Enriched with eroded cliffs, deep canyons, moraine valleys and barren ridges, the landscape of Upper Mustang is jaw-droppingly amazing. Mysterious caves and centuries old monasteries, snow capped mountains, unique and unexplored culture and lifestyle are what make this region so special. And there is another impressive spectacle that Upper Mustang is known for. That is the legendary Tiji festival. The festival that is celebrated to show the triumph of good over evil, is a fabulous opportunity to get insight into the culture and traditions of this mysterious land. Join Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2022 to witness this absolutely amazing and colorful celebration along with the lifetime trekking experience in the land with jaw-dropping landscapes.
The festival of Tiji is celebrated for 3 days which usually lies around mid May. In the year 2022 the festival will be celebrated from 27th May to 29th May. Believed to have started around 15th century as a religious ceremony to avoid the evils and suffering, it still stands as a strong symbol of belief, hope and strength among the people of Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang. The word Tiji comes from the word ‘Tempa Chirim’ which means the ‘the prayer for world peace’. The celebration commemorates the victory of deity Dorje Shunu over a demon called Man Tam Ru who would feed on human and cause havoc among people by causing storms and drought. In the festival, the different forms of the deity are shown through dances that subdue the evils and establish the peace and harmony on earth. Through the dance called ‘Tsa Chham’, the harassment of the demon is demonstrated on the first day. On second day, there shows the birth of Dorje Shunu through the dance ‘Nga Chham’. And on the final day the attempt to take the demon to Lord Buddha’s realm is performed through ‘Rha Chham’.
The celebration is the biggest in the region, hence, attracts a good number of travelers, pilgrims and traders. An absolutely marvelous journey which includes culture, tradition, myth, adventure and all that one can wish for, is truly a once in a lifetime experience. And for those who cannot make it during the given time but want to visit and trek in wonderland, we have our regular trip, Upper Mustang Trekking.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Guided city tour of Kathmandu
Day 03: To Pokhara, approx 6 hours drive.
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800m), 3 – 4 hours
Day 05: Trek to Chele, (3050m), approx 5-6 hours
Day 06: Trek to Gelling, 3570m, 6 – 7 hours
Day 07: Trek to Tsarang, 3620m, 6 – 7 hours
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3840m), 4-5 hours
Day 09, May 27: First day of Tiji festival
Day 10: Second day of the Tiji festival
Day 11: Third and final day of the Tiji festival
Day 12: Trek to Ghami (3520m) via Lo-Gekker, 6-7 hours
Day 13: Trek to Samar (3150m), 6-7 hours
Day 14: Trek to Kagbeni, approx 6 hours
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom, 3-4 hours
Day 16: Fly back to Pokhara
Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu, 6-7 hours/or fly back to Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure day
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival you will be greeted and welcomed by our representative at the airport. You will then be transferred to the hotel. A pre-departure meeting will be scheduled as time permits. During the meeting, you will be introduced to the leader/guide who will be guiding you all throughout the trek. You will also be briefed about the program that starts from the next day.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 02: Guided city tour of Kathmandu
Today you will be visiting various cultural, historical and architectural monuments of the Kathmandu. The centuries old monuments are full of legends and beliefs and the Durbar squares of medieval Kathmandu are full of intricate carving and superb collection of architectural riches. The qualified and experienced tour guide will lead you and show you around. The time after tour is for preparation for your trip.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: To Pokhara, approx 6 hours drive.
A scenic drive of approx 6 hours will take to the beautiful lake city Pokhara. The view along the road is so dramatic with rivers, valleys, terraced fields and charming villages. After checking in to hotel and getting freshen up, you will time to explore the city. Enjoy your time and make preparation for the trip
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800m), 3 – 4 hours
Take an early morning flight to Jomsom. The 20 minutes flight that goes between two of the massive Himalayan peaks Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna I (8091m) provides unbelievably stunning views of the some of the massive Himalayan massifs on earth rising above 8000 meters, the deepest river valley of Kali Gandaki, and mountain terrain are simply mesmerizing. After landing at Jomsom, you will set off your journey to Upper Mustang with a gradual walk along the Kali Gandaki River bed to Ekle Bhatti and then an easy walk of an hour to Kagbeni where you spend your night. Kagbeni, an ancient village is a beautiful and interesting windswept moorland with picturesque scenery. The two rivers, Mustang Khola coming from Mustang and Kak khola coming Muktinath meet and from here the river also known as the deepest river valley in world, is called Kali Gandaki.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05: Trek to Chele, (3050m), approx 5-6 hours
The trail from here takes you along the Kali Gandaki river and heading towards north crossing several ridges to reach the village Tangbe. The village is remarkably beautiful with narrow alleys, white washed houses, apple gardens, fields planted with buckwheat, barley and wheat. The beautiful Nilgiri himal appears dominating the skyline. From here the trail moves further to reach the village of Chhusang. After crossing the river the trail moves northwards to the red chunk of pudding stone fallen from the massive cliff above which has created a tunnel through which the Kali Gandaki Rivers flows. The trail then leaves the Kaligandaki valley and climbs up to Chele. Overnight at Chele
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Gelling, 3570m, 6 – 7 hours
The trail ascends along the steep treeless and waterless terrain to Taklam La pass at 3624m. The secluded and distinctive topography of the region makes anybody feel to have been in different world. It’s different not only in topography but also in culture, lifestyle and landscape. The more we go further the more scattered, smaller and basic settlements we come across. Trekking through the villages, streams, and passes make your day full of actions but the stunning views of Nilgiri Himal, Tilicho peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda along the way make it less tiresome. Trekking along the switchbacks to ascend and descend we arrive at Syanboche. Then the trail gently rises to Syambochen La (3850m) before it descends past large black, red and white chortens where three paths meet before the beautiful village of Gelling.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Trek to Tsarang, 3620m, 6 – 7 hours
The trail heads up the centre of valley through the fields and past the chortens to Nyi La (4025m). This pass offers a magnificent view of entire Mustang, Nilgiri and Annapurna. The trail then goes downhill via Ghami La to the village of Ghami which is surrounded by large fields most them are barren. Crossing the Ghami khola (stream) the trail ascends on to the Tibetan-like plateau past the long and vast Mani wall to Choya La 3600m then slightly descends to Tsarang village. Beautiful Dzong and Gompas with marvelous collection statues, Thangkas and other Buddhist paintings are the major attractions of the village. The village is full of chortens and inhabited by Lo people of Tibetan descendants.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3840m), 4-5 hours
The trail first descends to Tsarang chu canyon. After crossing the river the trail climbs up to the pass of Lo from where an impressive panoramic view of the walled city of Lo Manthang can be viewed. A short descent to a stream and crossing the river we gently ascend up to the plateau of Lo Manthang.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09: First day of Tiji festival
Explore around and observe the festival
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Second day of the Tiji festival
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Explore more and observe the colorful festival
Day 11: Third and final day of the Tiji festival
Visits the ancient sites and enjoy the last day celebration of the festival
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Trek to Ghami (3520m) via Lo-Gekker, 6-7 hours
The trek traverses back via highland rouge crossing the alpine meadows. The trail further goes via Lo Gekar climbing steeply to Chogo La (4325m), the highest point on this trek. The trail then drops to a stream where you visit Ghar Gompa of more than 1200 years ago believed to have been built by Guru Rimponche. Gompa is famous for its rock paintings and the legend of fulfilling our good wishes. The trail then drops steeply to the whitewashed buildings of Ghemi.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Trek to Samar (3150m), 6-7 hours
The trek on the windy trail drops down the valley to Gilling passing through arid plateau and crops fields. Samar is a nice little village with terraces and people who lead the Tibetan lifestyle and traditions.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Trek to Kagbeni, approx 6 hours
Today’s trek is mostly along the Kali Gandaki river enjoying the views of natural vegetation and apple orchards.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom, 3-4 hours
The final day of the trek is easy and short. The trek along the river and through Eklebhatti to Jomsom is also known as the lower Mustang.
End of the trek, time to stretch your legs and relax.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Fly back to Pokhara
Take an early morning flight to Pokhara. It feels nice to be back to Pokhara after a wonderful trek in the desert of the mountain. You will have time for relaxation and exploration on your own.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu, 6-7 hours
A scenic drive of approx 7 hours will take you back to Kathmandu. Relaxation and shopping time. Or fly back to Kathmandu. Evening farewell dinner with Nepali cultural show.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18: Departure day
The trip comes to an end. You will be transferred to airport and bid farewell
Services included:
Services not included:
Equipment list of Trekking
Here is a recommended Equipment List for trekking in Nepal Himalayas. You could bring the ones you already have and rest can be bought or hired in Kathmandu or other cities.
Clothing
Equipment and Accessories
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