A Journey of Culture, Spirit, and Himalayan Wonder

Each year, deep within the former Kingdom of Lo, the walled city of Lo Manthang comes alive with one of the Himalaya’s most captivating cultural celebrations - the Tiji Festival. For three unforgettable days, monks gather in vibrant crimson robes, long horns echo across the palace courtyard, and masked dancers re-enact ancient Buddhist legends of renewal and protection. The atmosphere is powerful and deeply emotional: a blend of devotion, colour, ritual, and community spirit that draws travellers into a world rarely seen so intimately.

Witnessing Tiji is not simply observing a festival - it's becoming part of a tradition cherished for centuries. As the dances unfold, you feel the rhythm of the drums reverberate through the courtyard, the energy of the crowd rising with every movement, and the palpable connection between the people of Mustang and the stories passed down through generations. Travellers often describe these moments as some of the most meaningful cultural experiences of their lives: immersive, humbling, and profoundly moving.

Surrounding this extraordinary celebration is the striking beauty of Upper Mustang, a region shaped by wind, stone, and ancient history. Beyond the festival walls lies a landscape unlike anywhere else in Nepal - broad desert valleys, towering cliffs streaked with reds and golds, and quiet monasteries nestled into the mountainsides. This is a place where Tibetan Buddhist culture thrives, preserved through centuries of isolation and protected by the resilience of its people.

The journey through Mustang is an experience in itself. Travellers trek through remote villages where mud-brick homes glow softly in the afternoon light, chortens stand proudly along the trails, and prayer flags flutter against a backdrop of endless sky. The terrain is vast and serene, offering moments of stillness that feel both grounding and awe-inspiring.

Along the way, traditional tea houses provide warmth, comfort, and genuine hospitality. Here, evenings settle into stories shared by the hearth, simple meals cooked with care, and the quiet peace of life in the high desert.

For those seeking a journey that blends deep cultural connection with breath taking natural beauty, the Tiji Festival & Upper Mustang experience stands apart. It is a rare opportunity to witness a living tradition at its most vibrant while exploring one of the Himalaya’s most remarkable landscapes. This is a journey that touches the heart as much as the senses - one that lingers long after you leave the ancient kingdom behind.

• The festival commemorates the victory of Dorjee Sonnu, an incarnation of Lord Buddha, over the demon Man Tam Ru, who brought destruction, storms, and droughts to Mustang.

• “Tiji” is derived from Tempa Chirim, meaning “Prayer for World Peace”, reflecting the festival’s spiritual purpose.

• Historically, it began as a religious ritual to ward off misfortune and suffering, and over time it became a symbol of hope, resilience, and stability for the people of Mustang.

• Witness the colourful three day Tiji Festival in the walled city of Lo-Manthang.

• Experience sacred masked dances and rituals performed by monks of Choedhe Monastery.

• Enjoy a rare cultural immersion with the people of Mustang during their most important festival.

• Walk through dramatic Himalayan landscapes in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

• Explore the ancient royal palace and monasteries of Upper Mustang.

• Discover remote Tibetan-influenced villages, caves, and centuries-old traditions.

• Scenic flight and drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest.

• A perfect blend of cultural exploration and high Himalayan adventure.

Best Season: May (Tiji Festival)

Starting Point: Kathmandu (1,338m)

Ending Point: Kathmandu (1,338m)

Maximum Altitude: Syanbochen – 3,800m

Tiji Festival Dates 2026: May 14–16

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Total walking distance: 140 Km approx

Average Trekking Hours: 5–7 hours per day

• Activity: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Warm welcome by our representative and transfer to hotel.

• Accommodation: 4-star Good Tourist hotel Kathmandu.

• Meals: None included.

• Highlights: Evening walk around Thamel markets.

• Altitude Change: Arrival at 1,400m (no trekking today).

• Activity: Guided city tour of Kathmandu including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Durbar Square. Prepare trekking gear and check permits.

• Accommodation: Good Tourist  hotel in Kathmandu.

• Meals: Breakfast and Cultural dinner tonight

• Walking Distance: 3–5 km around Kathmandu.

• Altitude Change: Remains at 1,400m.

• Activity: Scenic Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara

• Accommodation: Lakeside hotel in Pokhara.

• Meals: Breakfast included.

• Walking Distance: Minimal; optional walk along Phewa Lake.

• Altitude Change: Descend ~500m (from 1,400m to 900m).

• Activity: Morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (25 min). Begin trek to Kagbeni via Marpha.

• Trekking Distance: ~16 km

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Gain: +800 m (from 2,000m at Jomsom to 2,800m at Kagbeni)

• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge in Kagbeni.

• Meals: Breakfast included, lunch & dinner

• Highlights: Kali Gandaki River, apple orchards of Marpha, traditional Thakali villages.

• Trekking Distance: ~10 km

• Trekking Time: 4–5 hours

• Altitude Gain: +250 m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Chele.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Scenic cliffs, view of Mustang landscapes, cultural villages.

• Trekking Distance: ~12 km

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Gain: +750 m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Syanbochen.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Mountain vistas, Mani walls, Buddhist prayer flags.

• Trekking Distance: ~12 km

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Loss: -300m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Dhakmar.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Traditional Tibetan villages, ancient monasteries, panoramic views.

• Trekking Distance: ~10 km

• Trekking Time: 4–5 hours

• Altitude Gain: +100m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Charang.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Charang Monastery, Tibetan culture, Mani walls.

• Trekking Distance: ~12 km

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Gain: +120m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Lo-Manthang.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Ancient walled city, local markets, Tibetan culture.

• Activity: Attend Tiji Festival – a 3-day traditional Tibetan Buddhist festival symbolizing victory of good over evil.

• Walking Distance: Minimal; short walks to festival grounds (~2–3 km/day).

• Accommodation: Lodge in Lo-Manthang.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Masked dances, cultural rituals, local festivities.

• Trekking Distance: ~10 km

• Trekking Time: 4–5 hours

• Altitude Loss: -210 m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Ghami

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Scenic trails, Ghami Monastery, traditional houses.

• Trekking Distance: ~12 km

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Gain: +110m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Samar

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Traditional Mustang villages, monastery visits.

• Trekking Distance: ~14 km

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Loss: -640m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Chhusang

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Scenic valley, cliff-side villages, cultural interaction.

• Jeep drive to Muktinath

• Altitude Gain: +720 m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Muktinath

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

• Highlights: Sacred temple for Hindus and Buddhists, panoramic views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.

• Trekking Distance: ~16 km

• Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Loss: -980m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Jomsom

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Highlights: Return to Kali Gandaki valley, mountain views, riverside trail.

• Activity: Morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

• Accommodation: Good Tourist hotel in Pokhara

• Meals: Breakfast included

• Walking Distance: Minimal

• Activity: Flight to Kathmandu (30 mins)

• Accommodation: Good Tourist hotel in Kathmandu

• Meals: Breakfast, Cultural Dinner

• Activity: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for onward flight.

• Meals: Breakfast included

• Walking Distance: Minimal