Tiji festival 2025/ 2026- Upper Mustang

We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu during our sightseeing activities.Tomorrow we need to wake up early. Therefore, the sightseeing tour will be limited to Swyambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These places are renowned for their Buddhist heritage, architectural marvels, Hindu influences, and exquisite Nepalese craftsmanship. In the evening you can relax and stroll around Thamel. Overnight at Hotel

We begin our day by driving to the Kathmandu domestic airport and boarding a flight to Pokhara. The flight duration is approximately 20 minutes. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to our hotel. After checking in, we will enjoy a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the Pokhara International Mountain Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the history, culture, and environment of the Himalayan region. Following our museum visit, we will head to the Lakeside area of Pokhara, where we will have the opportunity to explore the serene Phewa Lake. In the evening, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants in the Lakeside area.

our flight will depart early morning from Pokhara to Jomsom. The drive to Pokhara airport will take an average of 20 minutes. When we land at Jomsom airport, our crew will be there. After finishing the arrangements, we will head to Kagbeni, which will take around 4 hours. At the end of the Jomsom area, there is an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) check post. After entering the ACAP, we will follow the Kali Gandaki River towards Kagbeni. During the journey, we can have lunch at Akle Bhatti. Once we arrive in Kagbeni, and are settled in the hotel, if you are still interested in side visits, you can explore the local Gumba (monastery) and the river bank. In the evening, we will have a hot dinner, and your guide will provide information about the plan for the next day's overnight stay at a teahouse.

Today, we are entering a restricted area. Only those with the required permit will be allowed to proceed past the checkpoint. Your guide will have your permit, which they will need to check before you can start the walk. Once we start walking, our first stop will be Tanbe village. Along the way, you'll be able to see colorful chortens (Buddhist monuments) that are symbolic of Upper Mustang. Before reaching the village, we'll pass by a large apple orchard, and the village itself has farmlands where crops like buckwheat, barley, potatoes, and green vegetables are grown. we’ll continue following the left side of the Kali Gandaki River. After approximately one hour of walking, we'll reach Chhuksang, which will be our lunch stop. After lunch, we'll cross the Narshing River and then the Kali Gandaki River. As soon as we cross the river, we'll begin climbing up to the village of Chele. Chele has an elevation of 3,055 meters and is a small village with several tea houses. We'll spend the night in a guest house, where we can enjoy the local people and the beautiful surrounding landscape.

After breakfast, we'll start walking towards Shyangmochen. The beginning of the trek will involve a gradual climb. When we reach Chele-la, we'll be able to see the village of Samar. If you want to visit the Chungsi cave, it's better to have an early lunch, as the route goes down to the river side and then back up again to the Chungsi-la. Once we reach the top of the Chungsi-la, we'll have a trek down to another river. The landscape surrounding us will be absolutely beautiful. We'll visit the Chungsi cave, where it is said that the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche meditated. After visiting the cave, we'll first have to go down, and then gradually climb up to the village of Shyangmochen. We'll be staying in a tea house in Shyangmochen, where we'll have a hot dinner. Overnight stay will be in Shyangmochen.

After finishing breakfast, we are ready to depart for Dhagmar. The initial part of the journey will involve a gentle climb up to Shyangmochen-la. From there, we will enter a vast valley and be able to see the Geling village, though we will not be going there. Instead, we will be heading towards the Nyi-la pass. Along the way, we will come across a beautiful Mani wall and Chortens. After crossing the Nyi-la pass, it will take us about 45 minutes of walking to reach the Ghami-la, from where we will steeply descend down to Ghami. Ghami is a large village situated in an agricultural area. Continuing our walk, we will cross a river and then have a gentle climb up to the longest and most spectacular Mani wall. From here, we will turn west towards the path to Dhagmar, where we will be treated to a beautiful landscape, including a red cliff. This incredible part of the journey will lead us to Dhagmar, where we will find a few guest houses and agricultural land. We will stay here and enjoy a hot dinner before overnight.

After spending the night in Dhagmar, we will start our trek towards Lomangtang, passing through the Ghar Gumba monastery. The beginning of the trek will involve a gradual ascent as we leave Dhagmar behind. We will climb up through the beautiful, rugged landscape, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After a few hours of steady climbing, we will reach the Ghar Gumba monastery, a well-known and revered site in the region. We can take some time to explore the monastery and soak in the serene atmosphere before continuing our journey. Leaving Ghar Gumba, the trail will descend gradually into a wide, open valley. As we cross this valley, we will be treated to panoramic vistas of the Himalayan peaks in the distance. The trail will then begin to climb again, this time more steeply, as we make our way towards the Lomangtang area. The path will wind through rocky terrain and along the edges of deep ravines, offering us stunning views at every turn. Eventually, we will reach the village of Lomangtang, a remote and traditional Tibetan settlement nestled amidst the towering peaks. Here, we can explore the local culture, visit the monasteries, and settle in for the night, resting. Overnight in the guest house,

The Tiji Festival is a highly revered annual event in Lomanthang, a remote Tibetan village in the Mustang region of Nepal. On the first day of the festival, the celebrations begin with a vibrant and colorful procession through the streets of the village. Early in the morning, the local people gather in the central square, dressed in their finest traditional attire. The men wear intricately patterned robes, while the women adorn themselves with ornate jewellery and headdresses. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and excitement as the community prepares for the day's festivities. As the sun rises, the procession begins, led by masked dancers and musicians. The dancers, representing various deities and mythological figures, perform elaborate and graceful moves to the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, such as the Tibetan trumpet and hand-held drums. The procession winds its way through the narrow streets of Lomanthang, with the villagers following behind, chanting prayers and mantras. The vibrant colours of the costumes, the captivating music, and the devotion of the people create a mesmerizing spectacle that draws the attention of all who witness it. The procession eventually reaches the Tiji Monastery, the spiritual heart of the festival. Here, the dancers and musicians perform a series of rituals and ceremonies, seeking the blessings of the deities and invoking their protection for the community. Throughout the day, the villagers engage in various traditional activities, such as folk dances, storytelling, and the preparation of special festival foods. The atmosphere is one of community, tradition, and deep spiritual connection, as the people of Lomanthang come together to celebrate the Tiji Festival with a sense of reverence and joy. As the day draws to a close, the villagers gather once again in the central square, where they continue to sing, dance, and share in the festivities, marking the successful completion of the first day of this remarkable cultural celebration.

On the second day of the Tiji Festival in Lomanthang, the celebrations reach a crescendo, with a series of elaborate rituals and performances taking center stage. Early in the morning, the villagers gather once again in the central square, their faces alight with anticipation. The masked dancers and musicians from the previous day's procession reappear, this time performing a more complex and dramatic series of movements. The dancers, representing the various deities and mythological figures associated with the Tiji Festival, engage in a captivating battle of good versus evil. Their intricate footwork, acrobatic leaps, and expressive gestures captivate the audience, who watch in rapt attention, fully immersed in the sacred drama unfolding before them. As the dance performance reaches its climax, the villagers join in, chanting prayers and offering incense to the deities. The air is thick with the scent of burning juniper and the sound of deep, resonant horns and drums, creating a powerful and otherworldly atmosphere. After the dance performance, the focus shifts to the Tiji Monastery, where the local lamas (Buddhist monks) lead a series of elaborate rituals and ceremonies. These rituals, steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, involve the recitation of ancient texts, the making of intricate sand mandalas, and the offering of sacred substances to the deities. Throughout the day, the villagers continue to participate in various cultural activities, such as traditional Tibetan archery competitions, folk dances, and the preparation of special festival foods. The sense of community and shared identity is palpable, as the people of Lomanthang come together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. As the sun sets, the festival culminates in a grand finale, with a dramatic display of fireworks and torchlight processions. The villagers gather one last time, their faces aglow with the light of the flames, to bid farewell to the deities and the Tiji Festival, until it returns the following year. The second day of the Tiji Festival in Lomanthang is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Tibetan culture, a vibrant celebration of tradition, spirituality, and community in the heart of the Himalayas.

On the last or 3rd day of the Tiji Festival, the celebrations reach their climax. In the morning, the local people gather at the main temple or monastery for the final set of prayers and rituals. The highlight of the last day is the grand procession that winds through the streets of the town. The procession features elaborately decorated floats, traditional Tibetan banners, and people dressed in their finest traditional attire. The floats often depict scenes from Buddhist mythology or important figures in Tibetan culture. As the procession makes its way through the streets, the air is filled with the sounds of traditional music and chanting. Tibetan instruments like the dranyen (lute), dungchen (long horn), and various types of drums and cymbals create a lively and energetic atmosphere. The procession is followed by a series of cultural performances, including traditional Tibetan dances. These dances often tell stories of the region's history and spiritual beliefs, with the dancers wearing vibrant costumes and masks representing different deities and mythological characters. Throughout the day, the local community comes together to share meals, exchange gifts, and celebrate their rich cultural heritage. The Tiji Festival is a time of great joy and unity, as the people come together to honor their traditions and strengthen the bonds of their community. As the sun sets on the last day, the festivities come to a close, but the memories and the spirit of the Tiji Festival will continue to live on in the hearts of the people.

After completing all the festival activities, we'll leave Lo-Manthang the next morning after breakfast. We'll follow the Tsarang trail and cross the Lo La Pass at 3960 meters. After about 20 to 30 minutes, the trail veers left and descends to Dhi village, where you'll be treated to stunning landscapes along the way. We'll have lunch in Dhi, and while it's being prepared, you can explore the traditional settlement style of the village. After lunch, we'll head to Yara, starting by crossing the Kali Gandaki River bridge. We'll then follow the Puyon Khola River until we begin to climb. After about an hour, we'll arrive in Yara, where there are 4 to 5 teahouses run by locals. In the evening, you can enjoy a hot dinner and stay overnight in Yara.

Starting from Yara, the trail to Luri Gumba is approximately 7-8 kilometres one way and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. The path meanders through the arid, rugged terrain characteristic of the Mustang region, with a few small streams to cross. Luri Gumba is an ancient cave monastery renowned for its unique architecture and historical significance. The monastery, carved into a cliffside, houses exquisite murals and artefacts dating back to the 13th century. These murals depict various Buddhist deities and scenes, providing insight into the region's rich religious heritage. The serene and secluded location of Luri Gumba offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for reflection and exploration. After visiting, the return hike follows the same route back to Yara.

Starting from Yara, the trek unfolds amidst a dramatic landscape dominated by towering peaks and rugged terrain. The trail leads you across the Bechyang Khola via a sturdy bridge, where the rushing waters add to the adventure. Just beyond, a cosy tea house invites for a leisurely lunch, offering a serene break in the midst of the Himalayan wilderness. After lunch, the journey continues with a gentle ascent, providing occasional glimpses of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks. As you ascend, anticipation grows for the breathtaking viewpoint before Tange. Upon reaching the summit of the viewpoint, the path descends towards Tange, offering panoramic vistas that showcase the grandeur of the Himalayas in its entire splendour. In the evening, enjoy a hot dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in Tange, surrounded by the tranquility of the Himalayan Mountains.

Today will be a demanding day, requiring about 10 hours of walking with no teahouses or other stops available, so we need to pack lunch. We'll begin early in the morning and shortly reach Yak Khola, where we start ascending towards the summit. After reaching the top, the trail becomes pleasantly flat, passing by a campsite and a porter shelter where we can stop for lunch and rest. Following lunch, we'll gently climb towards the top. At the summit, we begin the descent towards Chhuksang. The route offers stunning 360-degree mountain views and varied landscapes, making it particularly enjoyable for beginners. Towards the end, there's a steep descent into Chhuksang. Exhausted from the long walk, we'll enjoy a hot dinner and spend the night in Chhuksang.

Today, after finishing breakfast and packing our bags, we are heading to Muktinath. Our first stop will be Tetang village, a traditional village where we can observe local life. Next, we'll head towards Gyu-la, gently climbing to the top. Along the way, we might see domestic animals grazing or looking for salt on the cliffs. From the top, we'll be treated to views of Muktinath village, its temple, and stunning panoramic mountain scenery. After reaching the top, we'll trek downhill to Jhong village, where we can stop for lunch if we're hungry. If not, a 45-minute walk will bring us to Muktinath. In the late afternoon, we can visit the temple and monastery. We'll enjoy a hot dinner and spend the night in Muktinath.

Today is an easy day with only downhill and flat walking, so you can start later in the morning without any problem. On the way, you can visit Jharkot village with its old monastery and Khingar village with its agricultural land. Follow the upper route until you reach Eklai Bhatti, where you can have lunch or enjoy tea or coffee. From Eklai Bhatti, we will follow the Kali Gandaki River until we reach Jomsom. This section will take about two and a half to three hours. Just before entering Jomsom, there's an ACAP permit check post where we will register our permits before continuing to Jomsom. Jomsom is a big village and the headquarters of the Mustang district. It has banks, numerous souvenir shops, and a seasonal fruit market. If you prefer not to walk today, you can take a jeep to Jomsom. This is the last evening, you can enjoy dinner with your porter or crew, sharing your trekking experiences. We'll stay overnight at a hotel in Jomsom, and hope for a successful flight to Pokhara tomorrow morning.

Today, we might not have time for breakfast since we need to arrive at the airport early. If the weather is good, flights start coming in at 6:30 AM. We need to be at the airport in time to get our boarding passes and be ready. The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Once you land in Pokhara, you can leave your big bag at the airport and go out to explore Pokhara and have lunch. The flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu also takes about 20 minutes. At Kathmandu Airport, our car or jeep will be waiting to drive you to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy your final day after completing the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.