Mustang Tiji Festival, a three-day ritual also known as “The Chasing of Demons” is an ancient festival celebrated by the people of Mustang valley. This trek takes the trekkers to the heart of the beautiful Mustang valley and one can get an opportunity to explore the hidden beauties of Mustang valley. This cultural trek is a marvelous opportunity to explore the mysterious land of Mustang and an opportunity to do the sightseeing of this forbidden land.
Tiji, the abbreviation of the word “Tempa Chirim” means the prayer for world peace. This festival is celebrated in the memory of the victory of Lord Buddha’s incarnation as Dorjee Sonu over a cruel demon called Man Tam Ru who was feeding on human beings and causing droughts and storms. This festival usually takes place in the mid May and lasts for 3 days. The famous festival of Mustang is celebrated by performing ritual dances and celebrations.
During this trip you will be rewarded not only with the sightseeing of Tiji Festival but one can also get an opportunity to see the magnificent view of Himalayan ranges and explore the wilderness of Mustang valley. One can get an opportunity to see the ancient Tibetan Buddhism and the lifestyle of Sherpa’s living in this valley since many years.
Mustang Tiji Festival trek starts with a scenic flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. We will then hike to Kagbeni leaving Jomsom behind. The trail offers the visitors the spectacular views of mountain ranges and you will also explore the lifestyle and culture of people. We will then trek to the Chele village which is a 5-6 hours of walk from Kagbeni. Passing Syanbochen, Ghami, Tsarang, Lo-Manthang and Drakmar will take us to Ghillng. We will then trek ahead and reach Chukksang which will be the final point of our trek. We will then follow the same route to return back to Jomsom from where w will fly back to Pokhara and end our trip.
Please refer to the itinerary for further information:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1400m):
Namaste and welcome to the country of Nepal. You will be welcomed by our representative in the Tribhuvan International Airport and then transferred to our hotel in Kathmandu. At evening, you will be welcomed by an authentic Nepalese cuisine in one of the typical Nepalese restaurants of Thamel and then we will do a briefing about the itinerary of our trip. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing including Bhaktapur and Lalitpur:
After an early morning breakfast, we will head towards the beautiful and ancient places of Kathmandu valley which includes the world heritage sites, temples, places and other many beautiful things. Talking about Kathmandu, this place is a paradise to the tourists of all over the world and one can get an opportunity to relax his/her body form head to toe by doing the sightseeing of some of the iconic things of the world. You will be taken to Pashupatinath temple which is one of the most religious and historical temples of Kathmandu. Thousands of devotees from Nepal, India and all over the world come to this ancient temple for their rituals and celebrations. After the visit of Pashupatinath, we will drive for 15-20 minutes to do the sightseeing of Bouddhanath stupa. After exploring these historical monuments, we will be doing the sightseeing of ancient Durbar squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. Visiting Lalitpur and Bhaktapur will give you an opportunity to see the living goddess, Kumari and explore the ancient streets filled with arts and architects. A refreshing evening walk on the streets of Thamel and Basantapur will make you feel Kathmandu a really cool and historical place and you will also explore lots of new things in these streets. At afternoon, we will be back to our hotel and do the briefing of Everest Expedition trip. You will be guided about some of the important rules and suggestions for the trip such as what is your responsibility, what to do and what not to do on the trek? You will be then introduced to your fellow expedition staffs and guides and relax the hotel after dinner. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Flight to Pokhara and then to Jomsom:
You will be transferred to the Tribhuvam International Airport and then you will take a shirt flight to Pokhara. You will again take another flight to reach Jomsom which is a beautiful valley in the Himalayas. Overnight at Jomsom.
Day 04: Jomsom to Kagbeni and then to Chele:
We need a special permit to trek in the Manaslu region and we will first take the special permit and then trek along the Kali Gandaki river. We will enter the Upper Mustang and trek through the ancient Sherpa settlements of Upper Mustang. You will also do the sightseeing of beautiful fields in the hills cultivated with wheat, barley, buckwheat and millet. Trekking ahead the trail will take us to Chele. Overnight at Chele.
Day 05: Chele to Ghilling:
The trek today takes after the minor climb above Samar town to an edge, with a descend to a deep gorge to a Chorten painted red, dark, yellow and white. Every one of the colors are produced using nearby stones. Meeting some Juniper trees, the trek goes ahead to another township. From here the way slips to Shyangmochen, little livings with some tea houses at 3,710m, taking right downhill the trek drops towards to Gelling for medium-term remain
Day 06: Ghilling to Tsarang:
From Gelling, the path goes up graciously via the fields up the centre of the valley, crossing below the Tama Gung village. The walk carries on a long climb across the head of the valley to the Byi La Pass 3,950m which is also elevated place of the trek as well the cross itself happens to be the southern bounadry of Lo. From here a normal down for half an hour arrives to junction and the right trail leads to Tsarang and then we will move towards the left Ghami town.
Day 07: Charang to Lo-Manthang:
Today is the day you arrive the final destination. The path starts with short downfalls passing the Charangchu River with steep uphill on side and crossing via the Tholung valley. Path seperates with normal climb as the valley goes up to a large Chorten which marks the boundary of Tsarang and Lo-Mangthang. After that we climb the landscapes on elevation of 3,850 meter where from the clear Lo-Mangthang village can be seen. As there is only one entry point in this place at the northern side, one has to circle the wall to reach main gate to get inside the Lo-Mangthang village
Day 08-10: Exploring and watching the Tiji FestivaL
From today, the Tiji festival begins and we will continuously rest at Lo-Manthang for 3 days to watch the Tiji festival. Tiji, the abbreviation of the word “Tempa Chirim” means the prayer for world peace. This festival is celebrated in the memory of the victory of Lord Buddha’s incarnation as Dorjee Sonu over a cruel demon called Man Tam Ru who was feeding on human beings and causing droughts and storms. This festival usually takes place in the mid May and lasts for 3 days. The famous festival of Mustang is celebrated by performing ritual dances and celebrations. One can get an opportunity to explore the ancient and authentic cultures and traditions of Mustang.
Day 11: Trek to Ghami (3,440m0 6 to 7 hours walk
As we start to return back from the trek, today’s walk mostly goes downhill. However short climbs are needed and have to be faced. Firstly, we will climb up to the top where from the last view can be seen of Lo-Mangthang village, then we descend downhill slopes where most of the path to Ghimi town. Ghimi is another significant town of this area.
Day 12: Trek to Samar – 4 to 5 hours walk
The path goes straight route to Nyi La, with a climb to the side and then continuing upwards and then we will encounter the road from Tsarang. From the top the steep descend waits all the way to Gelling town. After passing stream once again, the trail climbs up towards to large painted Chorten. Then we will head straight towards the path to our overnight camp.
Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka, – 5 to 6 hours walk
Our trek from Samar goes to the less known region by the westerners, descending on the same route for 3 hours via Chele town and then arriving to Mustang Khola. And then we the trek leads climbing further up to the ridge on leaving the village way. We will head down where the walk is more less on the gradual uphill trek and we arrive our overnight camp.
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath (3,710m) – 4 Hours walk
Less frequented upper part of Mustang, you will be viewing more of fellow treks, the trek from the camp towards to slow climb for less than an hour up to 3,970m. From here the trek leads down and we start to slope down for Muktinath. The massive views of the Nilgiri and Tukuche peak can be seen easily from this point. At evening, you will visit the holy temple of Muktinath.
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom (5 hours)
Although the vehicles are available these days, the trek mostly leaves down to Ekali Bhatti and straight flat to Jomsom. It is a windy valley so do not forget to wear eye glass and After we trek most of the time along the Jali Gandaki river, you reach Jomsom for overnight.
Day 16: Fly to Pokhara
An early morning flight for about half an hour will bring you at Pokhara. It’s better to spend and relax a day in Pokhara after long trek. You can visit nearby places and stay overnight at Pokhara.
Day 17: Drive or fly to Kathmandu
It’s up to you either you want drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus, car or van. Driving takes about 7 hours and you also have an option of flight which takes only 30 minutes.
Day 18: Depart to Kathmandu
As we reach Kathmandu, we will depart from this point to our respective places.
Cost Include
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car or van. It is depend of the group.
- Two nights standard accommodation in 2/3/4/5 star category hotel in Kathmandu located tourist center, or up to you.
- Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking
- Local fresh fruits like orange, apple, banana and grape etc.
- All accommodations during the trek.
- Your destination map.
- Both ways domestic Flights with airport tax.
- An experienced Government licensed holder Climbing guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek.
- Permit
- Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment’s, transportation, local tax for Guide and porter
- Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- If you need we will provide you sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffle bag and, if necessary etc.
- All necessary Government paper works and national park entry permits and TIMS Card etc.
- Travel & Rescue arrangement.
- All government taxes and Vat.
Cost Excludes
- Meals yourself Kathmandu (L+D).
- equipment / Gears
- Your Travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Nepal’s Airport in Kathmandu).
- All kind drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, Water )
- Personal shopping and laundry etc.
- Personal trekking Equipment’s.
- Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)
- If do any tour and sightseeing and other activities etc.