Tiji Festival Mustang Trek

07 May 2023: DAY 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. Welcome and greet you at Airport then Transfer to the Hotel.

08 May 2023: DAY 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks include the World Heritage Sites: the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath Temple and Buddhist shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members.(A.B.)

09 May 2023: DAY 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara (823m): 6 hrs drive Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. En route we will see more of the countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. (A.B.L.D)

10 May 2023: DAY 04: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni (2,858m): 3-4 hrs

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000ers such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang. This is a large town; headquarters of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age-old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After a good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village situated on the main age old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via the Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributary, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki. (A.B.L.D)

11 May 2023: DAY 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3050m): 5-6 hrs Our journey starts with a special permit check-up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. During the walk, we have a scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trail follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white-washed houses, and fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges and reach at Chele village. (A.B.L.D).

12 May 2023 : DAY 06: Chele to Syanbochen (3475m): 6-7 hrs
we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Further descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descend steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave. (A.B.L.D)

13 May 2023 : DAY 07: Syanbochen to Ghaymi (3520m): 5-6 hrs.
we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m) passing a few teahouses, Chortens and local villages which are like Tibetan-style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. the third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren. (A.B.L.D)

14 May 2023 : DAY 08: Ghaymi to Tsarang (3500m): 4-5 hrs
Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers of Buddhism. From the end of the wall, the trail heads east to the village of Tsarang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. (A.B.L.D)

15 May 2023 : DAY 09: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3840m): 5-6 hrs
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further, the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. (A.B.L.D)

Tiji (Tenchi) Festival Starts

16 May 2023: Day 10: First day observe Tenji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m.
Activities: The Tiji Festival is colorful, with three long dances, and participants from the Mustang and neighbor Mustang people have dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry. Overnight at Lodge.(A.B.L.D)

17 May 2023: Day 11: The second day observes Tiji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m.
Activities: The Dances of the second day become more aggressive and active as DorjeJono Taeks on his evil father, Crowd swells with Lobas having Mustangi dress and jewelry. People come to see the various deities and the many animals which represent Dorje Jono’s following. The final act of day teo ends with the piercing of a straw effigy of the demon, symbolizing the defeat of evil. Overnight at Lodge.(A.B.L.D)

18 May 2023:: Day 12: Final observation Tji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m.
Activities: On the final day of TIji, an effigy made of dough is brought out, amid chants and prayers.Dorje Jono stabs it again with a dagger. The decapitated head of the statue is buried in front of the palace’s main entrance. Joined the dance by a raucous procession let out of the city gates by dancers, by the Royal family and dignitaries and as monks blow horns and same time the smoke of juniper and frankincense blow thick in the Air.The weapons are brought out to complete the vanquishing of the spirit. The King of Mustang makes an appearance as the procession on day three of this festival. Overnight at Lodge.(A.B.L.D)
Tiji Festival Ends

19 May 2023: DAY 13: Trek Lo-Mangthang to Dhakmar (3820 m)/Ghami 6-7 hrs
While returning from Lo-Mangthang, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. (A.B.L.D)

20 May 2023: DAY 14: Ghami/Dhakmar to Chhuksang (3050m): 5-6 hrs
today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. (A.B.L.D)

21 May 2023: DAY 15: Chhuksang to Jomsom (2700m): 6-7 hrs
our last day of the day would be a long one. Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni.Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Or, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well. (A.B.L.D)

22 May 2023: DAY 16: Fly back to Pokhara
After morning breakfast we check in at the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30-minute flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Phewa lake boating and walk up to viewpoint Peace Stupa. (A.B.L.D)

23 May 2023: DAY 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist Bus. (A.B.L.) Or you can extend your activities like Chitwan safari and Lumbini tour and River Rafting etc if you have more holiday.

24 May 2023: DAY 18: Rest day in Kathmandu / shopping day. (A)

25 May 2023: DAY 19: Transfer to the International airport and Fly back to your home country.

(Abbreviation: A - Accommodation, B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner)
Please view the Tiji Festival Mustang Trekking Photos here --