The Tiji Festival Trek combines the breathtaking landscapes of Upper Mustang with the vibrant and deeply spiritual celebration of the Tiji Festival. Held annually in Lo Manthang, this three-day Buddhist festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and features colorful rituals, traditional dances, and prayers.
The trek takes you through the arid, windswept landscapes of Upper Mustang, dotted with ancient monasteries, caves, and remote villages, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty.
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Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. After some rest, meet your guide for a briefing about the trek and the Tiji Festival. Spend the afternoon exploring Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites like Boudhanath Stupa or Pashupatinath Temple. Overnight at a hotel.
Take a scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside paradise. Spend the day enjoying views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, walking along Phewa Lake, or visiting attractions like Davis Falls and the World Peace Pagoda. Overnight at a lakeside hotel.
Early morning, take a short flight to Jomsom, a small town in the Kali Gandaki valley. Begin your trek with a 3-4 hour walk along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Explore Kagbeni’s ancient monastery and the narrow, winding alleys of this medieval village. Overnight at a lodge.
Begin the day with a steep climb out of Kagbeni, entering the restricted Upper Mustang region. The trail takes you through rugged terrain with stunning views of Nilgiri and Tilicho peaks. Pass traditional villages like Tangbe and Chhusang before reaching Chele. Overnight at a teahouse.
The trail ascends through dramatic canyons and ridges, offering breathtaking views of the barren Mustang landscape. Pass small settlements like Samar, where you can visit local monasteries. After about 6-7 hours of trekking, reach Syanboche. Overnight at a teahouse.
Today’s trail features long stretches of windswept desert-like terrain interspersed with vibrant green villages. Cross high passes like Yamda La (3,850m) and Nyi La (4,010m), enjoying panoramic mountain views. Ghemi, with its iconic red cliffs and prayer walls, awaits at the end of the day. Overnight at a teahouse.
A 5-6 hour trek takes you to Tsarang, passing through beautiful landscapes adorned with mani walls, chortens, and monasteries. Explore the ancient Tsarang Monastery and the surrounding village. Overnight at a teahouse.
A relatively short trek brings you to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the Kingdom of Mustang. Explore its labyrinthine alleys, visit ancient monasteries, and soak in the mystique of this remote Himalayan town. Overnight at a lodge.
Immerse yourself in the colorful and vibrant Tiji Festival. Over three days, monks perform traditional dances, reenacting the story of Dorje Jono, who battled a demon threatening the region. Witness elaborate rituals, vibrant costumes, and the devotion of the local people. Between festival events, explore nearby caves and monasteries, such as Namgyal Monastery and Jhong Cave. Overnight at a lodge in Lo Manthang.
Begin your return journey with a trek to Dhakmar, passing through the stunning red cliffs and caves for which the area is famous. Overnight at a teahouse.
Descend further to Ghiling, retracing your steps through familiar terrain. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and interact with locals in this traditional village. Overnight at a teahouse.
Continue your descent to Chhusang, enjoying one last day of trekking through the magical landscapes of Upper Mustang. Overnight at a lodge.
The final day of trekking takes you back to Jomsom, where you can celebrate the completion of your trek with a hearty meal and some rest. Overnight at a lodge.
Take an early morning flight to Pokhara and then drive or fly back to Kathmandu. Spend the evening relaxing or shopping for souvenirs. Overnight at a hotel.
