Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

Mustang, which is mostly populated by Tibetans, is one of the most interesting parts of Nepal bordering Tibet. Due to its sensitivity, the entire area of Mustang has been classified into Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang has been classified as a restricted area for tourists, i.e., they require special permission to travel to the Upper Mustang area.

The entire region is rich in natural resources and splendor. Apart from them, the main attractions of Mustang are the Himalayas, the source of the Kaligandaki River, which is renowned for ammonite and fossils and is a holy river to Buddhists as well as Hindus, and various monasteries, caves, orchid gardens, waterfalls, etc.

Upper Mustang or the final forbidden kingdom of Nepal is a Himalayan dry land and ancient trade route to Tibet. The stunning sight of massif Himalayas like Annapurna (8,091m/26,545ft), Nilgiri (7,061m/23,166ft), Dhaulagiri (8,091m/26,545ft), etc makes Mustang one of the more appealing destinations for the tourists with magical wonder at every step you take.

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.