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

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The Road to Mustang & Tiji Festival

Name: The Road to Mustang & Tiji Festival
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: KOT
Rating: 4.25 (4 reviews)

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

Nepal

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4 reviews

14 Days from

$4075 USD

$4290 USD

Trip Code: KOT

View dates to Book

Essential 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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On arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met at the arrivals gate by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to the Radisson Hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax after your journey or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. In the late afternoon, a pre trip briefing will be held where you will receive your kit bag, sleeping bag, liner and down or fibre fill jacket, along with an overview of the journey ahead. In the evening, you will head out for a group dinner, providing an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel

Meals: Nil

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You may choose to visit some of the city’s most significant cultural and spiritual sites, including Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site, and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and a key centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Alternatively, you can wander through the markets and shops of the Thamel district or visit other notable landmarks such as Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, or the historic plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. This day offers the flexibility to explore the rich culture and heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel

Meals: B

After breakfast, you depart Kathmandu by road for the journey to Beni. The drive takes you out of the Kathmandu Valley and through changing landscapes as you travel west, with a stop along the way for lunch. Beni is located at the confluence of the Myagdi River and the Kali Gandaki River, marking an important gateway to the Annapurna region. On arrival, you settle into your lodge for the evening. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue by road towards Jomsom, travelling via Tatopani. The journey follows the Kali Gandaki valley, passing through changing landscapes and remote settlements as you move deeper into the Annapurna region. On arrival in Jomsom, you have time to explore the area, with the option to visit nearby Marpha, known for its traditional architecture and apple orchards. This provides a gentle introduction to the region before the trekking phase begins. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today is set aside for rest and acclimatisation in Jomsom. You may choose to explore Jomsom Bazaar or take an optional walk to Dumba Lake, located at the base of Mt Nilgiri (7125m / 23376ft). The lake holds cultural and religious significance for local Buddhist communities and is a place of worship and reflection. This flexible day allows you to adjust to the altitude while experiencing more of the surrounding landscape. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today you travel by road towards Ghami, passing through Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Set within the Kali Gandaki valley, Kagbeni marks the point where special permits are required to enter this restricted region. The journey continues through a stark and evolving landscape as you move deeper into Upper Mustang, with traditional villages reflecting the area’s long history as a trading route. On arrival in Ghami, you settle into your lodge and take in the surrounding high altitude terrain. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today you make your final approach to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. The drive continues across a high altitude plateau, with the landscape becoming increasingly stark and remote as you travel deeper into this restricted region. Along the way, you visit Charang, one of the largest settlements in Upper Mustang, known for its traditional architecture and cultural significance. On arrival in Lo Manthang, you have time to settle in and explore at your own pace, with the beginning of the Tiji Festival marking an important cultural highlight of your stay. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Over the next two days, you have time to explore Lo Manthang while experiencing the Tiji Festival, one of the most important cultural events in Upper Mustang. Held annually, the festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Each morning, monks gather in the monastery to perform rituals and prayers, followed by afternoon ceremonies in the main square featuring masked dances, music and chanting, with each day representing a different stage of the story. During your time in Lo Manthang, you can also explore the town’s key sites, including its historic monasteries and royal palace, while observing daily life in this remote Himalayan community. There is also the option to visit nearby Choser, known for its striking red cliffs and ancient cave dwellings, offering further insight into the region’s history and landscape. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today you travel by road to Chhusang, following elevated ridgelines with views down to the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, you pass through a landscape shaped by distinctive rock formations and eroded cliffs that characterise this region of Upper Mustang. There is the option to stop at Tetang village, offering further insight into local life and traditional settlements. On arrival in Chhusang, you settle into your lodge and take in the surrounding valley setting. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue by road to the village of Tatopani. As you descend from the higher reaches of Mustang, the landscape gradually changes, with warmer temperatures and more vegetation along the route. Tatopani, meaning hot water in Nepali, is known for its natural hot springs, where you may choose to relax and unwind after the day’s drive. On arrival, you settle into your lodge and enjoy the more temperate surroundings. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you depart by road for Pokhara, travelling through changing landscapes as you leave the mountains behind. The journey includes a stop for lunch along the way before continuing to Nepal’s second largest city. On arrival in Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel, with time to relax or explore the lakeside area at your own pace. You may choose to stroll along the shores of Phewa Lake or visit the nearby markets. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B,L

After breakfast, you depart by road for the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive retraces your route through changing landscapes, following river valleys and foothills as you make your way back to the capital. On arrival in Kathmandu, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore, with time for any last minute shopping or sightseeing. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel

Meals: B,L

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Your trip concludes in Kathmandu.

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
Expert bilingual guide
Airport transfers
Special Mustang permit (USD $500)
Comprehensive group medical kit
Good quality accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Use of kit bag including quality sleeping bag, liner and down jacket
Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
All park entrance fees

Not included

International flights
Visa costs
Meals not listed as included
Aerated and alcoholic drinks
Tips and gratuities