Upper Mustang  Tiji Festival 2024 date (5th, 6th, and 7th of May)

What happens in the 3 days of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival?

First day:

• On this first day of the Upper Mustang Tiji festival, also known as "Tsa Chaam," the monks perform the ritual dance. The way it is organized makes Dorje Jono's story clear. It's also thought that Dorje Jono once more assumed the appearance of Buddha to battle evil. While the monks dance, the creatures terrorize the locals of Mustang.
• The first day of the Upper Mustang Tiji festival seems almost choreographed. The Chhode Gompa monastery is where the monks and offerings are gathered. You'll have the chance to see the monks' early-morning Vajrakila prayers. Drums, cymbals, and long copper horns invite the artwork to the court.
• The dancers entertain the King while he is seated in his parlor. The lead dancer, The Tsowo, is the most well-known performer in this production. The remaining spectators await the procession as it makes its way to the lowest floor. The dance, which includes 52 steps, begins slowly and with caution. The first day's fascinating details provided the backdrop for the rest of the event.

Second day:

• On the second day of the Upper Mustang Tiji festival, the monk dances the "Nga Cham." In the Dorje Jono performance, the devils are being tried to be returned to the Buddha globe.
• The monks gather in the square in a reasonably same pattern to start the second day. They recite the Vajrakila prayers and practice making offerings. A second giant thangka is introduced and placed next to the first. As weaponry and animal shapes are included in the dance, you'll notice that the movements start to become more hostile.
• The Tsowo eventually relinquishes a dagger that stands for the triumph of good. Before throwing the knife into the air, the Tsowo swings it at a straw statue. Similar to Dorje Shunu, the Tsowo dramatizes the killing of the demon. These demonstrate how prepared we are for the worst-case scenario as humans.

Third day:

• On the third day of the Upper Mustang Tiji celebration, the monks perform the dance known as "Rha Chham." The demons are defeated and expelled from Dorje Jono's realm in a performance performed by monks on the festival's final day. The monks assemble in the plaza of the monastery to give prayers and present to Vajrakila.
• The monks dress once more as animals to perform the dances. The Tsowo offer unique nectar as a gift from the gods. As the rite ends, the dancers take the lead to escort the Monarch and his family.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek Itinerary (2024)

Day 01: 28th April, Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2712ft) 8-9 hrs.

Day 02: 29th April, Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni/Drive to Kagbeni from Pokhara

Day 03: 30th April, Kagbeni to Chhusang (3,050m/1004ft) 5 - 6 hrs. walk

Day 04: 1st May, Chhusang to Syangboche (3,475m/11398ft) 6 - 7 hrs. walk

Day 05: 2nd May, Syangboche to Ghami (3,520m/11546ft) 5-6 hrs. walk

Day 06: 3rd May, Ghami to Tsarang (3,620m/11874ft) 5-6 hrs. walk

Day 07: 4th May, Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3810m/12497ft) 3 - 4 hrs. walk

Day 08: 5th May, Tiji Festival Observation Day (Opening Day)

Day 09: 6th May, Tiji Festival Observation Day (Second Day)

Day 10: 7th May, Tiji Festival Observation Day (Closing Day)

Day 11: 8th May, Sightseeing and Exploration Day

Day 12: 9th May, Drive to Jomsom  (2,743m/8997 ft) 6-7 hrs

Day 13: 10th May, Fly Back to Pokhara 25 min. Flight (Jeep Ride on Option 6-7 hrs. drive)

Day 14: 11th May, Drive to Kathmandu 8 - 9 hrs. drive.

Mustang Tiji Festival Tour Short Itinerary 2024 (Alternative Jeep Tour Itinerary)

Day 01: 2nd May, Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2712ft) 8-9 hrs.

Day 02: 3rd May, Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni/Drive to Kagbeni from Pokhara

Day 03: 4th May, Drive to Lo-Manthang (3810m/12497ft) 5-6 hrs. Drive

Day 04: 5th May, Tiji Festival Observation Day (Opening Day)

Day 05: 6th May, Tiji Festival Observation Day (Second Day)

Day 06: 7th May, Tiji Festival Observation Day (Closing Day)

Day 07: 8th May, Sightseeing and Exploration Day

Day 08: 9th May, Drive to Jomsom  (2,743m/8997 ft) 6-7 hrs

Day 09: 10th May, Fly Back to Pokhara 25 min. Flight (Jeep Ride on Option 6-7 hrs. drive)

Day 10: 11th May, Drive to Kathmandu 8 - 9 hrs. drive.

(For more information about details Itinerary, cost, and transportation please contact us: WhatsApp: +977 9851311073)

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2024 Highlights

The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek highlights include:

• Tiji Festival: A three-day religious celebration of good triumphing over evil that features traditional dances, music, and ceremonies.
• Visit to Lo-Manthang: A trip to the historic palaces and monasteries of the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang, formerly encompassed by high walls and defenses.
• Trekking through the Mustang Region: This is a chance to discover Nepal's wild, unspoiled interior, home to parched deserts, undulating hills, and soaring mountains.
• Historical and cultural attractions: The ability to see centuries-old monasteries, temples, and villages that offer insight into the region's rich history and cultural legacy.
•  Unusual scenery: A trek through the stunning landscapes of the Mustang region, with a breathtaking view of the Himalayan scenery.
• Adventure and excitement: A trek that combines the thrill of trekking in the Himalayas with an adventure that offers a singular combination of cultural, historical, and natural experiences.

Trek to Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is one of the popular treks that happen every year in May in the Mustang district of Nepal. It is a religious celebration that honors the triumph of good over evil and represents the deity Dorje Jono's victory over his demonic father.

The Trek to Upper Mustang is a unique adventure since it gives travelers access to the once-separate kingdom of Mustang, which was once ruled by the native monarchy. The trail enters Upper Mustang and travels to Lo Manthang the capital of Upper Mustang, where the Tiji festival is held.

A three-day celebration, the event features vibrant masks, regional dances, and historical customs. The masked dancer performances, representing the various characters in the festival's epic plot, are the festival's main draw. The drumming and traditional melodies accompanying the dances create a lively and festive mood.

In addition to the Tiji Festival 2024, tourists can explore the gompas (Buddhist monasteries), historic sites, and local communities in and surrounding Lo Manthang. Experience the distinct culture, customs, and history of the Mustang region by making the journey to Upper Mustang and attending the Tiji Festival.

Overall, the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a singular and remarkable experience that mixes the thrill of a cultural festival with the adventure of trekking through the Himalayas. Anyone interested in traveling to Nepal's distant and unspoiled areas and experiencing the local culture must go there.

The Upper Mustang Trek (Tiji Festival) provides an opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes of the Mustang region in addition to the Tiji Festival 2024. The walk offers a beautiful view of the Himalayan landscape, taking you to dry regions, undulating hills, and towering mountains. Along the route, you will also have the chance to stop at centuries-old towns, monasteries, and temples, giving you a look into the region's rich history and cultural legacy.

In sum, the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is an excursion that presents a singular synthesis of cultural, historical, and natural experiences. This journey is a must-do for anybody traveling to Nepal, regardless of whether you are an experienced hiker or simply seeking out a novel travel experience. The Upper Mustang region gives a once-in-a-lifetime chance to discover one of the last remaining kingdoms of the globe because of its rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and exciting history.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2024

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2024 begins from Jomsom to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang Trek. You fly to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang district, after a flight from the Pokhara Airport. Moving along the gradually steep trails across the traditional Tibetan villages, you will visit several natural caves and gompas. 

Semi-arid landscapes and the majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m) Massifs make this festival trek more memorable. The moderate to challenging trail takes you through the complete wilderness, adventure, and natural beauty of the Trans-Himalayan Region. 

This year (2024) Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is organized in the second half of  May. It focuses on observing the Tiji Festival, celebrated for three days in the forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang.

According to the Tibetan calendar, the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2024 has fallen on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of May. According to the myth, an incarnation of Buddha, Dorje Jono, had killed a demon father who created havoc in the ancient Kingdom of Lo. Tiji Festival is observed for three days to mark the victory of virtue over vice that challenged human civilization. 

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek offers you splendid vistas of snowcapped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs. Tukuche Peak (6, 920m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Tilicho Peak (7,134m), Thorung Peak (6,144m), Saribung (6,328m), Mustang Himal (6,187m), Manshail (6,235m), Bhrikuti Peak (6,460m), many more.

The ancient gompas such as Jhampa, Thupchen, Chhoeda, Ghar Gompa, Namgyal Gompa, etc., are the Tibetan Buddhist shrines of the Upper Mustang Region. Mustang Tiji Festival Trek lets you explore the walled city and Capital of the forbidden Kingdom of Lo. 

The upper Mustang Region is a Restricted Area for Trekking, so you cannot trek as a solo trekker in Nepal. It would be best if you had a special permit and a professional trekking guide for a group of two trekkers. 

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2024 is a customizable festival trek in Nepal. You can drive to Lo Manthang from Kathmandu or Pokhara because a new road track has recently been constructed. You can also do an Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour with landing and return to Kathmandu or Pokhara after observing the Tiji Festival celebrations.

Requirement Permit for Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Entrance Special Permit. (This special permit is provided by the immigration office in Kathmandu. For that, you have to bring your original passport with a valid visa date.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit

Note:  At least 2 people need to get a Special permit.