About Tiji festival Trek - Upper Mustang Tiji Festival 2023

Tiji festival Trek - Upper Mustang Tiji Festival 2023

The Upper Mustang Tenji (Tiji) festival Trek is an annual event indigenous to lomanthang, Upper Mustang in Nepal. Tenji festival, commonly pronounced" Teeji," is an abbreviated form of Tempa chhirim, which translates to" prayer for world peace" Tenji commemorates the victory of Buddha's incarnation. Dhorji Sonam over a demon called MA TAM RU TA, whom Waxman ate and caused storms and droughts to destroy people's houses and livestock. The dance performed by the monks of lomanthang chhyode Gumba during these three days of the festival enacts the harassment of the MA TAM TU TA, the birth of Dhorji Sonam, the demon's son, and an attempt by Dhorji Sonam to return and the monster to the Buddha realm. The monks perform a dance called" TSA CHHAM "on the first day of the Tenji and "NGA CHHAM" on the second day. Tiji festival Trek is the similar package Upper Mustang Trek

Tiji Festival influenced by Tibetan Buddhism is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring). The Mustagi people have their way of family life, which is quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.

The high desert region of the Tibetan influence, Kaligandaki, from the Tibetan border south to Kagbeni, is generally called Upper Mustang. First, explore the thousand years of the old monastery, caves, local tribes, and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. Then, make an adventure starting from the world's deepest gorge Kaligandaki Region into the world's highest regions. Lo-Mangthang Valley passes through an almost tree-less barren landscape through this trek, a steep rocky trail up and downhill, with panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and several other peaks. The tour passes through high mountain passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys. The thousands of years of isolation have kept the culture, lifestyle, and heritage remain unchanged for centuries and to this date. The houses in Mustang are mostly made from stone and sun-baked mud bricks.

Note: If you are not satisfied with this itinerary and other details, please contact us to make the itinerary and further detail as per your need. For a Fixed Tiji Festival Date, please get in touch with us.

Highlights

  • Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara City.
  • Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
  • Tiji Festival.
  • Explore the hidden kingdom of Lo Manthang.
  • Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
  • Explore KaliGandaki river.
  • A scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and vice versa.
  • Forbidden kingdom of Mustang.
  • Picturesque view of different Himalayas.
  • Sacred monasteries and chorten. 
  • Mask dance.

Day to Day Itinerary

Welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel. After transferring hotel, we will brief shortly program and introduce your staff who are guiding in whole trip. 

  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
  • Location: Kathmandu.

After taking breakfast, we will start historical tour : Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pashupatinath Temple. After finishing city tour, you can do shopping / preparing Tiji Festival Trek if you need to buy or hire anything which you forget to bring with you. 

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.

After taking breakfast, we will take Tourist bus and start journey towards Pokhara with your guide. To reach Pokhara, it will take 6-7 hours and can enjoy wonderful small greenery mountain. On tthe way , you will see one of the famous river Trishuli for White Water Rafting also. 

Overnight in Pokhara.  

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
  • Location: Pokhara.

After taking breakfast, transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. Jomsom is also major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, continue on the path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for 3 hours and finally reached Ekle Bhatti village . In Kagbeni a major tributary, Kak Khola coming from Muktinath , meets Mustang Khola from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki . 

Overnight in Ekle Bhatti . 

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Ekle Bhatti
  • Altitude: 2810m.

After doing the formalities of showing your restricted area trekking permit in Kagbeni we start our trekking because in Mustang there is heavy wind which gets up later in the day, blowing dust and sand around. The climb from Kagbeni to Chele passes through beautiful village of Tangbe, which offers white washed traditional houses and fields of barley, buckwheat’s and apple orchards. On the way we enjoy good views of Nilgiri mountain .Passing several ridges we cross a stream after Chhusang village, leave the Kaligandaki valley behind and climb further to the village of Chele. From Chele we start observing the typical Tibetan settlements of Upper Mustang .Overnight in Chele. Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Chele
  • Altitude: 3050m.

After taking breakfast, we start our trek through a forest of small trees and green bushes which are able to survive in the narrow gorge because the high vertical walls keep them cool and sufficiently moist. Soon the valley broadens out and we can see walls built in front of caves which are temporary homes for the herders whose animals graze here. Sometimes it is possible to see the rare blue mountain sheep in this area. After about one hour we are on a pass offering a good view towards Samar, the Kali Gandaki valley and snow-capped peaks in the distance. After Samar we cross a side-valley, descending to its base and crossing over a creek, before we trek all the way up again on the other side. From Samar is a red painted cave monastery, which looks as if it has been stuck on to the vertical wall. This is Rangchyung chorten(the chorten that formed itself’), one of the most sacred places in Mustang. The walk to Shyangboche can seem never-ending. It is fairly easy, but a constant climb with the destination nowhere in sight, until, finally, a cluster of houses appears. It is much colder in Shyangboche. Overnight in Syangboche. Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Shyangboche
  • Altitude: 3800m.

After taking breakfast we start our trekking. Today we pass three high passes with in 15 min. Yanda La, and passed a distinctive red chorten painted with Buddhism’s eight auspicious symbols and terraced valley with groups of yellowish trees appears and above the village of Ghelung are two red Gompas. Unlike other villages in Mustang, where the houses are built close together and look fortress-like, Ghelung is spread out wide on a patch of green grass and gives the impression of being a fairly affluent little community. Rising above the village are barren, brown hills and we can see the Nyi La pass straight ahead. The path descends gradually towards the Ghami La pass and on the way we see a rundown, deserted village downstream. Another broad valley comes in from the left-hand side and in its centre is Ghami, Mustang’s third largest town, which is high above the river and surrounded by fields. Overnight in Ghemi. Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Ghemi
  • Altitude: 3520m.

We see the Mustang’s longest Mani wall (1000m) long and decorated with simple in well with the surrounding scenery outside the Ghemi. There is also a group of chortens standing in front of the red wall which forms the end of the valley. The architecture here is like carvings, blending organic extension of nature. According to legend when the famous Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) came to the area and fought and destroyed a demon, its intestines landed at the site where the Mani wall stands, its lungs near the red cliffs behind and its heart at the spot where Mustang’s oldest monastery, Lo Gekar, was built. A steady climb takes us up a 3820m pass, after which a lunar-looking desert stretches to the horizon. The first indication of human presence we see next is the Tsarangchorten – the large red-painted Stupa is in the middle of the landscape and further down the monastery and the palace of Tsarang can be distinguished in the fields. A broad road leads to Tsarang, Mustang’s second town. Overnight in Tsarang. Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Tsarang.
  • Altitude: 3560m.

After taking breakfast, trekking begins on flat terrain and the view, apart from a chorten and a few caves, is unrelieved barrenness. After crossing a pass and waking through two rocks forming a natural gate we have finally arrived at Lo Manthang. Overnight in Lo Mangtang. Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Lo Mangthang
  • Altitude: 3800m.

After taking breakfast, we explore the surrounding areas, visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hill top serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa , continue to the Tingkhar, the last main village of northwest of Lo- Mangthang and back to hotel. Overnight in Lo- Mangthang. Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Lo Mangthang
  • Altitude: 3800m.

We can see dances and celebration, horse racing and giant tug of war. We can see people with Tibetan dress especially women wear traditional dress with colorful jewelry, monks in their robes and dancers in elaborate costumes. Where we are staying this city is old city and founded in 1380 and surrounded by wall, beyond where is not allowed to build home. Evils might harm living behind walls. Today, Bon lama gave a special mantra –prayer, guarding the town We will see Tibetan woman in traditional clothing and King of Mustang wears whole crown. This colorful ceremony exile hungry and evil spirits accompanied by unusual dance of Tibetan lamas. On last Tiji ends with the ceremonial destruction of the evils . Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Lo Mangthang
  • Altitude: 3800m.

We begin our return journey from Lo Manthang, taking the upper highland route. This highland route offers dramatic views of Lo Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow clad peaks in the background. Just past the settlement of Lo Gekar, we reach the oldest monastery in Mustang, the GhareGompa. 

Overnight in Lo Gekar. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Gekar

We continue our journey on the highland route, crossing alpine meadows before dropping down a steep eroded gully to Dhakmar for lunch. After lunch, we walk through the pretty valley, climb to a ridge and descend from there back to Ghami. Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Gelling
  • Altitude: 3060m.

Now we must retrace our route back over the Nyi La to Chhuksang. Overnight in Chuksang. Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Chhuksang
  • Altitude: 2920m.

Take upper part route to Muktinath from where you will have the best breath taking views of surrounding landscape including Kagbeni valley. Muktinath is the most popular both Hindus and Buddhist pilgrimage center. It’s a beautiful Gurung people’s inhabitant and views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri is amazing from here. Overnight in Muktinath. Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Muktinath
  • Altitude: 3900m

It's a final day, passing back through beautiful village Jharkot and views of Kagbeni to Jomsom where we end our trek. It's now time for us to take a nice hot shower. In the evening, you celebrate with your guide and Sherpa and exchange your good experiences what you had on the trekking. Or you can visit Marpha village (near Jomsom), where you can see apple orchids. Overnight in Jomsom.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge
  • Location: Jomsom
  • Altitude: 2710m

At early morning, we will take flight towards Pokhara from Jomsom. After landing in Pokhara , we will take another domestic 25 min flight towards Kathmandu. Free time and farewell dinner in evening. 

Over night in Kathmandu.

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
  • Location: Kathmandu.

After taking breakfast, we will start our journey towards international airport for your onward destination. 

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Location: Kathmandu.

What's Included

  • Accommodation on BB basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara in best three star hotel on twin or double sharing. 
  • Ground transportation (Airport pick up and drop, sightseeing by private).
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara by private vehicle and Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu by domestic air.
  • Entrance fees in entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing place.
  • Three times meals at trekking route.
  • Accommodation in Tea house or lodge in trekking route.
  • Government licensed English speaking guide.
  • Porter (one porter for two person and carry 20 kg.
  • All necessary paper work like Permit and TIMS card (Trekkers information management system).
  • Travel and rescue arrangement.
  • Twenty four call assistance by our office representative.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali restaurant.
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Any type of insurance.
  • Any type of flight fare.
  • Personal nature expenses like bar bills, water, tea coffee, shower, laundry, wi fi in trekking route.
  • Tips.
  • Any extra cost which is not mentioned in Cost includes column.
  • Extra day for natural calamities like flood, landslide, flight cancellation

Useful Information

Nepal Information

Nepal is landlocked country located between India and Tibet autonomous region of China. It have highest peak of the world name Mt Everest (Sagarmatha) and eight peaks of the world’s ten highest peaks. It is birthplace of Gautam Buddha place name is Lumbini.
Nepal is small country but tremendous geographic diversity. It rises from Fifty nine meters to eight thousand eight hundred forty eight meters. Nepal is divided into three part Terai, Hill and mountain regions.
In here, the first language is Nepal (Devanagari script) and one hundred twenty three languages. The official language of Nepal is called Nepali.

Passport and Visa

First thing for travelling anywhere, you need valid passport with at least six months. You can obtain visa for Nepal from Nepalese consulates or on arrival in Kathmandu or other boarders or most reliable source of information is currently the Department of Immigration Nepal If you fill online form and bring with you, then it would be easier to get visa in any Nepal boarder.

Weather

Nepal’s climate varies with its topography and altitude. The low land Terai area has hot and humid climate that can rise above 40 degree Celsius during summer, middle region weather is pleasant almost all the year and northern region temperature is always cold.

Nepal has four seasons

  • Spring: Mar-May: The temperature is good in this season and many flower blossom and best season for trekking.
  • Summer: (Jun-Aug): Monsoon season in Nepal, weather is hot and wet at times.
  • Autumn: (Sep-Nov): This is the best season for tour and trek in Nepal. In that time, weather is highly pleasant so are the mountains and Himalaya. This is also season of festivals as Nepal celebrates the biggest festival Nepali name Dashain and Tihar.

Best Time to Go Trekking in Nepal

The best to do trekking in Nepal is September to November and March to May. December and January is also possible to do trekking but winter season so it would be cold and snowfall, we can suggest lower part of mountain trekking. June, July and August is raining season so we suggest contacting us for best trek.

Is it suitable trekking for me?

If you are physically fit and love to walk then you can choose any trekking itinerary from our website to suit you. If you choose long day’s program, then you have t walk more days in mountain. All trekking program can see in our website. We suggest while going trek, please took one professional guide and if you cannot carry your luggage then took one porter also. If you need more question about suitable trekking package in Nepal for you, please drop email or contact us in social sites also.

Currency

The Nepalese currency called Rupees. For exchanging your currency into local currency, can visit Bank, govt. licensed holder Money Exchange.

Insurance

We told all our clients to do travel insurance before leaving your home country with showing your travel itinerary. Their insurance must covered medical, personal accident, loss of gears, emergency evacuation, and damage or lost their luggage and etc.

Hotel/ Accommodation on Tiji festival Trek in Nepal:

We provide to our client in City area best three star (above three star is on client requested) and lodge/teahouse during the trek. A Teahouse/lodge is the combination of guest house and restaurant where rooms are normally decorated and available bed, pillow and blankets. In every trekking route, we provide only teahouse/lodge because there is no availability of deluxe hotel.

Meals Tiji festival Trek in Nepal

The meal which is provided in trekking area is included breakfast, lunch and dinner. We provide breakfast and dinner where you stay overnights and our guide will choose restaurant for lunch on the way. Our guide and other staff always give priority t served delicious, hygienic and each place special food. We recommended you to bring water purification tablets.

Guide and porter Trekking in Nepal

We provide you best staff to you who have good experience and government license. In a group, we provide one guide till 16 pax and one porter for each two person. One porter carries 20 kg .

Personal Expenses Tiji festival Trek in Nepal

Personal expenses means which is not covered your package column cost include. Normally, you have to pay for table drinks (alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages), snacks (on the trek), tips, souvenirs, hot showers and extra day if flight cancelled or any other natural disasters.

Some do’s and do not’s Trekking in Nepal

  • Respect local culture and people.
  • The Nepalese people are friendly and hospitalize by nature so you do not have difficulty to adjust in here.
  • While you are entering in Temple and monasteries, just check in some temple not allowed entering for non-Hindus. If there is permitted to enter, please do not wear leather things and walk in Temple and Stupas clockwise. Before taking photograph, please ask authorized person for permission.

What do I need for trekking?/ Packing list :

  • Day pack (rucksack)
  • Light weight and warm trousers.
  • Socks.
  • Sun hats and gloves.
  • Full- sleeves t shirt.
  • Warm jackets.
  • Waterproof jacket, trousers and bag cover.
  • Light weight cotton clothing.
  • Waterproof or windcheater jacket.
  • Knee supports.
  • Sun glasses.
  • Sun cream and lip protector.
  • A one liter hard Water bottle.
  • Batteries
  • Flash light
  • Down jacket
  • Sleeping bag and duffel bag will provide by our company have to return.
  • Trekking shoes or boots.
  • A pair of sandals.