Tiji Festival in Lomonthang, Upper Mustsng

19 Days
Activity:
  • Tiji Festival in Lomonthang, Upper Mustsng

Overview

Upper Mustang is also called the hidden Himalayan valley at the North of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Range. there is in the rain-shadow area of Nepal so it is called the dessert land of Nepal. Here people are called Lo who are influenced by Tibetan Buddhist, Religion, and Culture. Lo people believe that they are celebrating the Tiji festival since the 15th Century. Celebrated at the courtyard of the king’s palace, this is the most important festival around this valley. All the people from seven villages of Upper Mustang participate in this festival. Tiji festival begins as a religious ceremony around this valley during the month of May. It is 3 days ceremony. All the people are seen wearing a colorful custom dress when they dance at the town Square in Lo-manthang.

The story behind the festival is related to the victory of the god's power against the evil power and is surrounded around the theme of rebirth. People pray strongly for Hope, Peace, and Prosperity of the people residing here during the occasion. After prayer, they believe that God will protect the village from evil eyes or evil power. The region becomes crowded during this festival as people from the local area as well as from other parts of the world to gather here for the celebration.
Not only the festival, but visitors can also visit many other interesting places like ancient caves, thousands of old Buddhist monastery, painted cave, etc. If time suits, Damodar Kunda, the source of the Kaligandaki holi river can be visited. On the way, panoramic mountain views, valleys, terrace fields, wooden bridge, sheepherding, mountain goats, a bunch of yaks and cows can be seen. Animal husbandry is the major source of income for mountain people.

Trip Duration 19 Days
Activity Nepal Trekking
Accommodation Normal tea houses
Start - End Kagbeni in Mustang - Jomsom in Mustang
Group Size Min 2 Px
Max. Altitude 3730 m
Trip Season During the Month of May

Tiji Festival in Lomonthang, Upper Mustang Trek Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m) and Transfer to the Hotel

Arrival and Pick up from the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. The hotel is around 30 minutes drive from the airport on our private transportation. At the hotel, you are checked in and welcomed by a welcome drink, snack and dinner in the evening. In the evening you can visit some pretty famous bars and pubs in the town which are at walking distance from the hotel. Also, you can visit some shops that contain paintings and artifacts that describe Nepal in various ways.

Accommodation in Hotel

Dinner Included.

Day 02:  Sightseeing in Kathmandu and  Preparation for Trip and Permit

Today is kind of a rest day as it doesn't contain more traveling, this day is more likely a day to prepare your documents and make sure you have enough gears for the trek. Furthermore, we still continue the day visiting different world heritage sites in Kathmandu meanwhile your documents are made ready. We are more likely to visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa or Pashupatinath Temple which is all listed on the UNESCO world heritage site. On this day you get the quick tour of Kathmandu city. Later in the evening, you can visit pubs and clubs around Thamel and get prepared for the early morning bus to Pokhara the following day. 

Accommodation in Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) 5/6 hrs

Pokhara is another city in northwest Nepal and the gateway to the Annapurna Region. Pokhara is 200 Km drive from Kathmandu which takes us around 5-6 hours of drive through the windy roads at the hills of Nepal. On the way, we have some spectacular views of the Mountain regions. The way takes you out of the Kathmandu Valley towards the plains alongside the Trishuli River followed by the Marsyangdi River. We had Lunch at the Malekhu Bazar at Dhading District in Nepal. On reaching Pokhara, we check in to the hotel at the Lakeside. The lakeside is the most happening place in Pokhara with lots of tourist attractions. With a view of the Lake Fewa, you can visit bars and pubs or go back to sleep and take rest for trekking the next day.

Accommodation in Hotel

Breakfast,  Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810m) 4/5 hrs

Today morning we wake up early and reach to the airport to catch our short flight to Jomsom. The view during the flight is just amazing as this flights connects the two leeward and windward side of the mountain. We cross from one side of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains during this short flight. On reaching Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang district. We pass the Jomsom Town and start our trek in a proper trial towards Kagbeni after crossing a small bridge. The trial along the Kali Gandaki river is among the barren land from where we reach Kagbeni. The trek takes at most 5 hours today. At kagbeni we can further hike to the hill for even better view.

Accomodation in Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m) 5/6 hrs

On the 5th day we set off to upper Mustang alongside the Kali Gandaki river. Along the Apple fields we walk further to Tangbe village which has white-washed houses and buckwheat fields. Furthermore, we reach Chusang village at the height of 2,950 meters. The breeze along the way is very strong and we pass the alleys of Chusnag village. Through the ridge, we reach Chele village late in the afternoon.

Accomodation in Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen (3,475m)6/7 hrs

The hike today is a bit tough as we pass two passes today, which means we constantly go up and down the hill. Initially we pass the Taklam la Pass at the height of 3624 meters and followed by Darjoji La pass at the height of 3735 meters. We also pass the chungsi cave today. Chungsi cave is a popular buddhist pilgrimage sites of Nepal. It is also believed during the war, many soldiers hid inside the cave for several days and finally got victory over the Tibetan armies. From there, we move into the Samar village and finally follow the ridge and reach Syanbochen village. The trek is pretty tough today.

Accomodation in Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghami (3,520m) 5/6 hrs

From Syanbochen village, we visit the monastery there and head towards the Ghami Village. We pass the Yamada La pass at the height of 3850 meters. We cross the forests and head towards another pass, the Nyu Pass at the height of 4010 meter. After crossing the pass, we descend down to Ghami village which is full of Barley fields.On the way we pass Ghiling village today. If the weather is clear, we can be able to view Tilicho, Damodar Mountain and Yakawa Kang mountain.

Accomodation in Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 08: Ghami to Tsarang (3,620m)5/6 hrs

Today’s trek starts with we crossing the suspension bridge of Ghami Khola, from there we pass Drakmar and Ghar Ghumba. Along the way we pass mani walls and head towards the Charang la pass at the height of 3870 meters. We view the Charang canyon and head towards Tsarang village. After almost 6 hours of walk we reach the Tsarang Village, which is only a camp away from our main destination.

Accomodation in Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 09: Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,730m)4/5 hrs

From the Tsarang village we descend down to a canyon at the Kali Gandaki Valley and cross the river there, then we ascend and pass the Lo La pass at 3950 meters from where we can see the historic and the hidden kingdom of Nepal, the majestic village of Lo Manthang. We enter the kingdom with their own king and own kingdom at Lo Manthang. The beautiful village is surrounded by mountains like Bhrikuti Peak, Tilicho, Nilgiri and Annapurna Mountains. We reach Lo-Manthang village after 5 hours of trek today. In the evening we enjoy the cultural dance at the village of Lo Manthang. 

Accomodation in Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 10: Rest day In Lo manthang to enjoy the Tiji festival and Explore Lo Manthang

At Lo Manthang, we stay for the Tiji festival. It is because we can explore Lo as well. The Tiji festival is the biggest festival of the year in Mustang. The Tiji festival takes place in the town’s square which is being performed for hundred of years with dance and prayers. They unfold the 400 years old banner with consisting picture of the man bringing Buddhism to Lo. There are many tourists from around the world gathered around the square. The king of the Lo is also present in the festival. We enjoy the festival throughout the day and prepare for the next day.

Accomodation in Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 11: Rest in Lo Manthang

The Tiji festival is 3 days long so we accommodate next day as well in Lo only in order to view the village and enjoy the festival. The ceremony is filled with dances from gods to the warriors and many drum dances performed by the Monks. We enjoy the festival and prepare for the trek back the next day.

Accomodation in Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 12:  Lo Manthang to Ghami (3520m) 6/7hrs 

On the 12th day, we start making our treks back from our final point. From Lo, we take the same route back towards the village of Tsarang till Ghami village. Today’s trek is a little longer but mostly downhill, so we take just a day for which we had taken 2 day on our way to Lo Manthang few days back. Enjoying the mountains and villages on the way we reach Ghami village for calling our day off. 

Accomodation in Lodge. 

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 13:  Ghami to Samar(3620m) 5/6 hrs

From Ghami Village we trek further back on the same way, on the way we view mountains like Amikot chuli, Dhampus Peak, Tilicho Peak, Thorang Peak etc. Samar village has a great view point at the height of 3620 meters between the mountains. The village is beautiful and we stay there and connect with the people at the place there.

Accomodation in Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 14: Samar to Chhuksang(3050m)  4/5hrs

From samar, we take our breakfast and head back to Chhuksang village. We pass the Chungsi cave and Tsehile village. Along way we view Dunupa, Pechi Thanka and Palksang mountain if at the south western side of us. We reach Chhuksang village after 5 hours of trek today.

Accomodation in Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 15: Chhuksang to Muktinath(3760m) 6/7hrs

Today we go to another important destination of our trek. We reach the Muktinath Temple which is very famous among people in Nepal and India. Lots of people come here to visit this temple. Muktinath Temple is religious among the pilgrimages. It is believed that all our sins are washed away if we take shower in the 108 taps in the temple and take a dip at the temple pond. After visiting the temple at Muktinath we accommodate here for the day. Today’s trek is around 6 hours.

Accommodation in Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch and, Dinner Included

Day 16:Muktinath to Jomsom(2720m)5/6hrs

From Muktinath, we trek towards Jomsom which also headquarters of Mustang District.  Which also has an airport which operates flights to Pokhara. This region is also famous for many Buddhist pilgrimages. We trek for 5-6 hours today. 

Accommodation in Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch and, Dinner Included.

Day 17: Flight or Drive to Pokhara

From Jomsom, we take an early flight to Pokhara which is 30 minutes long flight and takes you from one side of the mountain to another. The view on the way is indescribable as you cross the most amazing mountains in the Himalayas. On Pokhara, you can try adventure sports like the Bunjee Jump, Para Gliding or other water sports of your choice. Visiting Pubs and Clubs in Pokhara, we end our trek on this day.

Accommodation in Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day18: Drive to Kathmandu

Today after grabbing our breakfast, we take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu or Fly to Kathmandu. The roads are the same yet you will have some spare time around the Thamel after reaching Kathmandu.

Accommodation in Hotel

Breakfast Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 19: Drive to International Airport and final departure

Checkout from the hotel. And we end our trip with you dropping at the airport and seeing you goodbye and wishing for a safe flight back home. 

Accommodation in Hotel

Breakfast Included.

INCLUDED

Tiji Festival in Lomonthang, Upper Mustsng Cost Inclusion for 2021/2022

  • Airport picks up and drops by  Private Vehicle
  • Welcome dinner at typical Nepali Restaurant
  • Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu World heritage Sight
  • 3 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast
  • 2  Night accommodation in Pokhara with Breakfast
  • One  Govt. License holder Trekking Guide
  • All the Permit include Special Permit 
  • Trekking Porters (2 clients = 1 Porter)
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner with hot drinks during treks
  • Lodge during the Trek
  • Jomsom Pokhara Flight fare to Client and Guide Porter
  • Insurance for all Staffs 
Not Included

Cost Exclude for these in 2021/2022

  • International Flight and Nepal Visa 
  • Food in Kathmandu and pokhara accept Breakfast
  • Personal expenses: (Laundry, phone calls, dry foods, cold drinks, bar bills)
  • Temple/Monastery entrance fees
  • Extra night of Accommodation and extra days of trek

Price:$2015

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