5 to 10 per day
Porter: USD 3 to 7 per day
For a 12–15 day trek, a total tip of USD 250–300 for the guide and USD 150–200 for the porter is considered fair, depending on your satisfaction and their service quality.
Tipping Tips:
Give tips at the end of the trek, usually during a group farewell or small ceremony.
If trekking in a group, you can collect and tip together.
Use clean cash (preferably in Nepali Rupees or USD).
A kind word or thank-you note along with the tip is always meaningful.
Note: These team members carry your gear, guide you safely, and help you understand the local culture. A thoughtful tip helps support their families and motivates their future service.
Inportant Things Required
✅ Important Things for Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
🛂 Permits
- Upper Mustang Trekking Permits- as this Area is controlled by the centra government of Nepal – Required for all foreign trekkers.
- ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) – Mandatory.
- Must be obtained through a registered Nepali trekking agency.
- Minimum 2 trekkers are required for the special permit.
🧭 Licensed Guide
- A licensed trekking guide is compulsory for Upper Mustang.
- Independent trekking is not allowed in this region.
📅 Festival Dates
The Tiji Festival’s date is changed each year. It’s decided according to Tibetan calendar every year. If you know well the date of festival days, better to book your trip earlier and your trekking company can manages your accommodation onetime.
🧳 Proper Packing
- Carry warm clothing, especially for mornings and nights.
- Pack layered clothes, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, and good trekking shoes.
- Bring personal medications, water purification tablets, and toiletries.
- A sleeping bag (rated to -10°C) is recommended.
🏔 Altitude Awareness
- Highest altitude is around 3,800 meters.
- Acclimatization is important – walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and watch for altitude sickness symptoms.
📶 Limited Connectivity
- Mobile signal and internet may be weak or unavailable in many places.
- Inform family in advance and enjoy being offline.
🙏 Respect Local Culture
- Dress modestly, especially during the Tiji Festival.
- Ask permission before taking photos of people or religious events.
- Follow your guide’s advice when attending monastery ceremonies.
🐎 Optional Horse Riding
- Horse riding is possible around Lo Manthang and can be arranged for those who prefer less walking.
💰 Cash, Documents and Tipping
- Bring enough Nepali Rupees for personal expenses and tipping.
- Keep your real passport with you or, keep always a copy of your travel documents.
- Bank-Cards works in many manor cities in Nepal. S0, it works.
- Tipping guides and porters is customary (see previous note).
FAQ
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
Review
-
We have known Dilu for a long time... - We have known Dilu for a long time!
For a simple reason : he is able to build before your departure your entire trek "à la carte" and then... read more
Paulo R
June 13, 2023 Excellent Annapurna Circuit Hike with Dilu Rai - My friend and I completed the Annapurna Circuit trek in April 2025, and it ranks among the most memorable adventures of our lives. Much of our success and enjoyment stems... read more Nick E
June 21, 2025 Excellent experience - Everything was set up well. Guides and Porter were so much familiar, used to talking care of each of us, asking us about individual problems of my health in the... read more davelogan22
July 10, 2023
Permit only u$525.00
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