Our team joined an interesting trip with Trekkers Nepal guides and support team for a world of wonders in remote himalayan region of Upper Mustang. The Tiji Festival tour, an annual three day festival occurring in the month of May, was the target of our journey.The Upper Mustang Trek in our experience was a combination of remote himalayan trekking with Buddhist Tradition. The unique journey took us to the last opened forbidden kingdom of the globe Lo Manthang for a centre stage to a century old amphitheatre of colorful buddhist mask dance of good vs evil.
Route, Permit and Cost
The route of theUpper Mustang Tiji Festival trek took us travellers through Himalayan Desert of Nepal to Lo Manthang. The tour to this place touted authentic “Tibet Outside Tibet” is a combination air, and walk travel. The 14 day tour started with flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara, venturing into Deserts of Jomsom. Afterwards, the tour traversed cantilever bridges in Kagbeni. The key stops in the trek here included Tsele, Syangboche, Ghami, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang over high passes like Nyi La & Ghemi La. The trip included a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) that cost $500 USD for the first 10 days plus ACAP fees of $25 along with TIMS $ 20 to us. The trekking package in Nepal by Trekkers Nepal covered all the permits on our behalf along with flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom), guides, porters, 3-star hotels accommodation in cities of Kathmandu/Pokhara and meals during the trek.
Our experience of the Tiji Festival
Held in Lo Manthang’s Choede Monastery, Tiji (prayer for world peace) spanned three days from May 5th to May 7th, 2024, dates change each year and are set according to local calendar astrologers. A spectacle of tradition continuing from the 15th century, monks from Chhode Monastery perform sacred Vajrakila rituals through elaborate masked dances accompanied by traditional horns, drums, and cymbals.
The three-day festival revolves around Guru Rinpochhe Dorje Jono battling demons and warding them off. Monks prepare for months, creating intricate tormas (ritual cakes) representing deities and demons. The community gathers in traditional dress for ceremonies, horse races, and tug-of-war competitions creating a memorable spectacle. Beyond festival grounds, a guided Thubchen Monastery tour of 15th-century murals added a touch of magnificence, while Jampa Lakhang tour of ancient paintings dedicated to Maitreya Buddha increased our wish for more.
Best Time to Visit
The Tiji Festival occurred at the end of the First week of May during our trip,the 2026 dates are scheduled for May 14-16, according to the Local Lunar Calendar. In addition, May is the season with ideal trekking conditions and comfortable day time temperatures of 15-25°C. However, the nights in our experience were colder as temperatures dipped below -5 to -10°C at higher elevations. We were informed by the locals on our team that Upper Mustang’s location in the Himalayan rain shadow means minimal rain even during monsoon season, making it accessible year-round.
Conclusion
In our experience, the trek offers unparalleled cultural immersion and beautiful Himalayan experience on a moderate fitness level trekking. Book withTrekkers Nepalfor seamless handling of permits, guided expert tour, and authentic experiences. Our team suggests you contact them now for your 2026 Tiji adventure!
