Trip Facts
- Total Duration 13 days
- Trip Grade Moderate
- Max Altitude 4010m.
- Start From Pokhara
- End From Pokhara
- Min Size 2 pax
- Max Size 10 pax
- Trip Mode Tour
- Accommodation Tea House
- Dealine 1 May 2027
- Best Season: May-June
Trip Highlights
- Witness the sacred three-day Tiji Festival in the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, featuring colorful masked dances, Buddhist rituals, and centuries-old Tibetan cultural traditions.
- Explore the hidden treasures of Upper Mustang, including ancient Buddhist and Bon monasteries, sacred Mani walls, historic caves, and remarkable Tibetan art and murals preserved for generations.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, dramatic Trans-Himalayan desert landscapes, exciting mountain drives, and the unique beauty of Nepal’s Last Forbidden Kingdom.
Explore the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal
The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Tour offers a rare opportunity to experience the ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions of the legendary Last Forbidden Kingdom of Lo. Held annually in the walled city of Lo Manthang, the Tiji Festival is a sacred three-day celebration known as “The Chasing of the Demons” and is one of the most important traditional and spiritual festivals in Upper Mustang.
The festival is connected to the ancient legend of Dorje Jono (Dorje Shunu), a revered deity who saved Mustang from destruction by defeating his demon father. According to local belief, the demon created severe drought and hardship in this arid Himalayan region, causing crop failure and the loss of livestock. Dorje Jono’s victory over the demon restored peace, prosperity, and harmony throughout the valley.
Believed to have started during the time of Lama Lowo Khenchen (1456–1532), the Tiji Festival remains one of the oldest and most significant traditions of Lo Manthang. During the festival, monks dressed in colorful robes and sacred masks perform a series of spiritual dances symbolizing the victory of positive energy over negative forces. Villagers gather to pray for peace, happiness, and prosperity across the region.
Discover the Hidden Beauty of Upper Mustang
Opened to foreigners only in 1992, Upper Mustang remains one of Nepal’s most preserved Himalayan regions. Its restricted status, ancient monasteries, dramatic desert landscapes, unique colors of Mustang, and centuries-old Tibetan culture make it one of the most fascinating destinations in Nepal. Special permits are required for entry, costing USD 50 per person per day.
The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Tour begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a scenic journey through Tatopani, Kalopani, Tukuche, Marpha, Jomsom, Muktinath, Kagbeni, Chuksang, Ghiling, Charang, and Ghar Gumba before reaching Lo Manthang.
Witness the three-day Tiji Festival celebration, explore important historical and cultural sites of Upper Mustang, and return to Pokhara with unforgettable memories of this hidden Himalayan kingdom.
Join Blossom Expeditions for this unforgettable Upper Mustang cultural tour and experience the rich spiritual traditions, ancient Tibetan culture, and breathtaking Trans-Himalayan landscapes of Nepal.
Video links: Tiji Festival Lo Mathang Upper Mustang Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking
Trip Itinerary
| Days | Program |
| 01 | 26-May-2027 Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m) International Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. |
| 02 | 27-May-2027 Preparation and a day sightseeing in Kathmandu: Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. |
| 03 | 28-May-2027 Early in the morning, flight to Pokhara (820m) and drive to Kalopani (2,530m), Flight: 20 minutes / Drive: 5–6 hours. |
| 04 | 29-May-2027 Drive to Kagbeni via Muktinath (2,810m), 7–8 hours. |
| 05 | 30-May-2027 Drive to Ghami (3,520m), 6–7 hours. |
| 06 | 31-May-2027 Drive to Lo Manthang via Lo Gekar and Tsarang (3755m), Time 6-7 Hours |
| 07/09 | 1/2/3-June-2027 Rest and exploration days in Lo Manthang. Visit some of the oldest and most religiously significant monasteries and nearby villages while witnessing the Tiji Festival. |
| 10 | 4-June-2027 Drive to Jomsom (2,729m). Time: 4–5 hours. |
| 11 | 5-June-2027 Drive to Pokhara (820m). Time: 6–7 hours. |
| 12 | 6-June-2027 A day sightseeing in Pokhara: Mountain Museum, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Devi’s Falls, Peace Pagoda Temple, and a late afternoon fly to Kathmandu |
| 13 | 7-June-2027 Departure for Home |
Trip Cost
| Per Person | $ 2555 |
| Trip Deposit | $ 500 |
| Single Supplementary (Single Supplement Kathmandu and Pokhara only) |
$ 100 |
What's Included
- Four nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, including breakfast
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea/coffee during the trip
- Teahouse accommodation during the trip on a sharing basis
- Guide and assistant guide wages, including their food, accommodation, and insurance during the trip
- Pokhara–Pokhara round-trip transportation by 4WD vehicle
- Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS card fees
- Upper Mustang restricted area permit
- Airport transfers
- Tour guide and transportation for sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Entrance fees for sightseeing
- Transfers in Pokhara
What's Excludes
- Cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, and drinking water
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel insurance, emergency evacuation, and personal medical expenses
- Donations along the trail and anything not mentioned above
- Tips for field staff
Trip Gallery
Trip FAQs
What is the Tiji Festival?
The Tiji Festival is a sacred three-day Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated every year in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and tells the story of the deity Dorje Jono defeating a demon to protect Mustang from destruction. The celebration includes colorful Chham masked dances, prayers, sacred chanting, and purification ceremonies performed by the monks of Choedhe Monastery.
Where is the Tiji Festival celebrated?
The Tiji Festival is celebrated in Lo Manthang, the ancient walled city of Upper Mustang in Nepal, near the Tibetan border. Once the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, this remote Himalayan region has preserved its traditional Tibetan culture, monasteries, and unique way of life for centuries.
When is the Tiji Festival held?
The Tiji Festival usually takes place in May or early June according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated over three days with special religious ceremonies, traditional dances, and cultural performances.
When is the Tiji Festival in 2027?
The Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang follows the Tibetan lunar calendar. In 2027, the festival will be celebrated from 1–3 June 2027. Our Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Tour will depart from Kathmandu on 28 May 2027, after completing all necessary preparations, permits, and travel arrangements.
Why is the Tiji Festival famous?
The Tiji Festival is famous for its ancient Buddhist traditions, colorful masked dances, spiritual atmosphere, and the unique culture of Upper Mustang. It is one of the most important cultural festivals in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
Do I need a special permit for Upper Mustang?
Yes, Upper Mustang is a restricted area in Nepal, so special permits are required. Travelers need:
• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
A licensed trekking guide is also mandatory for visiting Upper Mustang.
How long is the Tiji Festival Tour?
The Tiji Festival Tour usually takes around 10–15 days, depending on the itinerary and transportation. Our Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Tour is specially designed as a comfortable 13-day journey, allowing you to fully experience the culture, landscapes, and festival of Upper Mustang.
What are the main highlights of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour?
The main highlights of the tour include:
• Tiji Festival celebrations in Lo Manthang
• Ancient monasteries and mysterious sky caves
• Traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture
• Beautiful desert landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and stunning mountain views
• Traditional villages of Upper Mustang
• The historic walled city of Lo Manthang
Is altitude sickness a concern in Upper Mustang?
Altitude sickness is less common in Upper Mustang compared to higher Himalayan treks like Everest Base Camp. However, some parts of the route reach higher elevations, including passes around 4,200 meters. It is important to acclimatize properly, walk at a comfortable pace, and stay well hydrated during the trip.
Are WiFi and mobile networks available in Upper Mustang?
Mobile network and limited WiFi are available in some villages and lodges in Upper Mustang. However, the connection may be slow or unavailable in remote areas.
Why choose the Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Tour?
The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Tour is a unique journey that combines culture, history, Himalayan landscapes, and spiritual experiences. It gives you a rare opportunity to witness one of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist festivals while exploring the remote and beautiful kingdom of Lo Manthang.
Trip Highlights
- Witness the sacred three-day Tiji Festival in the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, featuring colorful masked dances, Buddhist rituals, and centuries-old Tibetan cultural traditions.
- Explore the hidden treasures of Upper Mustang, including ancient Buddhist and Bon monasteries, sacred Mani walls, historic caves, and remarkable Tibetan art and murals preserved for generations.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, dramatic Trans-Himalayan desert landscapes, exciting mountain drives, and the unique beauty of Nepal’s Last Forbidden Kingdom.
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