Trip Facts
Duration
19 Days
Group size
2-10+
Best Time for Visit
Spring, Summer & Autumn
Activity
Trekking/Hiking
Meals
Breakfast,Lunch ,Dinner
DIFFICULTY
Easy to moderate
LOCATION
Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda
Trip Ends
Kathmandu,Nepal
Highlights
- Rare Cultural Experience
- Colorful Masked Dances
- Tibetan Buddhist Traditions
- Monastic Rituals at Lo Gekar & Chhoser
- Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang
- Scenic Flight to Jomsom
- Warm Local Hospitality –
Introduction of Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek
The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek is a unique cultural and adventure experience set in the remote and mystical region of Upper Mustang, Nepal. This trek is designed around the Tiji Festival, a vibrant three-day Buddhist celebration held annually in Lo Manthang, the ancient walled city of Mustang. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, with colorful masked dances, traditional rituals, and deep spiritual significance. It attracts both pilgrims and trekkers eager to witness the centuries-old traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in an untouched Himalayan landscape.
The trek begins in Jomsom, following the Kali Gandaki River through a striking desert-like terrain with eroded cliffs and caves, leading to the high-altitude kingdom of Mustang. Along the way, trekkers pass through traditional Tibetan-style villages, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning landscapes of red-rock canyons and snow-capped peaks. The restricted nature of Upper Mustang has preserved its ancient culture, making this trek a rare opportunity to experience an untouched Tibetan heritage that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Reaching Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Mustang Kingdom, is the highlight of the journey. Here, trekkers witness the Tiji Festival in its full glory, where monks perform sacred dances reenacting the victory of Dorje Jono over evil spirits. The festival is a lively yet deeply spiritual event, drawing locals dressed in their finest attire and offering a glimpse into Mustang’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Beyond the festival, Lo Manthang offers explorations of royal palaces, ancient monasteries, and nearby caves with prehistoric murals.
The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek is not only a cultural immersion but also a moderate to challenging trek through rugged Himalayan landscapes. The region lies in a rain-shadow area, making it accessible even during monsoon season. With its combination of spectacular scenery, ancient Buddhist culture, and the unique experience of the Tiji Festival, this trek is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for adventurers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Best Time of Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek
The best time to witness the Tiji Festival is usually between late May and early June, when the festival is held in the walled city of Lo Manthang. This period also coincides with spring, offering pleasant weather, clear skies, and excellent trekking conditions. Visiting during this time allows trekkers to combine the cultural experience of the festival with the stunning landscapes of Upper Mustang, including arid cliffs, hidden monasteries, and panoramic mountain views.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Spend the day exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel and preparing for your trek. A pre-trek briefing will be held in the evening.
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Meanwhile, trekking permits for Upper Mustang will be processed.
Take a scenic flight to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city. Enjoy the views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and relax by Phewa Lake.
An early morning flight takes you to Jomsom, where you start your trek towards Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Walk along the Kali Gandaki River, passing through picturesque villages.
Entering the restricted region, the trail follows desert-like terrain with stunning rock formations. Pass villages like Tangbe and Chhusang before reaching Chele.
The trail climbs through barren landscapes, crossing passes like Taklam La (3,624m) and Dajori La (3,735m), offering panoramic mountain views before reaching Syangboche.
A steep ascent leads to Nyi La Pass (4,010m) before descending to Ghami, a charming village surrounded by red cliffs and home to the longest mani wall in Mustang.
The route passes through dry plateaus and deep canyons, reaching Tsarang, known for its ancient monasteries, a huge white Dzong, and breathtaking landscapes.
A short trek takes you to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Mustang Kingdom. Explore ancient monasteries and the royal palace.
Enjoy the vibrant Tiji Festival, a three-day celebration featuring Buddhist rituals, masked dances, and cultural performances. This festival represents the victory of good over evil and is a unique experience in the Himalayan kingdom.
Leaving Lo Manthang, the trail follows a different route through beautiful landscapes, passing Ghar Gompa, one of Mustang’s oldest monasteries, before arriving in Dhakmar.
Retrace your steps through rugged terrain and small villages, enjoying the stunning desert scenery and mountain views.
Descend towards Chhusang, passing through dramatic cliffs and colorful rock formations.
The final trekking day follows the Kali Gandaki River back to Jomsom, where you can celebrate the completion of your trek.
Take a morning flight to Pokhara and enjoy a free day to relax by the lake or explore the city.
Return to Kathmandu with time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of your incredible journey to Upper Mustang.
Cost Includes
- Accommodation in hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu with guide plus entry fees
- Climbing permit/if required
- National Park entry Permit / if required
- All land transportation as detailed
- Qualified and experienced guide
- All accommodation in tea houses and tented camps as per the itinerary
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
- Cook, Sherpa’s and porters services
- Transportation, meals, accommodation, allowance, equipment and insurance for all the staff Trekking camping equipment (tent, mattress, pillow, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, shower tent, table with chairs, all kitchen gear/utensils when camping
- Fixed rope for climbing / if climbing
- Garbage deposit fee when required
- All official paper work and all applicable government taxes
- Airport transfers
- Sleeping bag, down jacket, rucksack if required
Cost Excludes
- Meals other than breakfast when staying in hotel
- Personal expenses and bar bills
- Clients’ travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Equipment
General
- Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for rent
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available form an additional cost
- Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap
- Knitted hat/Beanie
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
Torso
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Fleece jacket or pullover
Lower Body
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Hiking pants (2)
- Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell pants
- Hiking shorts
Hands
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
- Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
Feet
- Wool or technical fabric warm socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks (optional such as silk)
- Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
- Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes (For trekking from November to March, it's recommended to include Ice Cleats/ Micro Spikes to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
- Casual shoes
- Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
Undergarments
- Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
- Sports bras (women)
- Pajamas or sleeping clothes
Optional
- Power bank or extra batteries
- Cameras and mobile phone
- Cards/book
Peak climbing gear
- Climbing boot
- Crampons and harness
- Hiking boot,slippers
- Carabiners 4 pes (2 lock 2 onlock)
- Ascending device jumar
- Descending device ACT and figure of 8
- Helmet ,ice axe and sleeping bag
- Hiking sucks and warm wool sucks
- Warm expedition gloves and thin treking gloves
- Wind proof pant and jacket
- downsuit,expedition bag 50 ltrs for more then 7000 mt
- expedition down jacket for more then 7000 mt
Customer Reviews
Best Trekking experience in my life Oct 2025 • Friends I did the Mera Peak trek with Always Himalaya Trek and it was an amazing experience. From the start, everything felt very personal and well orgRead more
Conal higney
united kingdom
Best Trekking company I have been on 3 treks with Sitaram; Langtang, Annapurna Circuit, and Mera Peak, all of which have been amazing. My most recent Trek was to the top of Mera Peak, the higheRead more
Gerard Melly
Ireland
We recently traveled to Nepal with “Always Himalaya Trek”, managed by Mr. Sitaram Karki, and had an amazing experience. From the warm traditional welcome at the airport to well-organized tRead more
Shamshuddin imamsaheb Kunnibhavi
India