The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek is a rare Himalayan adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes with one of Nepal’s most spectacular cultural events. Journey deep into Upper Mustang, the legendary Forbidden Kingdom, where ancient Tibetan traditions remain alive in walled cities, centuries-old monasteries, and remote villages.
The highlight of this trek is the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang – a vibrant three-day Buddhist celebration featuring colorful masked dances, sacred rituals, and the dramatic retelling of an ancient myth symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Set against the backdrop of Mustang’s arid cliffs, wind-sculpted valleys, and snow-capped peaks, this once-in-a-lifetime journey offers both cultural immersion and Himalayan adventure.
Best experienced in April–May, this trek is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of spirituality, history, and stunning mountain scenery in one unforgettable trip.
Witness the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang – Experience one of the most colorful and spiritual events in the Himalayas, where Tibetan Buddhist monks perform sacred masked dances and rituals to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Explore Upper Mustang – Nepal’s Forbidden Kingdom – Trek through one of Nepal’s most restricted and culturally preserved regions, rich in Tibetan heritage and centuries-old traditions.
Discover Lo Manthang, the Walled City – Wander through medieval alleys, visit the royal palace, and explore ancient monasteries in Mustang’s legendary capital.
Unforgettable Himalayan Landscapes – Enjoy panoramic views of wind-eroded cliffs, barren plateaus, deep canyons, and the snow-covered peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Visit Ancient Cave Monasteries – Explore hidden cave dwellings and sacred sites carved into Mustang’s dramatic cliffs.
Cultural Immersion with the Loba People – Experience authentic village life and traditions that have remained unchanged for generations.
Moderate-Grade Himalayan Trek – Suitable for fit trekkers, with scenic trails crossing mountain passes between 3,500 and 4,000 meters, without technical climbing.
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You will be transferred to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is free to rest, acclimatize, and prepare for your Upper Mustang adventure. You may explore the local area or attend a briefing session with your guide to discuss the trek details.
Today is a free day to relax and explore Kathmandu at your own pace. Meanwhile, we will process your permits and entry documents required for the Upper Mustang region. This is a great opportunity to visit local markets, cultural sites, or prepare your gear for the upcoming trek.
After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable tourist bus journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, lasting approximately 6 to 7 hours. Lunch will be served en route. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in to your hotel and take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Phewa Lake, one of Nepal’s most beautiful natural attractions. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before resting overnight at your hotel.
Take an early morning scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, gateway to Upper Mustang. From Jomsom, begin your trek with a 4-hour walk to Kagbeni, a traditional village situated at 2,800 meters altitude. Enjoy your first night in a comfortable lodge and a hearty meal as you acclimatize to the Mustang region.
After breakfast, take a jeep transfer from Kagbeni to Chuksang at 3,030 meters. From Chuksang, embark on a scenic 4-hour trek to Samar, located at 3,150 meters. Spend the night in a cozy lodge and enjoy a traditional meal, surrounded by stunning Upper Mustang landscapes.
Today, enjoy a 5 to 6-hour trek from Samar to Geling, ascending to an altitude of 3,570 meters. Along the way, explore the fascinating Chhungsi Cave, a unique spiritual site nestled in the cliffs. Overnight stay and dinner will be at a comfortable lodge in Geling, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Upper Mustang.
Embark on a 5 to 6-hour trek from Geling to Dhakmar, reaching an altitude of 3,820 meters. Enjoy stunning views of the rugged Upper Mustang landscape along the way. Overnight stay and dinner will be at a local lodge in Dhakmar, providing a cozy and authentic Himalayan experience.
Today, trek for 6 to 7 hours from Dhakmar to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. Along the route, visit Ghargumpa, the oldest Tibetan monastery in Mustang, rich in history and spiritual significance. Overnight stay and dinner will be at a comfortable lodge in Lo Manthang, surrounded by the region’s unique cultural heritage.
Spend a leisurely morning exploring the historic capital of Mustang, Lo Manthang, at your own pace. In the afternoon, attend the vibrant first day of the Tiji Festival (Tenji), a unique Tibetan Buddhist celebration featuring colorful masked dances and sacred rituals. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the same lodge in Lo Manthang.
In the morning, transfer to the traditional village of Lo Choser to explore its ancient caves and monasteries, rich with Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Return to Lo Manthang in the afternoon to attend the second day of the Tiji Festival (Tenji), featuring sacred masked dances and vibrant cultural rituals. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the same lodge in Lo Manthang.
After breakfast, visit the ancient 11th-century monasteries of Lo Manthang, rich in history and Tibetan Buddhist art. In the afternoon, attend the third and final day of the Tiji Festival (Tenji), witnessing the concluding sacred dances and ceremonies that celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the same lodge in Lo Manthang.
Begin your trek from Lo Manthang to Yara, located at 3,650 meters, with a scenic 5 to 6-hour walk. En route, pass through the charming traditional village of Dhi, offering stunning views and a glimpse into local life. Overnight stay and dinner will be at a comfortable lodge in Yara.
Today, explore the remarkable Luri Monastery and nearby caves, rich in spiritual history and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Afterward, return in a loop trek passing through the traditional village of Gyara, enjoying 5 to 6 hours of scenic walking. Spend the night and enjoy dinner at the same lodge in Yara.
Today, trek for 7 to 8 hours as you descend from Yara to Tangge, entering the beautiful Lower Mustang region. Enjoy stunning views along the way and experience the changing landscapes as you make your way down. Overnight stay and dinner will be at a comfortable lodge in Tangge.
Today is the longest day on the trek, with 8 to 9 hours of walking from Tangge down to Chhuksang. Enjoy the gradual return to more settled areas and the comfort of a warm shower at the lodge. Spend the night and enjoy a well-deserved dinner in a cozy lodge.
Embark on a 5 to 6-hour trek from Chhuksang to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, situated at 3,760 meters. Muktinath is renowned for its religious significance and stunning mountain views. Overnight stay and dinner will be at a comfortable lodge in Muktinath.
On the final day of the trek, enjoy a 5 to 6-hour walk from Muktinath to Jomsom, passing through the charming village of Luphra. Celebrate the completion of your journey with the entire team upon arrival in Jomsom. Overnight stay and dinner will be at a comfortable lodge in Jomsom.
Take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, followed by a connecting flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu on the same day. Upon arrival, transfer to the beautiful historic city of Bhaktapur. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax in this charming UNESCO World Heritage site.
In the morning, transfer to Patan and explore the city’s most beautiful historical sites. Experience a unique Singing Bowl session, a traditional Tibetan sound healing practice. Afterward, return to Bhaktapur for a guided tour of the ancient city, renowned for its rich culture and architecture. The afternoon and evening are free for you to relax or explore on your own.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure flight back home. We wish you a safe journey and fond memories of your unforgettable Mustang adventure.
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