Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

Today, you will land at Tribhuvan International Airport. After you arrival, one of our staff member will receive you and transfer you to your respective hotel. Later, you can explore around the city on your own. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Travelers will require a special restricted permit to enter Mustang region. You will procure the necessary documents and, if time permits, you can also participate in a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley. With the company of a local guide, you can explore the sites enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Enjoy traditional Nepali dishes or observe cultural dances as you conclude an eventful day. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Starting your drive from Kathmandu, you continue your journey along with a stunning view of green hills and small settlements. Once at Muglin, you stop for a quick lunch. Along the way, Trishuli River will keep you company. Crossing small town of Dumre, you finally reach Pokhara from where you get a distant view of Annapurna ranges. The city also offers grand view of the Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) and offers plenty of sites to explore. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Today, you take a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. The scenic flight offers scenic views of the green hills and snow-capped mountains. Once at Jomsom, our real trek begins as we continue our walk along the Kali Gandaki River to reach a flat valley. Along the way, you can relish majestic views of Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. Crossing several small hamlets and rugged paths, you reach Kagbeni. Overnight stay in Kagbeni.

Alongside the bank of Kali Gandaki River, you officially enter Upper Mustang and trek along the barren landscapes. After a steep climb to the top of the ridge, you reach Tangbe. From here, you march towards the settlement of Chhuksang leaving Kali Gandaki Valley behind. Enjoying the Tibetan traditions along small settlements on the trek, you reach the settlement of Chele. Overnight stay in Chele.

From Chele, you continue your trek towards Shyangbochen. The trail inclines as you cross the Taklam La Pass (3624m) and Dajori La Pass (3735m). Upon reaching Samar village, you stop for a quick photographs along with a stunning view of Annapurna range at the background. Finally, crossing Chungsi Cave, you ascend towards the settlement of Shyangbochen. Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Shyangbochen.

On the 7th day, you march towards Dhakmar. In the early first hour, you cross the Yamta and Tama rivers to reach Geling. From here, you take a steep ascent to the top of the ridge which takes you to Nyi La Pass at 4010m. Once at the top, you get a breathtaking view of Himalayas and surroundings. Following a narrow stony paths, you now march towards the beautiful settlement of Dhakmar. Overnight stay in Dhakmar.

Leaving Dhakmar behind, you continue your journey walking past the several Tibetan villages. Along the way, Chortens and Mani walls will offer interesting detours and explorations. A quick descent takes you to Ghar Gompa which is the oldest mastery in the entire Upper Mustang region. The monastery is believed to have scriptures and artifacts belonging to the times of the Padmasanbhava. From Ghar Gompa, you trek further north, you reach Lo Manthang. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.

The first day of Tiji festival starts with lots of celebration and excitement. An ancient dance called “Tsa Chham” is performed on the first day. Horse racing, a giant tug of war along with sacred chanting of Lamas, and masked dances are the major attractions on the first day of the festival. This ancient dance represents the evil doings of the demons that thrived in the absence of good. You also witness Tibetan women in their clothes, beautiful Thangka decorations, and monks in their robes. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang

On the second day, “Nga Chham” is performed which means the birth of Dorje Jono, a mythical hero who defeated the demons. A traditional dance of Tibetan Lamas is performed. It is believed that such dance will chase the evil spirits away from the world. The rituals begin from the ancient royal palace and head on o the public sphere where all the onlookers can witness the event. The dancers slash swords and represent the battle between good and evil. After the ceremony for the day ends, you can explore around the Lo Manthang and witness the lifestyle of the residents. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.

Today is the last day of Tiji Festival. On the final day, the ceremonial destruction of evil is done by setting out demons in old tiger skin and attacking them with bow and arrow. It is believed that after the completion of this ceremony, the demons will return back to Buddha’s realm. This concludes the festival and the rituals practiced on the span of three days are said to spread peace and happiness around the world. You can also visit the Namgyal Gompa, a religious symbol of Lo Manthang. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.

Leaving Lo Manthang behind, you start your trek towards Ghami. Following the barren landscapes, you ascend through the trading route. After a steep climb to the top of the ridge, you reach Chogo La Pass at 4280m. From here, crossing small streams, waterfalls and arid landscapes, you reach plain valley near Ghar Gompa which finally leads the way towards the settlement of Ghami. Overnight stay in Ghami.

Early in the morning, you start your trek with a gentle climb to the top of the ridge and finally reach Nyi La at 4010m. Along the way, you walk past several Tibetan villages and farmlands enjoying glorious views of snow-capped mountains and barren hills. After a short break at Shyangbochen, you make a quick descent towards the beautiful village of Samar. Overnight stay in Samar.

From Samar, you first descend to the village of Chele. Alongside the bank of Kali Gandaki River, you trek through the dry landscapes before reaching Chhusang. As the Tibetan monasteries wave goodbye, you head to Tangbe. This Gurung Village welcomes you with a peculiar display of black, white, and red chortens. Finally, crossing the settlement of Tirigaon, you reach Kagbeni. Overnight stay in Kagbeni.

Soon after breakfast, you immediately start your trek towards Jomsom. Today you mostly trek through dry landscapes. The trail gives you the pleasure of experiencing the greenery and sublime mountain views of this region. Once you reach Ekle Bhatti, you slowly descend along the rusty and zigzag paths. Finally, a beautiful settlement of Jomsom welcomes you with open arms. The windy town is also famous for offering apple products and apple-derived alcohol ‘Marpha’ to its visitors. Overnight stay in Jomsom.

From Jomsom, you take a short flight to Pokhara. It is a scenic flight above the snow-capped mountains and green hills. Once at Pokhara, you can spend the day visiting Mahendra Cave, Davis Falls, and lake side. In the evening, you can also enjoy a sublime view of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Annapurna I (8091m) as you boat on the Phewa Lake. Night life is another main attraction of Pokhara. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Leaving beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, you take a drive back to Kathmandu. Passing through the small town of Dumre and Muglin, the drive will take you through the green hills and valleys along with Trishuli River. Once at Naubise, you stop for a quick lunch. From here, you head to Thankot which finally leads the way into Kathmandu. Once at the capital, you can roam around Thamel area and buy souvenirs. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Today is your final day. We’ll drop you off two hours prior to your scheduled flight. You can even share your experience with us on the way to airport. Goodbye!