Tiji is short for ‘Tempa Chirim, which translates to Prayer for World Peace. The event also goes by the name Tenchi. At its core, the festival celebrates the myth of a son who had to save the Mustang Kingdom from destruction. In fact, it’s the most popular festival in Upper Mustang. Each year, locals celebrate it for three days in the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar.
During Tiji, the monks and lamas of Lo Manthang’s monastery perform ritual dances and celebrations. They wear various kinds of masks and traditional costumes. Similarly, the indigenous people also wear traditional clothing and jewelry. Beyond the monastery walls, villagers race horses in Lo Manthang, quite a spectacle to see. Additionally, you can wander through the alleyways of the ancient city. The festival is an impressive reflection of the inspiring and vibrant Buddhist culture of the region.
Departing Kathmandu, you travel to Pokhara by bus. Once in this lakeside city, you can see all the mighty peaks of the Annapurna region. It’s the gateway to the world-famous treks in and around the Annapurna range and beyond. But a walk along the shores of Phewa Lake is very pleasant as well.
Next, you travel by plane to Jomsom. Upon landing in Jomsom, you trek to Kagbeni, the beginning and ending point of the Upper Mustang trek. In the first days, there is a lot of climbing in some villages. The area receives little rain, and the colorful landscapes are therefore particularly photogenic.
Eventually, you walk into the walled town of Lo Manthang. The king of the small kingdom of Mustang passed away in 2016. There are many temples, and the monks live scattered throughout the town. During the three-day Tiji festival, you will also have time to explore the surrounding area.
An exploration by foot or horse to the ancient caves near the capital will impress you. Also, a visit to the authentic Buddhist village of Tingkar and the Namgyal Gompa monastery will add more sparkle to the vibrant festival.
After the Tiji festival in Upper Mustang, you’ll hike back to Jomsom on a different hiking trail. Leaving Jomsom, you return to the green, lush valley of Pokhara and the calming Phewa Lake. It is possible to extend your stay here for more leisure and relaxation. For the final leg, you drive back by tourist bus to Kathmandu.
Note: Book your Tiji festival trek at least 3 months in advance to secure accommodations in Lo Manthang.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu and finalizing Upper Mustang permits
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 hrs.)
Day 4: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, and trek to Kagbeni (2800 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Chele (3050 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 6: Trek to Shyammochen (3500 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Ghemi (3510 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 8: Trek to Tsarang (3560 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 9: Trek to Lo Manthang (3700 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 10: Tiji Festival starting day
Day 11: Tiji Festival
Day 12: Tiji Festival final day
Day13: Trek to Dhakmar (3810 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 14: Trek to Shyammochen (3500 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 15: Trek to Chusang (2980 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 16: Trek to Jomsom (2720 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 17: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 18: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (6 hrs.)
Day 19: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 20: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size, and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
– 4 nights in a hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– 2 nights in a hotel room in Pokhara; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Return drive by tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara; return local flight Jomsom to Pokhara
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
– Free use of a waterproof bag for your luggage
– Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP fee, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
– All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the mountain guide and porters
