Upper Mustang with Tiji Festival Trek

Duration: 18 Days

This extraordinary trek begins just like Upper Mustang Trekking, following the same basic schedule and route until the walled city of Lo Manthang is reached.  Here a very historic and colorful festival waits, organized by one of the monasteries in this ancient city.  The festival takes place annually from the 27th to the 29th day of the Tibetan Calendar (April/May). Be sure to inquire about the precise dates, which always fall during the springtime but may vary to some extent from year to year.  While expressing a prayer for world peace, the Tiji Festival also seeks to purify the village of Lo Manthang of evil spirits.  It attracts many villagers from the surrounding countryside (the ancient Kingdom of Lo), who come to enjoy the dancing and other activities.  

Upon leaving Lo Manthang, rather than retracing our steps, we continue our journey via Yara and Tange to Muktinath, an important spiritual center for both Hindus and Buddhists.  From Muktinath, we trek to Jomsom and fly from there to lovely Pokhara, where we may have time for some additional sight-seeing.  The next day brings us by plane back to Kathmandu for our farewell dinner and our flight home.  We will have enjoyed not just a great trek amid breathtaking scenery, but also a unique opportunity to observe how the people in Upper Mustang preserve and cultivate their ancient traditions

Trip Highlights:

  • Visit Buddhist and Hindu shrine in Kathmandu.
  • Drive  Lake city pokhara through green countryside, thrilling rivers.
  • Scenic Himalayan flight to and from Jomsom
  • Trekking through Kali Gandaki River - Kagbeni to Lo-Mangthang Valley
  • Explore to Forbidden kingdom of Mustang
  • Stunning panorama views of the Himalayas
  • Visiting the capital of Mustang “The Lo Manthang"

Outline Itinerary:

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
  • Day 02: Kathmandu : sightseeing and trek preparation
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/3020ft) : 6 hours
  • Day 04: Fly to Jomsom ((2,700m/8855ft), and trek to Kagbeni (2,858m /9185ft) :3 -4 hours
  • Day 05: Trek Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m /10200ft ) :7 hours
  • Day 06: Trek Chele to Syangboche (3800m /11,398ft) : 6 hours
  • Day 07: Trek Syangboche to Ghami (3,520m /11,546ft) :5 hours
  • Day 08: Trek Ghami to Tsarnag (3560m /11,873ft) : 4 hours
  • Day 09: Trek Tsarnag to Lo Manthang (3840m/12595ft) and witness the Tiji festival in the afternoon (First day)
  • Day 10: Witness Tiji festival performed by monks (Second day)
  • Day 11: Enjoy the last and final celebration of Tiji festival in Lo Manthang
  • Day 12: Trek Lo Manthang to Dhakmar via Ghar Gompa (3,/12,500ft) : 7- 8 hours
  • Day 13: Trek Dhakmar to Somar (3050m/10,004ft) : 6 hours
  • Day 14: Trek Somar to Kagbeni (2,858 /9775ft) : 7 hours
  • Day 15: Trek Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,725m /8,856ft) : 3-4 hours
  • Day 16: A 30 minutes morning Flight to Pokhara
  • Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu : 6 hours
  • Day 18: Transfer to airport for final flight departure
Customize Trip Print and PDF
  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

    Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Adventure Club Trek. After sorting out your custom formalities (Visa etc) you will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private vehicle and give you some time to freshen up. After this, we will attend an orientation about your trek led by our Trekking leader over a welcome dinner.
    Overnight at Hotel .
    Included Meals: Welcome Dinner.

  • Day 02: Kathmandu : sightseeing and trek preparation

    The exciting day begins with a cultural tour of various medieval sites in Kathmandu. We drive to visit the UNESCO listed world heritage sites- Pashupatinath temple (the biggest Hindu shrine), Boudhanath (largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal), Swayambhunath (A fine Buddhist Stupa at the hilltop of Kathmandu) and the Kathmandu Durbar Square (an open museum and abode of Kumari). Coming back from the sightseeing, take part in a short briefing and trip preparation.
    Overnight at hotel .
    Included Meals: Breakfast.

  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/3020ft) : 6 hours

    Early morning drive by tourist bus to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The road is winding and the lush vegetation attracts us along with the Himalayan views. It takes approximately 6 hours to reach there. It is a city of Lakes and natural wonders. You can enjoy the boating on Phewa Lake, the same day.
    Overnight at hotel .
    Included Meals: Breakfast.

  • Day 04: Fly to Jomsom ((2,700m/8855ft), and trek to Kagbeni (2,858m /9185ft) :3 -4 hours

    After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the short but spectacular mountain flight to Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. On arrival at Jomsom, we meet our crew members and after doing some sorting and packing arrangements, we begin our trek to Kagbeni. The trail follows the right bank of the Kali Gandaki River and crosses several side tributaries, mostly crossed by simple bridges and finally reaching Ekley-Bhatti village (2,740m) where we have lunch and continue walk to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni, an interesting windswept village situated on the main age old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via the Upper Mustang area.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Kagbeni.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 05: Trek Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m /10200ft ) :7 hours

    We begin the trek to Upper Mustang from Kagbeni with a restricted area trek permit check-up. Then we follow the Kali Gandaki river bank, which is the sandy and windy trail. Crossing the narrow alley, we reach to Tangbe village. The surprising scenery includes whitewashed Tibetan Buddhists’ houses and fluttering prayer flags. The trail is also dotted by the barley and buckwheat farms. Steadily, we reach to Chele.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Chele.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 06: Trek Chele to Syangboche (3800m /11,398ft) : 6 hours

    After breakfast, we begin the trek via Eklai Bhatti and ascend to Taklam Pass (3624m). The spectacular views of the Tilicho Peak, Damodar Kunda, and others can be seen from the top of the pass. Then we trek down to Samar. Passing through the juniper woods and the popular Ramchung cave, we reach to Syangbochen.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Syanboche.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 07: Trek Syangboche to Ghami (3,520m /11,546ft) :5 hours

    Right after breakfast, we climb uphill to the Yamda La Pass (3850m) passing some enticing communities enclosed to the Tibetan Buddhists. Mostly we can see the barley fields while walking further. The Nyi Pass of 4010 meters is the tough section of today’s trek. Trekking down from there, we reach to Ghyami, which is an area of hope among some of the barren surroundings of Upper Mustang.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Ghami.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 08: Trek Ghami to Tsarnag (3560m /11,873ft) : 4 hours

    After breakfast, we begin the walk pleasantly, cross the stream and ascend towards the upper section. You can see a long Mani wall. We can foresight the cultural prosperity of the people of Upper Mustang. Tsarang is located at the eastern location, at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. We take a rest there and explore the monastery, which is red in color.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Tsamag.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 09: Trek Tsarnag to Lo Manthang (3840m/12595ft) and witness the Tiji festival in the afternoon (First day)

    With the breathtaking views of Annapurna, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peak, we trek down to the canyon and cross the river. Then we walk up continuously and reach to the Lo Pass (3850m). From here, the first sight of Lo-Manthang comes to your sights. Then we trek down to the base and walk further to the stone-walled town of Lo-Manthang.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Lo Manthang.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 10: Witness Tiji festival performed by monks (Second day)

    Tiji Festival is celebrated around May for three days. It is celebrated in different places of the Upper Mustang, but the center is Lo-Manthang. It is celebrated for the water to remove the doughtiness. It can be one of the wonderful times of your life to see the mask dances performed by the monks in the Tiji festival. Then walk around to explore the cave and monastery.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Lo Manthang.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 11: Enjoy the last and final celebration of Tiji festival in Lo Manthang

    Today, we have a busy schedule. We set out for the excursion and explore the medieval monasteries, chhortens, and caves. We visit the Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar Gompa. There are some other monasteries that could be visited optionally as Champa Lakhang, Red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and others. Then we come back to Lo-Manthang.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Lo Manthang.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 12: Trek Lo Manthang to Dhakmar via Ghar Gompa (3,/12,500ft) : 7- 8 hours

    You have the option of either retracing from the same trail or choosing the next trail to reach Jomsom. Mostly, you may choose the new trail rather than repeating the same scenery and already explored trail. So, we lead you through Dhakmar via Gyakar. On the way, we can visit the Ghar Gompa, which is more than 1200 years old. It is also believed the wish-fulfilling place.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Dhakmar.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 13: Trek Dhakmar to Somar (3050m/10,004ft) : 6 hours

    Today, we walk to Somar from Dhakmar. We begin quite early and reach Somar in approx 6 hours due to the windy trail. It will be really dusty wind, which is tough to deal with. The land is flat and the dusty trail cannot be avoided. Gradually, we reach to Somar.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Somar.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 14: Trek Somar to Kagbeni (2,858 /9775ft) : 7 hours

    Again the trek goes through the windy trail of Upper Mustang. The prayer flags on the rooftop of every house can be seen. We reach Kagbeni for our stay. Then you have an option: either to drive to Muktinath for a pray or stay resting at Kagbeni.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Kagbeni.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 15: Trek Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,725m /8,856ft) : 3-4 hours

    Kagbeni is a gateway to Upper Mustang. When we pass out from there, we can see some green valleys and the spectacular Annapurna range. Through the bank of the Kali Gandaki River, we reach to the windy valley of Jomsom. Then we have time to have a shower and rest.
    Overnight at guesthouse in Jomsom.
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  • Day 16: A 30 minutes morning Flight to Pokhara

    Early in the morning, we take a picturesque Himalayan flight with the views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fishtail, Himchuli, and others. Then transfer to the hotel. As your choice, we take you for the sightseeing tour. Davis falls, Mahendra cave, international mountain museum, and the world peace Stupa are some of the wonderful sights to see. Then you can enjoy boating on Phewa Lake.
    Overnight at hotel.
    Included Meals: N/A

  • Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu : 6 hours

    Driving back to Kathmandu for about 6 hours, your day is free, however, at even tide; you will be taken to the Nepali kitchen for a delicious farewell dinner of the original Nepalese cuisine. As you enjoy your meal, you will also be entertained with an exciting cultural dance performed by the locals. You will enjoy this experience which is complimentary on behalf of the ADVENTURE CLUB.
    Overnight at hotel .
    Included Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner.

  • Day 18: Transfer to airport for final flight departure

    Adventure Club Trek will manage a farewell drive to the international airport for your final flight departure. Meeting you and serving you was a wonderful experience over the weeks. We are sure you enjoyed a wonderful holiday in beautiful Nepal. We hope you will remember us in the years ahead.
    Included Meals: Breakfast

Cost Includes

  • Arrival and Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights.
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (3 nights).
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a two-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast (2 nights).
  • Best available twin sharing Teahouse accommodation while trekking.
  • Guided cultural tour in Kathmandu with world heritage entry permits fees and private vehicles.
  • All ground transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek by private vehicle. 
  • Domestic flights (Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara) with airport departure taxes.
  • Full board meals with tea and coffee while on the upper Mustang Tiji festival trek.
  • Government licensed, English-speaking Trekking guide trained in Wilderness First Aid.
  • Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (2 trekkers:1 porter).
  • Salary, Food, accommodation,  transportation, and medicine for the guide and porters.
  • Assistant trekking guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide).
  • Insurance covering all staff, including porters.
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag ( to be returned after trip completion).
  • Special Trekking Permit US$ 500 per person for 10 days (the above price includes 10 days valid trekking permit from Kagbeni to Kagbeni. If you wish to stay more than 10 days in a restricted area, you are subjected to extra charge for extra days (US$ 50 per day / per person).
  • Annapurna conservation permit, and all necessary permits.'
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • Adventure Club Trek's T-shirt, First Aid Medical Kit, and trekking map.
  • Duffel bag for Trekking
  • All government and Local Taxes.

Cost Excludes

  • Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days).
  • Any meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara other than breakfast.
  • Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks, laundry, phone call).
  • Personal  travel insurance and medical bills.
  • International airfares/ flights (Fares and flights can be arranged upon the request).
  • Hot shower during the trekking.
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Insurance with helicopter evacuation.
  • Tips for guide, porters, the driver (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory.

Flight delays in Jomsom

Our primary modes of transports from the airstrip at Jomsom are the Twin Otter planes. Even though the flights are fairly dependable, they can be canceled or delayed due to unpredictable weather conditions in the Himalaya and/or other technical issues. In cases of such delays, Adventure Club Trek will arrange road transportation to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight.  The expenses for the road transport will be managed from the compensation received from the flight ticket after deducting charges for cancelation. Therefore, there will be no refund of the Jomsom to Pokhara flight in case we take the road back to Pokhara.

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illness or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Pre-Trip Meeting:

Prior to all our treks and expeditions, we host a Pre-Trip meeting in Kathmandu. The primary purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming trek and to introduce them to other team members. The meeting covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatization and usually involves a hike and some skills training. We believe that the pre-trip meeting is very important in order to better preparation of the trekking.

Best time to Trek to Upper Mustang.

From April to November are favorable months to trek to Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is a rain Shadow area, thus, we can do trekking in this part of Nepal even in the monsoon season (mid-June-mid Sept), while during monsoon, trekking in popular trails of Everest and Annapurna is not recommended.

request for privite depature Contact us
PRICE FROM US$ 1799 (Per Person)
Total: US$ 1799

Trip Facts

  • Trip Code ACTE-129
  • Trip Duration 18 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • Trip Style Tea House Trek
  • Accomodation Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara and teahouses during the trek
Know more

Send An Enquiry

Trip Essential Info

Related Trips

Upper Mustang Trek
USD 1989

Upper Mustang Trek

Duration: 17 Days
Upper Mustang with Damodarkunda-Lake Trek
USD 2189

Upper Mustang with Damodarkunda-Lake Trek

Duration: 22 Days

AFFILIATED WITH

Pay Online