Overview
Ready to explore Upper Mustang like never before?
Come along with us.
Upper Mustang during Tiji Festival becomes a peculiar world of its own. This unique festival is a celebration of the victory of the good over evil. Most beliefs state that Mustang was getting attacked by a demon. But, the incarnation of Lord Buddha, Dorje Jono, got victory over the devil.
During this festival, people wear traditional Tibetan clothes. They dance, sing, and pray. The locals in the Lo Manthang region chant mantras.
As for the trek, our 18-day travel package to Upper Mustang lets you participate in the entire festival with the Buddhist monks in the Royal Mustang Palace.
The trek starts from Kathmandu and ends in the same city. A single day of our trek includes not more than 5 to 7 hours of walking.
But, we can take rest in the local houses of Upper Mustang. During this time, you can learn about the local lifestyle in the Himalayan region.
Flying across the deepest gorge in the world, walking alongside the barren desert, giant canyons and perennial rivers are some of the highlights of this trek.
The Himalayan region offers excellent hospitality. Our travel representatives will make sure to fulfill your needs.
Book our trekking package now to experience Upper Mustang at its full glory. Tiji festival 27th May to 29th May 2022.
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek Facts
- Mani Wall, Ghar Gompa, Jhong Sky Cave, and Royal Mustang Palace are some ancient structures you’re going to encounter on your trek.
- You will reach the first day of the Tiji festival in Royal Mustang Palace, and leave one day after the final day.
- Along with enjoying the Tiji festival in Lo Manthang, you get to explore the village and its nearby valleys within three nights stay.
- Staying three nights in Lo Manthang, two nights in Kagbeni and two nights in Jomsom is included in the package
- During the trek, you’ll get a closer view of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt, Nilgiri
- You will walk several hours beside Kali Gandaki River and can get a few glimpses of the river from a height from Charang
- Apart from trekking in Mustang region, you get to explore the two major tourist attractions in Nepal, Kathmandu, and Pokhara
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m) Welcome to Nepal!
Your trip starts as soon as you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to a hotel in Thamel.
You can spend your evening strolling down the vibrant walkway or enjoy a delicious dinner at nearby restaurants of this bustling tourist area.
Your trip starts as soon as you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to a hotel in Thamel.
You can spend your evening strolling down the vibrant walkway or enjoy a delicious dinner at nearby restaurants of this bustling tourist area.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Next morning, you’ll wake up with the pleasant sound of bells from the neighboring temples. Soon after your morning breakfast, you’ll gather around and a travel leader will guide you to some of the most spiritual and religious sites in the valley.
All of these destinations are listed under the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Firstly, you'll visit the famous sights such as Syambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. You'll also visit Changunarayan Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and finally, the Boudhanath Stupa.
You can have your lunch anywhere during the travel, as per your needs. After the sightseeing trip, we will give you a trek briefing and get you prepared for the trek.
All of these destinations are listed under the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Firstly, you'll visit the famous sights such as Syambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. You'll also visit Changunarayan Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and finally, the Boudhanath Stupa.
You can have your lunch anywhere during the travel, as per your needs. After the sightseeing trip, we will give you a trek briefing and get you prepared for the trek.
Day 3
Drive From Kathmandu to Pokhara (1400m) This day, we will take a flight to Pokhara. Alternatively, we can also arrange a ride to Pokhara via tourist bus. Either way, you’ll get enough time to explore the alluring Phewa Lake via walking along its coast or taking a boat to its other side.
You’ll get to spend the night in a luxurious hotel in the same city and experience its lively locality of Lakeside.
You’ll get to spend the night in a luxurious hotel in the same city and experience its lively locality of Lakeside.
Day 4
Fly to Jomsom (2743m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2804m) The next morning, we’ll wake up early and take a morning flight to Jomsom. The 20-minute flight lets you observe some of the delightful scenarios in the region.
Towards your sideways, you can view the glorious Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range. At the same time, you can have a heavenly view of Kali Gandaki Gorge below.
As soon as we reach the windy valley of Jomson, it’s time to get excited. Why? Because the real trek starts now!
We’ll start walking alongside the great Kali Gandaki river for about 3 to 4 hours until we reach the gateway of Upper Mustang, Kagbeni.
Stationed at the bank of the Kali Gandaki river, which is flowing in a particular corridor from the past 80 million years, Kagbeni is an attractive village with a typical Tibetan lifestyle.
We’ll stay the night in Kagbeni for the day, overlooking the ruins of the old fortress and several flat-roofed houses.
Towards your sideways, you can view the glorious Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range. At the same time, you can have a heavenly view of Kali Gandaki Gorge below.
As soon as we reach the windy valley of Jomson, it’s time to get excited. Why? Because the real trek starts now!
We’ll start walking alongside the great Kali Gandaki river for about 3 to 4 hours until we reach the gateway of Upper Mustang, Kagbeni.
Stationed at the bank of the Kali Gandaki river, which is flowing in a particular corridor from the past 80 million years, Kagbeni is an attractive village with a typical Tibetan lifestyle.
We’ll stay the night in Kagbeni for the day, overlooking the ruins of the old fortress and several flat-roofed houses.
Day 5
Trekking From Kagbeni to Chele (3050m) This day, we’ll be entering the restricted area of Upper Mustang. The question is, are you ready for the adventure?
Starting from Kagbeni, we have to walk alongside the wide Kali Gandaki river basin. The deserted land surrounding the entire trail is pleasant to look at.
After a few hours of proceeding alongside the river, climbing a few barren hills and observing the prehistoric stones, we’ll reach the village of Thangbe.
Around the village, we can view the artistically cultivated land growing buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchard.
You’ll be amazed to see green vegetation subsequently walking through the deserted walkway. Take a few minutes rest at this village and proceed further till we reach Chhusang.
About a kilometer away from Chhusang, we’ll encounter a Kali Gandaki bridge. After crossing the bridge, we’ll leave the river behind and start ascending upwards.
We need to climb a steep rocky gully till we reach the village of Chele. Here we’ll be spending the night. This trek will last about 6 to 7 hours.
Starting from Kagbeni, we have to walk alongside the wide Kali Gandaki river basin. The deserted land surrounding the entire trail is pleasant to look at.
After a few hours of proceeding alongside the river, climbing a few barren hills and observing the prehistoric stones, we’ll reach the village of Thangbe.
Around the village, we can view the artistically cultivated land growing buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchard.
You’ll be amazed to see green vegetation subsequently walking through the deserted walkway. Take a few minutes rest at this village and proceed further till we reach Chhusang.
About a kilometer away from Chhusang, we’ll encounter a Kali Gandaki bridge. After crossing the bridge, we’ll leave the river behind and start ascending upwards.
We need to climb a steep rocky gully till we reach the village of Chele. Here we’ll be spending the night. This trek will last about 6 to 7 hours.
Day 6
Trekking From Chele to Syangboche (3800m) Waking up with a fresh breeze is a pleasant way to start your morning in Chele, a small village of Mustang.
Our trek for this day includes climbing through several ridges and descending from the sparsely populated villages along the way.
We begin our trek passing through the enormous canyons and barren landscapes. Hiking upwards leads us to Samar, a village right below the gigantic mountains.
The next walking trail takes us inside a rich forest until we reach Bhena. It’s a small tea-stop from where we’ll catch sight of the scenic view.
We ascend and descend the steep hills multiple times before finally reaching Syangbochen. This village is much sparsely populated but has several artistic illustrations.
This 6-hour trek may bring pleasure to our eyes, but causes torture to our legs. So getting rest in Syangboche is necessary.
Our trek for this day includes climbing through several ridges and descending from the sparsely populated villages along the way.
We begin our trek passing through the enormous canyons and barren landscapes. Hiking upwards leads us to Samar, a village right below the gigantic mountains.
The next walking trail takes us inside a rich forest until we reach Bhena. It’s a small tea-stop from where we’ll catch sight of the scenic view.
We ascend and descend the steep hills multiple times before finally reaching Syangbochen. This village is much sparsely populated but has several artistic illustrations.
This 6-hour trek may bring pleasure to our eyes, but causes torture to our legs. So getting rest in Syangboche is necessary.
Day 7
Trekking From Syanboche to Ghami (3520m) This day requires a long-distance trek but has an easy path. We’ll start with a light breakfast in Syangboche and walk through a large barren land with a cool breeze.
We’ll reach Ghiling after a short trek, where we can enjoy a heavy lunch to boost our stamina. From Ghiling, we’ll ascend a criss-cross way to reach Jaite.
From Jaite, we’ll walk alongside a narrow lowland to reach Nyi La and to reach a turning. From the turning, we’ll start seeing the vegetation of Ghami.
We’ll reach Ghami after 5 hours of trek. Ghami is a small picturesque village on the bank of a stream flowing from the Dhaulagiri Range.
Since we’ll arrive early at this place, the scenic view of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and other mountains will welcome us. This will be our resting place for the day.
We’ll reach Ghiling after a short trek, where we can enjoy a heavy lunch to boost our stamina. From Ghiling, we’ll ascend a criss-cross way to reach Jaite.
From Jaite, we’ll walk alongside a narrow lowland to reach Nyi La and to reach a turning. From the turning, we’ll start seeing the vegetation of Ghami.
We’ll reach Ghami after 5 hours of trek. Ghami is a small picturesque village on the bank of a stream flowing from the Dhaulagiri Range.
Since we’ll arrive early at this place, the scenic view of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and other mountains will welcome us. This will be our resting place for the day.
Day 8
Trekking From Ghami to Charang (3560m) Moving further from Ghami, we can cross a large steel bridge above the Tangmar Chu river and pass a criss-cross road. We need to climb a plateau observing few vegetations alongside.
A few minutes ahead, we’ll see the Mani Wall. This wall is considered the longest prayer wall in Nepal.
Move further ahead until we reach a narrow way and climb up a distance and we’ll reach a pass. We won’t see greenery for a while now.
After a few hours of trekking through a narrow pathway and several ascends and descends on the barren land, we’ll start seeing the Kali Gandaki river once again.
Walking along the Kali Gandaki corridor will take us to the village of Charang. Here we can visit ancient monasteries and palaces that are its main attractions.
At this point, we’ll be getting closer to our destination. The next day, we’ll reach the Lo Manthang, where Tiji Festival takes place.
A few minutes ahead, we’ll see the Mani Wall. This wall is considered the longest prayer wall in Nepal.
Move further ahead until we reach a narrow way and climb up a distance and we’ll reach a pass. We won’t see greenery for a while now.
After a few hours of trekking through a narrow pathway and several ascends and descends on the barren land, we’ll start seeing the Kali Gandaki river once again.
Walking along the Kali Gandaki corridor will take us to the village of Charang. Here we can visit ancient monasteries and palaces that are its main attractions.
At this point, we’ll be getting closer to our destination. The next day, we’ll reach the Lo Manthang, where Tiji Festival takes place.
Day 9
Trekking From Charang to Lo Manthang (3800m) This day we’ll head towards the Lo Manthang village.
We’ll descend to a canyon and ascend till we reach the Lo La Pass, 3950m.
From this height, view the Lo Manthang village. A few hours of trek will take us to this gorgeous village. The whole place has only one entrance.
After resting for a while, we can witness the start of the Tiji Festival, which starts at 3 pm. We can enjoy and participate in the festival with the local monks.
We’ll stay overnight there for the next two nights as well.
We’ll descend to a canyon and ascend till we reach the Lo La Pass, 3950m.
From this height, view the Lo Manthang village. A few hours of trek will take us to this gorgeous village. The whole place has only one entrance.
After resting for a while, we can witness the start of the Tiji Festival, which starts at 3 pm. We can enjoy and participate in the festival with the local monks.
We’ll stay overnight there for the next two nights as well.
Day 10
Observe 2nd Day of Tiji Festival This day, we can dance with the locals in the Mustang Royal Palace of Lo Manthang.
But first, we can explore the surrounding of this village. Some of its main attractions are the Tall Champa Lakhang, the Red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Palace, and the Raja’s Palace.
Some villages near Lo Manthang are Tingkhar and Chhosar. They both feature multiple stupas and scenic beauty.
Chhosar is famous for its 2500-year-old Jhong Sky Cave that features 44 compartments. After a while, we’ll return to the Mustang Royal Palace. On our return, we can also witness the mask dance by the experts.
But first, we can explore the surrounding of this village. Some of its main attractions are the Tall Champa Lakhang, the Red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Palace, and the Raja’s Palace.
Some villages near Lo Manthang are Tingkhar and Chhosar. They both feature multiple stupas and scenic beauty.
Chhosar is famous for its 2500-year-old Jhong Sky Cave that features 44 compartments. After a while, we’ll return to the Mustang Royal Palace. On our return, we can also witness the mask dance by the experts.
Day 11
Observe Last Day of Tiji Festival This day will be the final day of the Tiji Festival and also our stay in Lo Manthang. We will start off by exploring the famous Summer Palace, situated in Tingkhar. But, the palace is abandoned now.
Alternatively, we can climb up the viewpoint hill situated in the North of the village. From there, we will get to view the famous valley and snow-capped mountains at a distance.
We’ll end the day watching the final day of the Tiji Festival. We’ll be descending all the way back to where we started our trip.
Alternatively, we can climb up the viewpoint hill situated in the North of the village. From there, we will get to view the famous valley and snow-capped mountains at a distance.
We’ll end the day watching the final day of the Tiji Festival. We’ll be descending all the way back to where we started our trip.
Day 12
Descend Trek From Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3820m) We will take a different route to descend from the Lo Manthang village. We will walk westward through a terrain that leads us to a famous monastery in the region, Ghar Gompa.
Padmasambhava, an incarnated monk, built the 7th-century stupa.
After having lunch in a village near this famous stupa, we will walk further downhill towards the village of Dhakmar. The trek requires 9 hours of hiking via steep hills.
We’ll spend the night at Dhakmar and get ready to return back to our initial destination.
Padmasambhava, an incarnated monk, built the 7th-century stupa.
After having lunch in a village near this famous stupa, we will walk further downhill towards the village of Dhakmar. The trek requires 9 hours of hiking via steep hills.
We’ll spend the night at Dhakmar and get ready to return back to our initial destination.
Day 13
Trekking From Dhakmar to Samar (3540m) Waking up and descending further down to Samar will take us 6 hours. At first, we need to get to Ghami, where we will stay for a night on our way upwards.
We can have our meal in Ghami. The route from Ghami is the same that we took while ascending.
We’ll encounter several monasteries, stupas and other attractions on the way. After passing from the Nyi La pass, we’ll walk further towards the South till we reach Samar.
We can have our meal in Ghami. The route from Ghami is the same that we took while ascending.
We’ll encounter several monasteries, stupas and other attractions on the way. After passing from the Nyi La pass, we’ll walk further towards the South till we reach Samar.
Day 14
Trekking From Samar to Kagbeni (2800m) This day, we trek back to Chhusang and further down to Kagbeni. we descend a steep pathway until we cross Chele and cross Kali Gandaki Bridge.
We’ll encounter the river once again. We’ll then need to follow the road alongside Kali Gandaki until we ride the plane back to Pokhara.
We’ll have our meal and we’ll walk further till we reach Kagbeni.
The entire trek will take us 7 hours to complete.
We can meet with the locals once again.
We’ll encounter the river once again. We’ll then need to follow the road alongside Kali Gandaki until we ride the plane back to Pokhara.
We’ll have our meal and we’ll walk further till we reach Kagbeni.
The entire trek will take us 7 hours to complete.
We can meet with the locals once again.
Day 15
Trekking From Kagbeni to Jomsom (2720m) This day, we’ll travel back to the headquarters of Mustang district, Jomsom village. It just takes us four hours of walking alongside the mighty Kali Gandaki river to reach here.
Once we’re in Jomsom, we can enjoy the famous apples of this place.
Also, the village is famous for its strong winds blowing during the midday.
Once we’re in Jomsom, we can enjoy the famous apples of this place.
Also, the village is famous for its strong winds blowing during the midday.
Day 16
Flight From Jomsom to Pokhara (1400m) This day, we’ll take an early flight to Pokhara from Jomsom Airport. On our way, we can get a glimpse of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest Gorge in the world.
Once we return back to Pokhara, we can visit some of the major points of attraction in the tourist capital of Nepal.
Here, we can visit the famous Peace Stupa, climb up hills to Sarangkot, or visit all the caves situated within the city. We’ll do as you prefer.
During the evening, we can stroll alongside the mighty Phewa Lake.
Once we return back to Pokhara, we can visit some of the major points of attraction in the tourist capital of Nepal.
Here, we can visit the famous Peace Stupa, climb up hills to Sarangkot, or visit all the caves situated within the city. We’ll do as you prefer.
During the evening, we can stroll alongside the mighty Phewa Lake.
Day 17
Flight From Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m) We’ll have to return to Kathmandu this day, either by flight. The flight takes only about 20 minutes its scnic flight as you can see mountains form the window. Upon landed in Kathmandu our airport pick up is waiting for you take from airport to Hotel.
After you’ve returned to Kathmandu, you can relax.
You can walk around Thamel and visit clubs or enjoy a massage at a spa.
After you’ve returned to Kathmandu, you can relax.
You can walk around Thamel and visit clubs or enjoy a massage at a spa.
Day 18
Final Departure - Trek Ends On the final day, we bid farewell to you by dropping you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
What is Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
- Three night standards Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
- Fresh fruit after the dinner every night.
- Trekking lodge (Tea house) accommodations during the trek.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit & special Upper Mustang permit.
- Tourist bus to Pokhara and flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu including airport transfer.
- Flight ticket ( Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara) with airport pickup and drop and airport tax included.
- A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, well English speaking well trained, Government License holder mountain guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- A Strong, helpful porter with proper equipment (one porter for two people).
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company.
- Sleeping bags, Down Jacket, Duffel bag and Walking Poles (if you needed, to be returned after the trip)
- Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed). Using these 3 items you pay $10 USD each as maintenance and washing charge.
- Nepal Eco Adventure branded t-shirt and cap.
- Government taxes, service change and official expenses.
- Two night’s standard hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour with private vehicle.
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Assistant guide group size above 6+ persons.
What is Excluded
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu Lunch and Dinner.
- Meals in Pokhara.
- Nepal entry visa $50 USD for 30 days visa on arrival.
- Your Travel and Medical Insurance.
- International Airfare.
- Your Personal Expenses.
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the Tea Houses)
- Desserts sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected)
- Kathmandu sightseeing monument entrance fees $30 USD per person.
- Excess baggage more than 15kg for Jomsom flight.
Departures
Can I Skip Travelling and Instead Opt for a Shorter Trek Duration?
The standard trekking for Upper Mustang to attend Tiji Festival is between 18 to 20 days. You can shorten or elongate the trek as per your ease.
However, shrinking down the trekking days might lead you to exhaustion due to walking for more than 8-9 hours on a single day.
Therefore, although we can arrange a shorter trekking period, we strongly recommend that you follow the proper guidelines and manage at least 18 days for a smooth trek.
Can I Visit The Famous Muktinath Temple On My Way Back to Kagbeni?
Yes, you can visit the temple. But, it is not possible on the same day you reach Kagbeni. Since Muktinath is a few kilometers away from the village, it takes a couple more hours to reach our destination.
You can, however, visit the temple the next day before trekking back to Jomsom. It only takes about 3 hours to reach Jomsom from Kagbeni. Thus, you can wake up early and check Muktinath on the same day.
Is it Safe to Travel From Kathmandu to Pokhara via Bus?
Yes, it is! You can travel via a tourist bus between these two cities. Such buses give the highest priority to safety. Unlike other local vehicles that are too risky to ride, you won’t face such issues in tourist buses.
But, if you’re feeling unsafe to travel via bus, you can take the other option. Taking flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is provided in our itinerary. You can opt for any one of these accordingly.
However, there will be a pricing difference between these two travel options.
More Info
- Tiji festival lasts 3 days and takes place in Mustang Royal Palace during May
- You’ll get to sing and dance along with local Monks at the festival
- Trip includes visiting the famous ancient Chosar caves and Muktinath Temple
- Sightseeing of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and nearby mountain ranges
- Trekking alongside the gorgeous landscape in the high-altitude of Himalaya
- Explore Lo Manthang, Kali Gandaki Gorge and its nearby old monasteries
- Exploring the popular tourist destinations in Nepal, Kathmandu, and Pokhara
Write a Review