3,780m/14,402ft

MAX-ALTITUDE

Mustang, Nepal

LOCATION

GROUP-SIZE

Minimum 02-15 pax

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

Tiji Festival Trek Overview

Locally known as Tenchi (meaning Buddhist prayer for the wellbeing of the entire mankind), the fortunate celebration of Buddhist people initiated by Nagwang Kunga Sonam, a Shakya Trizin. A scholar was brought by King Samdup Rabten of Lo Manthang at the end of the 14 century to purge the demons. During purification, the monks resided in Chhode monastery for three days conducting Vajrakila practice. Vajrakila practice was introduced by guru Rinpoche in Nepal. Guru Rinpoche/Padmasambhava the famous tantric master of the 8th century. Since then monks of Chode monastery have performed this religious activity every year comprising mask dances and reciting of prayers. This ritual thereafter is known as the Tiji Festival. 

 

Normally Tiji festival falls throughout May following the Tibetan lunar calendar within the town of Lo Manthang. The three-day celebration is usually a struggle between good and evil which comprises chants and dances performed by monks in colorful costumes. 

 

As per historical archives, Tiji started in the 14th century. Actually, for the people who live in the Mustang region, the prayer is for the seven villages of Mustang as Tiji was conducted in order to wave the curse of Kyirong Songa. According to residents without Tiji, they feel like losing their culture and faith. Before the celebration, the monks collected several flours and various other commodities required for Tiji in order to prepare colorful Torma (ritual cake). 

 

The forthcoming Tiji Festival Tour 2025 falls from 24th May to 26th May 2025. 

 

  • 24 May 2025 Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang (1st day) 
  • 25 May 2025 Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang (2nd day) 
  • 26 May 2025 Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang (3rd day)

 

But here’s a secret: Come 2 days early. You’ll avoid the last-minute jeep traffic from Pokhara and catch monks rehearsing in the courtyards—their laughter and spilled butter tea making for better photos than any staged performance.

Pro Tip: In the morning of Day 3, it’s better to wake up before dawn. Why? Because the final ritual—where the monk embodying Dorje Jono “slays” the demon—happens as the first light hits the whitewashed walls of the palace. Pro tip from our guide: “Stand near the butter lamp stall. The elders bless attendees there after the ceremony.”

 

What Most Companies Won’t Tell You:

  • The “Real” Altitude Struggle: Yes, it’s 3,800m, but the dry air makes it feel higher. A farmer once told me, “Drink tongba (hot millet beer)”. It’s what the locals drink to stay warm but be warned – it does have a kick to it!
  • The Forbidden Selfie Moment: During the “Chasing the Demons” dance, phones are frowned upon. Wait until the tsampa (roasted barley) is thrown—that’s your cue to snap freely.

The Question Everyone Asks: “Is This Trek for Me?”

If you’re the type who wants cushy hotels and Wi-Fi, skip Tiji. But if you’ve ever:

  • Felt goosebumps hearing a folk song in a language you don’t understand…
  • Wondered what silence sounds like in a valley untouched by roads…
  • Wanted to clink chang (local ale) with a former Mustang royal…

…then yes, you’ll leave a piece of your heart here.

How to Outsmart the Crowds (Even in 2025)

Most groups rush from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang. Don’t. We add a night in Kagbeni—a medieval village where the apple brandy flows and the stars feel close enough to taste. It’s how we’ve gotten invites to family dinners in Mustang homes for 12 years running.


Itinerary

Day 01

Welcome to Nepal - Kathmandu

Our company representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

 

Overnight at a hotel on Bed & Breakfast Basis.

Day 02

Kathmandu Valley sightseeing & journey preparation (1,310 m).

We will begin our tour of the Kathmandu Valley today following breakfast, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Boudha stupa.

 

Overnight at the hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 03

Drive to Pokhara 6-7 hrs. 200 kilometers approx. (Elevation 825 meters)

Today, drive to Pokhara in the morning and check into the hotel. After refreshments at the hotel, we will go boating on Phewa Lake and see the TalBarahi temple in the center of the lake.

 

Overnight at the hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis. 

Day 04

Drive Pokhara to Tatopani 5-6 hrs. 95 kilometers approx. (Elevation 2600 meters)

After breakfast at Pokhara Hotel, we will start our trip west of Pokhara City to reach Beni. Up to Beni road is black top but beyond Beni, we will travel off-road. We will drive through Kali Gandaki River gorge which is the deepest valley in the world. We shall have a bath in the natural hot spring in Tatopani.

 

Overnight at the guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Day 5

Drive Tatopani to Kagbeni via Muktinath temple (Elevation Kagbeni- 2900 meters / Muktinath – 3800 meters).

After breakfast, we will drive through the lovely villages Kalopani, Ghasa, Marpha, and Jomsom and reach the Hindu Temple Muktinath. Jeeps are not allowed in Muktinath village thus we have to perform a short climb to reach the temple location. We will explore the gorgeous Muktinath temple, take a bath at the sacred 108 taps, and visit Jal Devi temple where you can observe the fire igniting itself with the use of natural gas. After viewing Muktinath temple we will go to Kagbeni for an overnight stay.

 

Overnight at the guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Day 06

Drive to Ghami village. (Elevation – 3520 meters)

Today after breakfast, we will tour Kagbeni monastery and the medieval villages of Kagbeni. Our guide will check your special permit at the office in Kagbeni. After finishing our permit formalities we will drive to Ghami village. On the journey, you will tour numerous lovely villages such as Chhusang, Samar, Chelle, Syangboche, Ghiling, etc.

 

Overnight at the guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Day 07

Drive (3 hours) to Lo-Manthang and enjoy the first day of the Tiji Festival.

Today, after breakfast we will go to Lo-Manthang. Explore Lo-Manthang village, Chode Gonpa, Jampa Gonpa and Thupchen Gonpa. Around 2 pm we shall enjoy the Tiji festival.

 

Overnight at Guesthouse on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis. 

Day 08

Explore Lo-Manthang & Chhoser Cave and enjoy the second day of the Tiji Festival.

Today, we will go to Chhosar cave and visit the Tibetan monastery and during the day we will spend the second day of the Tiji festival.

 

Overnight at Guesthouse on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis. 

Day 09

Explore Lo-Manthang and enjoy the concluding day of the Tiji Festival.

Today, after early morning breakfast we will visit Lo-Manthang and learn about the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the local people. During the day we shall enjoy the last day of the Tiji festival.

 

Overnight at Guesthouse on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis. 

Day 10

Early morning journey (7 hours) to Jomsom.

Today, after early breakfast we will drive to Chhusang eat lunch, and drive to Jomsom. We will visit picturesque Dhumba Lake which is adjacent to Jomsom.

 

Overnight at Guesthouse on Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis. 

Day 11

Drive to Pokhara for 6-7 hours.

Today, after breakfast we continue our drive to reach Pokhara city.

 

Overnight in a motel on a bed and breakfast-basis. 

Day 12

Fly to Kathmandu (25-minute scenic flight).

Today, after breakfast you will transfer to Pokhara airport and fly to Kathmandu. Once you check in Kathmandu take a brief nap at the hotel, in your free time you can conduct souvenir shopping for your family, friends, and relatives.

 

Overnight in a motel on a bed and breakfast-basis. 

Day 13

Transfer to the airport for final departure.

Today, our representative will greet you and transfer you to the airport for your home country or further journey. 

Got any question or Inquiries about the trip ?

In the morning after breakfast go for a walk and later return for lunch. After lunch the guest are free to rest.

Call our experts +977-9851031177

Inclusions

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
  • 3 Nights of twin-sharing hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • 2-night twin-sharing hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
  • Full-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour by private tourist car.
  • One expert English-speaking tour guide for Kathmandu sightseeing.
  • All basic meals (Breakfast, Lunch & supper) during the trip.
  • Kathmandu-upper Mustang - Pokhara 4wd jeep.
  • Pokhara - Kathmandu flight ticket.
  • Best available lodge/Guest House lodging during the tour.
  • License holder English-speaking guide for the entire tour.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, Equipment, Medicine & Insurance for all staff.
  • Necessary entrance permit costs & traveler TIMS card.
  • The company offers sleeping bags & duffel bags (to be returned after tour completion).
  • Upper Mustang restricted area permit cost.
  • Salary, Food, Accommodation and Insurance for the Guide and driver.
  • All government and municipal taxes.

Cost Excludes

  • International airfare and mandatory airport charges.
  • Nepal entry visa fees are currently USD 25 for 15 days, USD 40 for 30 days, and USD 100 for three months.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early mountain or late departure.
  • Temple and monastery entry fees when Sightseeing in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue & evacuation.
  • All personal & bar costs in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Tips for Guide & driver (tipping is expected).
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc) and any other expenses which are not specified above.

Availability

Book this trip with us from the following dates. For Custom Trips or general inquiries, Contact Us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Tiji Festival is a vibrant Buddhist ritual celebrated in Upper Mustang, Nepal. This festival is celebrated to symbolize the triumph of good over evil; the festival features masked dances, prayers, and music, preserving centuries-old traditions unique to the region.

The Tiji Festival is held annually in late spring, based on the Tibetan lunar calendar. In 2025, it will be celebrated for three days from 24th May to 26th May.

The festival spans three days, with daily rituals and masked dances performed by monks. Each day narrates a chapter of the victory over evil. At the end of the festival, blessings are offered to the community.

Upper Mustang is a restricted area requiring a special permit and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). A licensed guide is also mandatory. However, there is no separate permit for the Tiji Festival.

  • Yartung Festival (August/September): Horse races and cultural celebrations.
  • Losar (February/March): Tibetan New Year is marked with dances and feasts.
  • Diji Festival (October): A harvest festival with traditional songs and rituals.