Mustang Tiji Festival Trek - 18 days

Mustang Tiji Festival Trek commences with your arrival to Kathmandu through the Tribhuvan International Airport. Third Rock Adventures will greet you, then transferred you to your hotel. After lunch and refreshments, you will be oriented about the travel plan by your travel crew.

In the evening, you can head out to the nearby streets to stroll around the local markets. Thamel area is lively and interesting during the evening and nighttime. You can explore the local arts and crafts shops selling traditional thangka paintings or visit authentic Nepali restaurants.  

Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu. 

This day has been reserved as a free day in Kathmandu for preparations for the trek. With the help of your travel guide, you will be processing your Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang. A visit to the government authority in guidance of our travel crew will confirm the receipt of the permit. 

You will make all the necessary preparations for the trek to follow, including ensuring the proper packing checklist for the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek. After that, you can head out for some sightseeing activity around nearby areas in Kathmandu.

You can opt to visit the religious sites of Pashupatinath temple vicinity, Swayambhunath, or Boudhanath stupas. You can also stroll around the courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is known best for its majestic architecture and radiating ethnicity in the livelihood of the locals. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu. 

You will take a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara through the Prithvi Highway. Along the road, you can observe the views of the progressing hills, valley floors, green rice fields, and beautiful rivers Trishuli and Marsyangdi. You will stop midway for lunch at a local restaurant. You can also opt for a flight towards Pokhara instead of driving if you prefer the ease of travel. 

After reaching your hotel, you can get refreshed and head to the nearby Fewa Lakeside to enjoy the evening. You can witness street performances and can enjoy the views of the serene lake. If you wish, you can try some local Nepali snacks in the food stands along the lakeside. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Pokhara. 

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, you will board a flight to Jomsom, situated in the Mustang District in the western region of Nepal. The flight to Jomsom is a special one as you get to witness the scenic views of snowy mountains and hills then barren, dry land. Jomsom village in the Kali Gandaki valley is its commercial center from where dirt roads lead to different villages and where the residents are seen selling the locally grown sweet apples. Upon reaching the domestic airport, you will begin your hike to Kagbeni. 

Through the dirt road, you will pass the entrance of lower mustang, Kagbeni village. The village offers views of Dhaulagiri Mountain. The roads are narrow with brick-laden houses and ancient monasteries. It is perhaps popular among the locals to film the famous horror Nepali movie of the same name. 

Overnight stay at a teahouse/guesthouse in Kagbeni. 

You will embark on a long trek towards Chele. Leaving behind the mystical Tibetan village of Kagbeni, you will head deeper into the restricted area of Upper Mustang. In the check post, you will be asked to show your Restricted Area Permit. After that, you will follow the trail alongside the Kali Gandaki River basin. You will be accompanied by the views of Nilgiri mountain along the way. 

The scattered settlements secluded from the rest of the world depict that, while Lower Mustang opened up to commercial prosperity since the 1950s, the Upper Mustang has left in economic isolation. You will eventually reach Tangbe village. Then a short hike will take you to Chhusangvillage then cross the Kali Gandaki towards Chele village. One of the oldest Buddhist villages in the kingdom of Mustang.

Overnight stay at teahouse/guesthouse in Chele. 

You will take a long trek from Chele to the Shyanbochen village by ascending to the steep canyon then crossing the Taklam La pass at the elevation of 3,624m/11,889ft. Eventually, you will head to Dajori La pass, the highest pass of the day situated at 3,735m/12,253ft. In a short while, you will pass the Ramchung Cave and the Chungsi Cave, which are the testaments of the prehistoric settlers. 

Along the way, you will be stunned at the views of the Nilgiri peak, Damodar Danda, Yakawa Kang, Annapurna, and Tilicho peak. You will spot the Syangboche Khola, then make a steep climb from Chungsi cave to the village of Samar and trek past fields and ridges to reach Syangboche village. 

Overnight stay at a teahouse/guesthouse on Shyanbochen. 

It will be a long and exhausting trek, but one that is filled with remarkable views of ethnic settlements, cliffs, and snowcapped mountains. On the way, you will be passing the Yamada La pass (3,850m/12,631ft) and the Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,156ft) into the village of Ghami. Ghami is one of the largest villages in the Lo region of Mustang. Then you will cross a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola River to the Tsarang La Pass at the elevation of 3,870m/12,696ft. After passing the Drakmar village, head to Tsarang village. 

Tsarang is a village influenced by Tibetan culture, with a few households spend their day grazing yaks. You will find monks dressed in their crimson gowns, spinning the prayer wheels in Tsarang monastery, which is around 500 years old. The Ani Goempa on the edges of a cliff is a nunnery. The village was once a significant area for the caravan trade of salt between Tibet and India. Unlike other arid areas of Upper Mustang, this village is categorized by green terraced fields. Interact with the lovely locals and the kids of the Tsarang school, who are warm and welcoming. 

Overnight stay at teahouse/guesthouse in Tsarang. 

We will head to the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mustang, Lo Manthang. Begin the day early in the morning after having breakfast. A climb alongside the Tsarang river will take you to the Ghar Goempa, known to be the oldest monasteries in Mustang. Get a chance to witness the scriptures of the spiritual leader, Guru Rimpoche, in the monastery. Then, take a descend into the canyon to Lo La Pass at 3,950m/12,959ft. 

Throughout the trek, you will be graced with vistas of the high-standing Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak, Tilicho Peak, and Damodar Kunda. In a short while, you will reach Lo Manthang, which is at the northernmost end of Mustang. Lo is the Tibetan-influenced two-third of the district in the north. 

The trek is short, so you will have ample time to excuse around Lo Manthang. You will witness the mud-brick houses and gompas. You can also visit any of the four major monasteries in Lo. Jampa Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries built sometime in the 15th century and dubbed the God house. You may visit the Tubchen Goempa built in the 15th century with a huge assembly hall for worshippers. Visit the Chode Goempa, the prime monastery of the city.

Additionally, stroll around the Choprang Goempa known as the ‘New Gompa.’ With a short hike, you can view the settlements of Lo from a vantage point. The visit makes you realize that somehow time has frozen still in this part of the world. 

Overnight stay at teahouse/guesthouse in Lo Manthang. 

On this day, you will be attending the first day of the Tiji Festival. Tiji Festival is an age-old celebration of the Vajrayana Buddhist religion. Its history dates back to the 17th century, commenced by King Samdup Rabten, who originally performed the Vajrakila ritual for cleansing the negative sprits in Mustang. Since then, monks have taken this tradition and added on to it with various dance performances. Tiji is translated to prayer for world peace and prosperity. The festival is celebrated for three days of the lunar calendar, generally falling in May. 

The festival takes you to the Lo-Manthang Royal palace, which was built 600 years ago. On the first day of the festival, you will learn about the history of the Tiji festival through various performances done by the monks of Chhode Monastery. At a glance, you will see the large thangka painting depicting the Buddhist relics and Guru Rimpoche hung in the white walls of the Royal Palace. You will also get an opportunity to meet the Monarch of Lo Manthang. The traditional dance performance of Tsa Chham tells one-third part of the story of Tiji. Tiji commemorates the victory of Dorjee Sonam, the reincarnation of Lord Buddha, over a demon who is believed to have bought destruction and havoc to residents. You will be amazed by the profligate hats and vibrant gowns worn by the performers. You can also interact with the locals who have gathered here from surrounding villages to witness the marvel. 

Overnight stay at teahouse/guesthouse in Lo Manthang. 

After having breakfast, you will head to the Royal Palace again today to witness the Tiji festival’s second day. Yet again, the courtyard is filled with the locals and royal family. On this day, there will be a continuation of the story of Dorjee Sonam displayed through the Nga Chham dance. In this second part, Dorjee Sonam is depicted returning the demon to the realm of the Buddha. Various steps and gestures in the dance performance signify different symbols and have a deeper meaning.

The villagers' interest is piqued by the dance performance, which is believed to clear away all obstacles in life. The beating of the drums and thrashing of the cymbals will fill your day with excitement and spirituality. After enjoying the festivity, you can interact with the locals and take short hikes to viewpoints and religious landmarks. 

Overnight stay at teahouse/guesthouse in Lo Manthang. 

This day marks the conclusion of the most remarkable festival in Upper Mustang. After having breakfast, you will head to the Royal Palace to witness the final dance depicting the end of the three-part story of Dorjee Sonam’s victory. You will witness the Rha Chham dance where a monk playing the role of Dorjee Sonam is seen throwing an effigy of the demon. Tsampa makes the effigy; barley. This depicts the banishment of the demon from Mustang. The final performance is grand and awe-inspiring. Tiji festival concludes with the positive message of spreading peace and prosperity throughout the world. 

It is interesting to be part of the most treasured and distinguished festival in the hidden kingdom of Lo, along with the monarchs and the villagers. The communion fills your heart with respect for the deep-seated cultures and traditions of the residents. 

Overnight stay at teahouse/guesthouse in Lo Manthang.

You will bid farewell to the lovely people of Lo-Manthang and trace your steps back to Dhakmar. Along the way, you will make a sojourn at the Ghar Goempa if you have not visited it earlier in the trek. The monastery, also known as Gargen Chyoling Nunnery, was home to more than 160 nuns. The monastery is linked to Guru Rimpoche, whose images can be found inside. It is believed that when the Samye monastery was being built in Tibet, a demon destroyed it veery night. So, Guru Rimpoche was called to help on the matter. Guru Rimpoche suggested to the monks that Samye could not be completed until a monastery was built in Lo Gekar. The monastery was hence built here between Lo Manthang and Dhakmar. 

You will observe the regal red cliffs of the Dhakmar village and the yaks grazing in the green pastures below, which is a sight for sore eyes. 

Overnight stay at teahouse/guesthouse in Dhakmar.  

The trek begins from Dhakmar to the Syangboche village, taking the same route. You will climb up a ridge then descend to Akaima. You will head across a small dry plateau through the green fields to the Ghiling village. You will experience strong winds in the area in the afternoon.

After crossing the Ghami village, you will cross the Yamada La pass (3,850m/12,631ft) and the Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,126ft). Following the Tama Gaon trail, you will descend through the barley fields and small streams to reach Syangboche. 

Overnight stay at teahouse/guesthouse in Shyanboche. 

Trek from Syangbochen to Chhusang, retracing the same route by following the Syangbochen stream for the first half of your trek. Then you will follow Mustang Khola. Nestled in the junction of the Narshing and Kali Gandaki rivers, you will reach Chhusang. The cliffs here are red-orange and silver-gray colored. The caves in the high cliffs are called Thagsing Grangma.

Upon reaching Chhusang, you can visit the ancient Gompa Gang nunnery. Witness the community that is actively engaged in farming different crops on their land. Due to the availability of a water source, it is a good place to grow crops. 

Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Chhusang. 

Head to the active commercial hub of Mustang, Jomsom, by walking on the riverbed of Kali Gandaki River. On the banks of Kali Gandaki, you might be lucky to find the black fossilized stones called Shaligram, which holds high spiritual and medicinal value. On the way, you will pass the mystic Kagbeni village for lunch. Views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain will not leave your side.

Jomsom is the hub town for all tourist activities and also has the only airport in Mustang. It is inhabited by the Tibetan Buddhists and the Thakali residents. The village of Marpha is an excellent depiction of the unique traditions and cultures of Jomsom. In the evening, you can enjoy some local drinks, food, and dried apples, the specialty of Jomsom. 

Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Jomsom. 

You will bid farewell to the mystic Kingdom of Mustang by taking a flight to Pokhara via the Jomsom Domestic Airport. The flight is a scenic one with views of the majestic mountains of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna. 

Upon reaching Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. After some refreshment, you can head out on a sightseeing tour in Pokhara. You can enjoy a good Thakali meal in a local restaurant. Some of the short and interesting things you can do in Pokhara indulge in boating during the early hours in the Fewa lake and visit the Lake House on the horizon.

You can also opt to hike up to the World Peace Pagoda if you are up for more adventure. If your body is stiff from all the trekking, you can opt for a massage in any excellent massage parlors in Pokhara. 

The Fewa lake during the evening and night hours look even more serene with the night lights reflecting on the surface. Such is the beauty of Fewa lake that you would want to enjoy a nice dinner in one of the lake house restaurants.

Overnight stay at hotel in Pokhara. 

Take a long drive back to Kathmandu city through the Prithvi Highway. Along the way, you will get to observe the views of hills, green farms, and rivers. You will stop along the highway at a local restaurant for lunch and snacks. For easier and quicker travel, you can opt to take a flight to Kathmandu as well. 

You will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, head out for some enjoyment along with your travel crew. You can visit the local clubs and pubs to enjoy music and food. Strolling in the evening market of Thamel, you can buy Nepali hats, pashmina scarves, thangka paintings, art, and craft as a souvenir to take back home. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu. 

On this day, you will bid farewell to the geographically diverse yet culturally integrated country, Nepal. You will be driven to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure homeward. As you head home, you are bound to remember the amazing time you had at the 3-day Tiji Festival. You will reminisce the traditional dance performances, history of the festival, architecture of the religious Goempas, and the high cliffs in the Kali Gandaki Valley. 

If you wish to extend your travel or visit other neighboring countries of India and Bhutan in the future, feel free to contact Third Rock Adventures any time.