The colour and drama of Tiji Festival | Matthew Gordon
The colour and drama of Tiji Festival  | Matthew Gordon
Chortens of Upper Mustang decorated with traditional red and white clay colours  | Jean-Marie Hullot
Vast expanses in Mustang  | Peter Bonifacio

The Road to Mustang & Tiji Festival

Journey deep into Mustang’s stark Himalayan beauty, for the Tiji Festival in remote Lo Manthang.

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 4 reviews

14 Days from

$4180 USD

Trip Code: KOT
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement
$340 USD

Duration

  • 14 Days

Activities

  • 13 days adventure touring

Accommodation

  • 4 nights hotel
  • 9 nights lodge

Meals

Valued at 550

  • 9 Dinners
  • 11 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

29kg of CO2-e PP per day

(379kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Witness the rare and sacred Tiji Festival, celebrated for centuries in Lo Manthang’s hilltop monastery
  • Stay in comfortable lodge accommodation throughout – no camping or trekking required
  • Be guided by a trusted local expert, sharing stories, rituals and insight along the way
  • Visit remote monasteries, hidden valleys and traditional villages far from the tourist trail

Overview

Step beyond the usual trails and journey into Nepal’s remote Mustang region, a dramatic, high-altitude desert once part of an ancient Himalayan kingdom. Travelling by private vehicle with your expert local guide and crew, you’ll explore a landscape of deep gorges, monasteries and snow-capped peaks, far from the main tourist routes.

Timed to coincide with the extraordinary Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, this adventure offers a rare chance to witness sacred Tibetan Buddhist rituals passed down over centuries. Over three vibrant days, monks in elaborate masks and robes perform the “Chasing of the Demons” - a powerful retelling of good triumphing over evil.

With lodge accommodation throughout, this fully supported trip allows you to experience the rich culture and stark beauty of Mustang in comfort, from the green valleys of the lower Annapurna to the ochre-walled villages of the Tibetan plateau.

Itinerary

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You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trip briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag, liner and down/fiberfill jacket. This presents a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out for dinner. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively, you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast we will start our drive from Kathmandu to Beni, stopping midway for lunch. Beni means place where two rivers meet, located at the confluence of Myagdi River and Kali Gandaki River. Overnight: Eco-Lodge in Beni

Meals: B,L,D

We will head towards Jomsom via Tatopani. Tatopani is a major trading post between Nepal and China located in the sindhupalchowk district in the Bagmati zone of central Nepal. Majority of the villagers are ethnic Sherpa or Tamang with Nepali and Tibetan as their main languages. After arriving at Jomsom we can take a scenic stroll through Marpha Village, the apple capital of the Nepal. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today is designated for rest and acclimatisation but there is an option to explore Jomsom Bazaar and go for a short hike to Dumba lake at the base of Mt. Nilgiri (7125m). This lake is of religious and cultural significance to the Buddhist people. There are stories among locals that the lake turned red one day and did not return to its renowned turquoise blue waters until Tibetan Buddhists performed religious ceremonies. The lake has since been considered sacred and locals congregate at this religious place to worship and pray. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

We will head towards Ghami via Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a village in the valley of Kali Gandaki River that marks the start and gateway to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni use to be a trading post where traders from Lo Manthang, Manang and Dolpo would rest and trade before continuing their journey to other regions. Special permits are required to go beyond this point. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today we make our final approach to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang is walled city, isolated and hidden behind the Himalayas on a rugged plateau. The region of Upper Mustang is said be one of the best-preserved examples of Tibetan culture in the world. Efforts continue to preserve this region and it wasn't until 1992 that foreigners were allowed to enter. To this day the area restrictions remain and visitors are only permitted to enter with a special permit. We will also visit Charang village, second biggest town of Upper Mustang. After arriving in Lo Manthang, the rest of the day will be at leisure and will also mark the start of the 3 day Tiji Festival. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

The next 2 days you are free to explore the cultural centre of Lo Manthang and experience the Tiji Festival celebrations. Tiji festival is a historical Buddhist festival held over three days in the third Tibetan month to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. This festival is celebrated annually and is one of the most revered festivals that symbolises the hope and strength of the people in the Upper Mustang region. Each morning starts with monks assembling in the monastery offering prayers to the Vajrakilaya, the deity who embodies enlightenment. The festival continues in the afternoon with performances by vibrant masked dancers in the public square amidst prayers and chants. Each day depicts a major topic with each dance representing a deeper theme. The town is also home to 3 major Gompas and the Palace to Raja and his Rani (queen). Although the Raja’s function is now primarily ceremonial, he is seen as a person who can help people resolve local issues. The town itself is fascinating, and offers countless opportunities to observe the traditional Tibetan culture. An optional side trip is available either on horse or jeep to the nearby Chosar Village. Chosar is a remarkable location with towering red-cliffs with caves that were inhabited as far back as 2,500 years ago. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will make our way to Chhusang and follow the stunning ridge line towards the Kali Ghandaki river. Savour the scenic views of unique rock formations that surround the humble village. Optional stop at Tetang village. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

We head towards the quaint village of Tatopani or "hot water" in Nepali, renowned for their hot springs. The high mineral content mixed with the hot water emanating from the rocks is believed to have health benefits, so jump in, relax and unwind after a long days drive. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we will start our journey to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest town. We will have lunch on the way and on arrival will be transferred to Hotel Landmark. You are then free to explore the town and markets or enjoy a scenic stroll alongside Phewa Lake, Nepal's second largest lake. Overnight: hotel

Meals: B,L

After breakfast at hotel, we will drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is yours to perhaps do some last minute shopping or sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

After breakfast the trip concludes with a transfer to the airport.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners
  • Airport transfers
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Special permit US$500
  • Group medical kit
  • Good quality accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Lodge accommodation when outside of cities
  • The use of a kit bag including quality sleeping bag, liner and down jacket
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
  • All park entrance fees

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa
  • Meals not noted as included
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips

Reviews (4)

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