Tiji Festival Tour

Tiji Festival Tour to Upper Mustang is a great opportunity to witness the evocative Tibetan culture and visit the last forbidden Kingdom of Lo. The Tiji festival is a well-known annual celebration that takes place at Lo Manthang. The three-day event (known as “The Chasing of the Demons”) is an important occasion for the people of the Upper Mustang Region. It is centered around the Tiji legend, which tells the story of a deity named Dorje Jono (DorjeShunu) battling against her demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction.

The demon father wreaked havoc on Mustang by causing a water shortage, which is a highly precious resource in this dry land. Due to the water shortage, crops were being destroyed, and livestock was dying. According to the story, Dorje Jono eventually defeated the demon and banished him from the land.

The festival is believed to have started around the time of Lama LowoKhenchen (1456-1532), making it one of the oldest festivals in Lo Manthang. As part of the celebrations, the people pray that God will ensure the good fortune and well-being of the entire valley. During the festival, the entire village gathers in Lo Manthang. The monks dress up in traditional colorful dress (including masks) and perform dances to drive away the evil spirits.

Upper Mustang was opened to foreigners in 1992 and has been strictly regulated ever since. Trekkers are not common here, which is why this trek provides a rare and up-close look at a society that has remained unaffected by change for centuries. Unfortunately, access to the region is quite expensive (a permit costs US$500 per person for ten days). The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek starts from Jomsom, which can be reached by plane or four-wheel drive from Pokhara. Trekking in Mustang, especially during the Tiji Festival, is truly one of the most rewarding experiences.

The Tiji Festival Tour starts with a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a scenic drive through picturesque valleys and villages such as Tatopani, Kalopani, Tukuche, Marfa, Jomsom, Muktinath, Kagbani, Chuksang, Ghiling, Charang, and GharGumba until reaching Lo Manthang. The tour’s main highlight is the three-day Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, along with an exploration of significant sites in the area before returning to Pokhara. Experience the cultural richness and discover the beauty of the Upper Mustang.

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Tiji Festival Lo Mathang Upper Mustang    

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking