Mustang Tiji Festival Tour

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Mustang Tiji Festival Tour
Mustang Tiji Festival Tour
Mustang Tiji Festival Tour
Duration12 Days
Trip GradeEASY AND LUXURY
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude3800 M.
Group Size20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Travel StyleFestival Tour
Best TimeFestival Date 24, 25 AND 26 MAY 2025

Overview

The Upper Mustang region is a restricted area in Nepal where unique culture and vibrant festivals like the Yartung festival and the Tiji festival are celebrated. The locals follow the Tibetan Buddhist culture, speak Tibetan languages, and practice polyandry. Most of the houses are made in traditional Tibetan flat-mud roof styles. 

There are various top-rated tour packages that offer cultural tours in the Upper Mustang region, but the Mustang Tiji Festival Tour is the unique one. This package offers an adventurous journey along with cultural immersion. This tour is also an alternative way to experience Tibetan culture. 

The Tiji festival is a unique type of festival celebrated in the Upper Mustang region. The Mustang Tiji festival tour itinerary covers all the days and cultural celebrations that are done during this festival. This festival is the main part of the tour. 

The itinerary of the festival tour starts with a scenic drive to Pokhara and then to Tatopani. After that, you will drive to Lo-Manthang, crossing destinations including Jomsom, Muktinath, Kagbeni, and Charang. Lo-Manthang is the place where the Tiji festival is celebrated. 

The return journey starts with the drive to Pokhara, crossing the popular destinations mentioned in the above paragraph. From Pokhara, you will drive to Kathmandu by tourist deluxe bus from Pokhara. This is the general and brief details about the itinerary of the festival tour. 

Note: The price of the tourist deluxe bus ticket is included in the Mustang Tiji festival tour cost. 

Highlights of the Tour

  • Opportunity to witness the Tiji Festival
  • Exploration of Upper Mustang
  • Visit various monasteries and caves
  • Stunning mountain scenery
  • Cultural immersion
  • Tour the Ancient Salt Caravan Trail

The Tiji festival

The Tiji festival is going to be celebrated from May 24 to 26, 2025. There are various rituals and ceremonies performed by the Buddhist monks from the popular local monastery during the three-day events of the festival. Various dances are also performed during the celebration. 

The Tiji festival celebrations start with the unveiling of the thanka, which has a painting of the deity Dorje Jono. As the thanka is a painting of deity, it holds great importance among the locals of the upper mustang region. The thank-you reveling ceremony is conducted in the courtyard of the Chhode Monastery. 

In addition, a masked dance is performed that is called “Tsa Chaam” in the local language. The dance is performed, narrating the saga of Dorje Jono’s triumph over evil. 

Moving on to the next day, the second day of the Tiji Festival 2025 is celebrated with another popular cultural dance called “Nga Chaam.” Female performers in traditional attire perform this dance, which showcases celestial palaces and deities.

The masked dancers dance to ceremonial music on the third and final day of the festival. The dance signifies the conquering of the evil by deity. The performers dance to the cultural music and firearms are shot into the sky, expressing joy. 

Moreover, at the end, the sculpture made from the Tsampa barley is cast, and the rituals are ended. This symbolizes the defeat of the demon named “Ma Tam Ru Ta”.

WHY CHOOSE MYSTIC ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS FOR THE MUSTANG TIJI FESTIVAL TOUR?

3S: Safety, Success, and Satisfaction

Booking a Mustang Tiji Festival Tour package with Mystic Adventure Holidays offers superior service and benefits. Here's why:
Planning your trip with Mystic Adventure Holidays means paying the lowest cost with no commission fees. Additionally, you'll benefit from:

  • Client Safety: Our trips are organized with the utmost safety in mind.
  • Best Price Guarantee: Ensuring you get the best value.
  • Free Transfers: Complimentary airport-to-hotel and return transfers in a private vehicle.
  • Expert Guides: Trained, government-licensed local guides with extensive route knowledge.
  • Support for Locals: Helping local communities earn a living through tourism.
  • Medical Preparedness: Guides equipped with medical kits to handle any situations that may arise. 
  • Essential Gear: Arrangements for sleeping bags and down jackets.
  • Free Storage: Secure storage at our office for extra luggage during your tour

By choosing Mystic Adventure Holidays, you ensure a safe, successful, and satisfying adventure in the Himalayas.

Itinerary

At Mystic Adventure Holidays, our intention is always to follow the Mustang Tiji Festival Tour Itinerary. However, due to the nature of travel, we may need to make slight changes because of unforeseen circumstances such as weather-related cancellations or delays of domestic flights, natural disasters like landslides, newly enacted laws, political unrest, or trekkers' health issues, including altitude sickness. While the itinerary is brief and fixed, it also includes flexible areas. Therefore, we advise travelers to allow a few extra days in Nepal.

We highly recommend that you arrive one day before the trip starts to rest and purchase any necessary clothing, gear, and equipment for the hike. You can also use this extra day for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, acclimatizing, or rescheduling international flights in case of potential weather delays or domestic flight cancellations.

We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to providing you with an unforgettable adventure!

It is our regular day-to-day itinerary if you are looking for a customized itinerary. Don't hesitate to contact us.

Trip PlanExpand all

The representative of our company will greet you with flowers after your flight lands at Tribhuvan Airport. You will then be transferred to the hotel. You don't need to worry about accommodations because our company has already reserved the hotel. You will rest at the hotel. You can do private tours if you arrive early. We can arrange it for you if you insist. 

Max Altitude: 1400 m Meals: Launch and DinnerAccommodation: Apsara Boutique Hotel

This day, we will fly to Pokhara City from Kathmandu. During the flight, you can peek through the window and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range and surrounding mountain ranges. In the evening, we will go sightseeing near the lakeside of Pokhara city. You will stay at the standard lodge in Pokhara that night. 

Max Altitude: 822 m Meals: Breakfast, Launch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: 30 minutesDistance: 143 km

On this day, we will drive to Tatopani. This drive is going to be 5 to 6 hours long. Along the way, you will get to see the jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. In addition, the drive passes through beautiful rhododendron forests and picturesque villages. The Gurung and Magar people live in the villages. At the end of the day, you will get to taste the delicious local dishes in the teahouses of Tatopani. You will stay overnight in the teahouses. 
 

Max Altitude: 2,474 m Meals: Breakfast, launch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: 5 to 6 hoursDistance: 110km

This day, we will drive to Kagbeni village, crossing popular destinations like Jomsom and Muktinath. We will stop for a while to visit the holy temple of Muktinath. After that, we will continue our journey to Kagbeni. 

The Kagbeni serves as the gateway to the upper Mustang region. This drive presents stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After that, the drive will pass through the settlements of Jharkot and Khingar. After reaching Kagbeni, you will get to enjoy the delicious meals. This marks the end of the day, and you will rest in the teahouse of the Kagbeni. 
 

Max Altitude: 2,804 m Meals: Breakfast, Launch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: 5 to 6 hoursDistance: 95km

On the fifth day of the tour, we will drive to Charang village. The Tibetan plateau's wind-eroded mountains and desert surround the village of charang. In addition, Charang is home to the Charang Gompa (Monastery) and the Charang Palace. 

The journey from Kagbeni to Charang is characterized by the scenic drive through the dry desert like terrain of the upper Mustang region. After reaching Charang village, you can see the walled town of Lo Manthang from the north’s side. This day, you will explore the charang village and spend the night in the standard teahouse in the village.   
 

Max Altitude: 3,560m Meals: Breakfast, Launch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: 4-5 hoursDistance: 35km

We will start our journey to the main destination of the tour, Lo Manthang. Lo Manthang is the town where the Tiji festival is celebrated. This day is the first day of Tiji festival celebrations. Along the journey, you will get to see one of the oldest gompas in Nepal, Lo-Gekar Gompa. The Lo Gekar Gompa is located in the Lo Gekar village. 

After you reach the Lo Manthang village, you can hear the sound of traditional instruments, including double-reeled horns, drums, cymbals, and Tibetan horns (Dhungchen). The monks unveil the thanka that has the painting of the deity. Then, you will get to see the masked cultural dance called Tsa Chaam. The dance depicts the tale of Dorje Jono’s triumph over evil. 

You will spend the day exploring the first day of the Tiji festival and the King's palace. The King palace is the home to the Thupchen Gompa, Chode Gompa, and Jampa Gompa. We will spend the night in the teahouse in Lo Manthang. 
 

Max Altitude: 3,810m Meals: Breakfast, Launch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: Full day

On this day, we will participate in the second day of celebration of the Tiji festival. The second day of the festival is characterized by the popular Nga Cham dance. The dance depicts the story of Dorje Jono attempting to return the demon to the Buddha realm. You will get to see the female performers in traditional attire and jewelry.

This day concludes with an exploration of the festival. You will be the popular annual festival celebration of the town. Along the day, you will get an opportunity to interact with the locals, share the food with them, celebrate with them, and enjoy the annual festival. We will spend the night in the same teahouse that we stayed at the day before. 

Max Altitude: 3,810m Meals: Breakfast, Launch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: Full day

You will participate in the final day of the Tiji festival celebration. On this day, the monk starts the festival celebration with prayers. The prayers are offered to Vajrakila in the monastery. In the afternoon, you will get to see the leader dancer making an offering, requesting assistance from the deities. Then the dough statue is taken out. The dough statue represents the demon "Ma Tam Ru Ta.”

After that, you will get to see the chanting prayers, and various dances in which the main dancer symbolically destroys the statue by piercing it with a dagger facing northeast. This act marks the defeat of evil. The statue’s head is buried at the palace entrance, and the rest of the body is disposed of later. The masked dancer leads a raucous march in which the king, royal family, village representatives, and people follow.

After the brief dance, the march heads to the stupa outside the walls. This act is done for more prayers. The act concludes with the prayers to the gods by the leader dancer, and the tormas are thrown to the ground. The festival concludes with the shouting of the phrase “Lha Gyalo,” which means "May God be victorious". You will spend the night in the teahouse in Lo Manthang. 
 

Max Altitude: 3,810m Meals: Breakfast, Launch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: Full day

We will drive back to Jomsom early this day. Along the way, you will get to enjoy the scenic Kali Gandaki River Valley. After reaching Jomsom, you will take a rest at the teahouse in Jomsom. 

Max Altitude: 2,720m Meals: Breakfast, Launch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 70km

Early in the morning, we will drive back to Pokhara. Along the way, we will cross through the barren hills, famous tatopani, and Beni. This is the 7-8 hour drive. After reaching the pokhara, you will relax at the hotel. You can also explore the lakeside market in the evening. You will spend the night at a standard lodge in the pokhara. 

Max Altitude: 822m Meals: Breakfast, Launch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: 7-8 hourDistance: 160km

After having breakfast, we will take a tourist-deluxe bus from Pokhara. It is a 6-7-hour scenic drive that takes you through the Prithivi Highway, passing through the beautiful Bandipur town, the gateway to the Manakamana temple, and beautiful villages. After reaching Kathmandu, you will relax in the hotel room and stay overnight. 

Max Altitude: 1400m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Apsara Boutique HotelDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 200km

On this day, you will be transferred to the Tribhuvan airport, and from there, you will take a flight to your desired destination. 

Max Altitude: 1,400m Meals: Breakfast
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Cost Details
Included
  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle during your international arrivals and departures 
  • Welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali kitchen with a cultural dance show
  • 3X-night accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (Apsara Boutique Hotel and Kantipur Village Hotel)
  • 2X-night accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast (Kuti Resort and  Aabas Hotel ) or similar standard
  • Kathmandu city sightseeing in private vehicles with a city tour guide 
  • best available teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu domestic flight / Drive.
  • 4WD Jeep Pokhara to Lo-Mangthang to Pokhara by Toyota Landcruser or Mahindra Scorpio.
  • 3 meals a day during the trip (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mention in itinerary.
  • Accommodation while trekking in twin sharing basis in guesthouses.
  • Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card.
  • Upper Mustang Restricated area permit fee. 
  • Professional government lisence holder English speaking trekking guide.
  • Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance for the Guide and driver.
  • Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek. (Refundable after finish the trip)
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • All government and local taxes.

 

Excluded
  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight (Pokhara-Kathmandu) one-way
  • Excess baggage charges
  • City sightseeing Entrance Fee
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Essential Info

Permits and Permits Cost

The permits required for the mustang tiji festival tour are the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Without these cards, one cannot trek or tour in the mustang region. 

For the restricted area permit, you need a registered trekking agency in Nepal, like Mystic Adventure Holidays. The cost of the RAP is around $500 for the first 10 days; if you wish to extend the duration of the permit, an extra $50 will be needed per additional day. 

The TIMs card will not be needed because the RAP already has your details. In addition, to get Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, you have to visit the Nepal Tourist Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The cost of the ACAP permit is $23 per person. 

Food options

You can enjoy a variety of delicious food items during the festival tour. There are several teahouses and lodges waiting for you on the way. As most of the teahouses in the upper mustang region are run by the locals, you will get to taste the delicious and nutritious local food items. 

The various dishes, including Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian cuisines, are available in the teahouses of the Upper Mustang region. These dishes are nutritious and tasty, too. The breakfast option that you will get during the tour are tibetan bread, chapati, french toast, corn flakes, hash browns, eggs and so on. 

The snack options include biscuit, chocolate, and soft drinks. You can also have tasty local spirits and beers at your own cost. So, there will be no problem with the food items. 

Accommodations

On the trails of the Mustang Tiji Festival Journey, there are plenty of tea houses run by the locals. You can get the basic and comfortable room and amenities, along with the delicious food items served on your plate. The charging facilities and hot shower will cost you an extra penny because they are not included in the total mustang Tiji festival tour price. The accommodations on the way to the Upper Mustang region are generally on a twin-sharing basis.

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