The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a captivating blend of cultural immersion and Himalayan adventure, leading trekkers into the once-forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang, Nepal. This 18-day journey is centered around the sacred Tiji Festival, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist celebration held annually in the walled city of Lo-Manthang. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and features mesmerizing mask dances, chants, and age-old rituals performed by monks in vibrant traditional attire.
Beyond the spiritual spectacle, this trek offers breathtaking views of the trans-Himalayan desert, eroded cliffs, and remote Tibetan-style villages nestled in rugged valleys. Along the trail, you’ll pass through sacred monasteries, mysterious caves, and high mountain passes, all while experiencing the unique culture and traditions of the Mustang region. The Tiji Festival Trek is a rare opportunity to witness one of the last untouched Tibetan civilizations in the heart of the Himalayas.
The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek begins in Kathmandu, with sightseeing and preparation before driving to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. From Pokhara, a short scenic flight takes you to Jomsom, the starting point of the trek. The journey then ascends through the windswept Kali Gandaki Valley to Kagbeni, the entry to Upper Mustang.
From Kagbeni, the trek follows an ancient salt trade route through unique trans-Himalayan terrain and Tibetan-influenced villages like Chele, Shyangbochen, and Dhakmar, eventually reaching Lo-Manthang. Here, you will spend three days witnessing the sacred Tiji Festival and exploring the walled city. The return journey takes a different route via Ghami and Samar, allowing trekkers to discover more of Mustang’s mystical landscape before concluding the trek at Jomsom and flying back to Pokhara.
This moderately challenging trek reaches elevations above 3,800 meters and covers a blend of cultural landmarks, spiritual experiences, and arid Himalayan scenery that is unlike anywhere else in Nepal.
If you need any further information, please feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone/WhatsApp at +977-9851013072.
Q: What is the Tiji Festival?
A: The Tiji Festival is a sacred Tibetan Buddhist celebration held annually in Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang. It commemorates the victory of Dorje Jono over evil forces and features elaborate mask dances, rituals, and chants performed by monks in colorful costumes.
Q: When does the Tiji Festival take place?
A: The festival follows the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually occurring in May, though the exact dates vary each year. It spans three days and attracts both local villagers and international trekkers.
Q: Do I need a special permit to trek to Lo-Manthang?
A: Yes, trekkers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang (USD 500 for 10 days) and an ACAP permit (Approx. USD 30). These are arranged by us and included in most packages.
Q: How difficult is the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek?
A: This is a moderate trek suitable for trekkers with a good fitness level. Daily trekking involves 5–7 hours of walking across rugged, dry terrain at altitudes between 2,800m to 3,900m.
Q: Is altitude sickness a concern on this trek?
A: While the altitude is not extremely high compared to other Himalayan treks, you will still be trekking above 3,000 meters. Acclimatization days and a gradual ascent help reduce the risk, but it’s important to stay hydrated and recognize symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Q: What kind of accommodation is available?
A: Accommodation during the trek is in basic teahouses or lodges, with twin-sharing rooms. In Pokhara and Kathmandu, you’ll stay in 2-star or tourist-standard hotels.
Q: Can flights to/from Jomsom be delayed?
A: Yes, Jomsom flights are weather-dependent and may be delayed or canceled due to wind or visibility issues. It’s wise to keep a buffer day in your itinerary if possible.
Q: What meals are included in the trek?
A: You’ll receive three meals a day during the trek—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—along with tea, coffee, cookies, and seasonal fruits. Meals are prepared in teahouses and include traditional Nepali and Tibetan dishes.
Q: What is the best time to do this trek?
A: The best time is May, specifically aligning with the Tiji Festival. The dry and stable weather in the Upper Mustang rain shadow region makes it ideal for trekking during this time.
Q: Is the Tiji Festival Trek suitable for solo travelers?
A: Yes, but due to permit requirements, solo trekkers must join a registered trekking agency such as Nepal Treks and Tour. Group treks are also available and can enhance the cultural experience.
All foreign nationals (except Indian citizens) require a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, or at land border crossings. Tourist visas are available for 15, 30, or 90 days and cost USD 30, 50, or 125 respectively. Carry a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) and a passport-size photo. For longer stays or multiple entries, apply at the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country or extend your visa in Kathmandu.
Travel insurance is mandatory for the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek. Your insurance must cover high-altitude trekking (up to 4,000 meters), medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and flight delays. Be sure to carry a digital and printed copy of your policy, and check with your provider that trekking in Upper Mustang is included in the coverage.
This trek is moderately challenging and suitable for those with basic trekking experience and a good fitness level. You should be comfortable hiking for 5–7 hours per day on varied terrain. Regular cardio, leg strength exercises, and walking practice before the trek are recommended. Consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, especially those related to altitude or heart health.
The best time for the Tiji Festival Trek is in May, which falls in Nepal’s spring season. The Upper Mustang region lies in a rain shadow, making the weather dry, with clear skies and warm days. Daytime temperatures can reach 15–20°C, while nights can drop to 0–5°C. Windy and dusty conditions are common, so layered clothing, windproof jackets, and sunglasses are essential.
The trek gradually ascends to an altitude of 3,810 meters in Lo-Manthang, which poses a mild risk of Altitude Sickness (AMS). Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a slow ascent help reduce the risk. Trekkers should avoid alcohol and sleep at lower altitudes when possible. Your guide will monitor symptoms and advise if AMS occurs.
Upper Mustang is a culturally preserved Tibetan Buddhist region. Show respect by dressing modestly, especially at monasteries and during the Tiji Festival. Always ask permission before taking photographs of locals or religious ceremonies. Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, and refrain from touching sacred artifacts. Observing local customs and traditions will enrich your experience.
Tipping is customary in Nepal’s trekking industry. Though not mandatory, it is a sign of appreciation for good service. We recommend budgeting USD 5–10 per day for guides and USD 3–6 per day for porters, depending on group size and service quality. Tips are usually given at the end of the trek in a group ceremony.
Nepal is generally safe for travelers, and Upper Mustang is a secure trekking destination. Always follow your guide’s instructions and stick to the trail. Avoid trekking alone and keep your valuables locked in hotel safes in cities. Carry a copy of your passport and travel insurance, and keep emergency contact numbers with you.
The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but not in Upper Mustang. Carry enough cash in small denominations before starting the trek. Most teahouses accept Nepali Rupees only and do not take credit cards. Currency exchange is best done in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The package includes tourist bus travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back, and domestic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom. While scenic, flights to Jomsom are weather-dependent and subject to delays. Ground transportation in cities is by private vehicle or tourist coach.
Electricity is available in teahouses along the route, but power outages can occur. Charging facilities for phones and batteries are usually available for a small fee. Bring a universal adapter, power bank, and extra camera batteries as charging points may be limited at higher altitudes.
The Tiji Festival is the main cultural highlight of this trek and is celebrated with spiritual dances, chants, and rituals in Lo-Manthang. The date changes annually (usually in May). In addition, Nepal celebrates festivals like Buddha Jayanti, Holi, and Dashain, which may coincide with your trip and affect transportation and services.
During the trek, you’ll be served three meals daily, typically consisting of Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, bread, rice, potatoes, vegetables, and eggs. Tea, coffee, cookies, and seasonal fruits are also provided. Meals are freshly prepared in teahouses, and vegetarian options are widely available. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can enjoy a wide variety of international cuisine.
Flight delays or cancellations between Pokhara and Jomsom are common due to weather. Trekkers should plan for potential changes in the itinerary. It’s wise to include a buffer day at the end of your trip. In case of trip cancellation due to weather or personal reasons, refund policies vary,
Nepali is the national language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by guides. In Upper Mustang, people also speak Loba or Tibetan dialects. Internet and mobile connectivity are limited during the trek. Major towns may offer Wi-Fi at teahouses, but connections are slow and sometimes unreliable. Local SIM cards with mobile data are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
A detailed list of essential gear including layered clothing, hiking boots, windproof jackets, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, sleeping bag, trekking poles, and personal medication helps trekkers come well-prepared. Mention if any equipment is provided or available for rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Include information on the experience, training, and language proficiency of your trekking guides. Clarify luggage weight limits, how much porters carry (usually 10–12 kg per person), and what guests should carry themselves (daypacks with water, camera, rain jacket, etc.).
Mention if your guides carry a mobile phone, satellite phone, or first-aid kit. Also clarify what support is available in case of emergencies like altitude sickness or flight delays, including evacuation procedures.
State whether solo travelers can join group departures or require a minimum group size due to permit requirements. Also include average group size, and whether it’s possible to organize private or custom departures.
Encourage eco-conscious travel with guidance on plastic reduction, waste management, and respecting wildlife and local customs.
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