Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2026

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Trip Facts

Trip Facts

Duration
18 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
4353 m
Group Size
2 - 35 Pax
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Activities
Trekking, and Hiking
Best Time
Springa, and Monsoon Season
Overview

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2026 is a trekking package to attend a fascinating annual three-day festival consisting of Tibetan rituals that celebrate the myth of a son who had to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. The Tiji festival in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang held on May 14th to 16th May 2026.

The Tiji festival, which locals call the Tenchi Festival, is a monk dance festival celebrated every year in Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. According to Tempa Chhirim, Tenji, commonly pronounced Teeji or Tiji, means “ Prayer for World Peace”. Upper Mustang is a place highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and the only untouched preserved safe zone for Tibetan Buddhism. According to His Highness Dalai Lama, “Authentic Tibetan culture survives only in exile in a few places like Mustang, which has had long historical and cultural ties with Tibet.” The main priest of the Tiji Festival is one of the Top 10 Buddhist priests of the World.

The festival is only celebrated in the indigenous Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang. Over the Mustang during the Tiji festival time, monks dressed in elaborate costumes and masks perform dances and rituals that are supposed to drive away evil spirits. The Tiji festival dances are all organized by the Choedhe Monastery and led by the monks, who belong to the Sakya sect of Buddhism. The monastery is headed by a Rimpoche, the Top 10 Buddhist priests in the World. About 65 monks from Lo Manthang, Nhenyul, and Chhosyer reside in this monastery. They practice religious and traditional dances for months just to perform at the Tiji Festival.

The Tiji Festival begins with the opening of the 400-year-old banner of the respective Lord, who conquered the demons and brought peace. The Tiji Festival is held in the town’s main square. On the first day, monks integrate the dances and complex ceremonies to lead the world towards peace, evoke God, and purify the ground for further days of the Tiji Festival. The second day is lit as different dances are performed with drums, masks, attitude, swords, and the raging of demons. The king of Lo comes to the town’s main square and settles on the throne for the ongoing Tiji Festival. The third day is all about winning over demons and destruction and welcoming peace.

Tiji Festival Date in 2026 in Upper Mustang

Since 2019 Tiji festival has not been celebrated for 3 years because of COVID-19. The local people of Lo-Manthang decided to celebrate the Tiji festival in 2026 is still not fixed. The Tiji festival date had been fixed according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar, and it goes on for days and praying for world peace Puja. 

Nepal Adventure Team arranges the fixed departure for the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2025 as per the customized requirements for the attainment of the Tiji festival. The highest altitude you face is 4353 meters with windy and chilly weather. You may have a chance to grab an easy way to travel on the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Ride Tour option.

Highlights

  • Lo-Manthan; Forbidden Kingdom
  • The world’s Top 10 monks lead the Tiji Festival
  • Classic and Authentic exposure to century-old ceremonies and rituals
  • Panorama View of the world’s 7th highest mountain-Dhaulagiri and Gangapurna, Tukuche, Manaslu, Thorang
  • Kali Gandaki George, World’s Deepest George
  • Muktinath Temple- high value for Buddhists and Hindus
  • Traditional Palaces, Monasteries, and caves formed on high cliffs
  • Ghar Gumba- the oldest monastery
  • Desert landscape with spires and cliffs, as well as dense green hills and woods
  • Kagbeni - Holy Kaligandaki river valley
  • Diversified culture, tales, and lifestyle of Gurung, Tibetan, Thakali, Magar, and like
  • A Unique History of Lo-Manathang
  • Tranquil, unexplored, and unspoiled trails with few/no settlements
Roadmap

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2026 Itinerary

Upper Mustang Tiji festival trek itinerary for 2023 is our standard package, and if you want to customize it we are here for you. You may do the trek and after you may drive back to Jomsom or directly to Pokhara as well. You have another option as well which means you choose Jeep Ride tour for Tiji Festival, Or You may call, SMS, or Send a Message from WhatsApp/Viber Directly to our managing Director Mr. Jeeban Thapa Magar at +977 9851234322 

Starts: Kathmandu
Ends: Kathmandu
Day 01:

Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines

Day 02:

Preparation day in Kathmandu

Day 03:

Drive to Pokhara (860 m) 220 km, 8 hours

Day 04:

Morning fly to Jomsom (2,715 m) and trek to Kagbeni (2858 m) 4 hours

Day 05:

Trek to Chele / Tsele (3,050 m) 6 hours

Day 06:

Trek to Syangboche (3,475 m) 5 hours

Day 07:

Trek to Dhakmar (3810 m) 5 hours

Day 08:

Trek to Lo - Manthang (3,700 m) 5 hours

Day 09:

First Day of Tiji Festival

Day 10:

Second Day of Tiji Festival

Day 11:

Third Day of Tiji Festival

Day 12:

Trek to Yara (3760m) 5 hours

Day 13:

Trek to Tengbe (3320m) 6 hours

Day 14:

Trek to Chuksang/ Tsusang (3050m) 9-10 hours

Day 15:

Trek to Muktinath (3800m) 8 hours

Day 16:

Fly to Pokhara and transfer to hotel

Day 17:

Drive back to Kathmandu, 6 hours

Day 18:

International Departure

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Cost Details

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2026 Cost Details

Includes

  • Airport pick up and drop by private Car / Jeep / Hiace
  • Welcome and farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant and cultural dance
  • Three days 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara on a BB plan basis
  • Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by deluxe tourist bus
  • Pokhara – Jomsom, and back to Pokhara by domestic flight
  • 13 Days 12 Nights tea house lodge accommodation during the trek
  • All meal Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee in a cup, and fruit salad for every day
  • An experienced and expert trekking guide and porter (one for two clients) and their salary, food, accommodation, equipment, and insurance
  • Trekking map, equipment, and first Aid Medical Kitbag
  • Restricted area permit (It does cost USD 500 dollar for each)
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit
  • TIMS (Trekkers information management system) Cards permit
  • Company T-shirt, duffel bag, and appreciation letter
  • All local monument fees and taxes
  • All Nepal Government VAT 13% included

Excludes

  • Nepal visa fee and international flight
  • Extra drinks; alcoholic and non-alcoholic
  • Personal expenses such as phone bill, chocolate, bakery items, battery charge, laundry, hot shower, and extra porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals behind schedule
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Tips to guide and porters
Upcoming Trip

Dates & Availability

The following dates are the fixed departure dates and a common schedule. If you want a special and private package we can arrange one for you.

The following are the prices per person.

Must-Know

Essential Information

Passport & Visa

All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, need visas to enter Nepal. Getting a visa must be the easiest one though. You just have to go to the Nepalese Embassy/consulate in your country or it can also be obtained upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. To get a visa, you need to bring 2 pp size photos, visa fees, and a valid passport.
Tourist Visa Fees: 3 days transit visa - Free of Cost

15 Days – 30 USD

30 Days – 50 USD

90 Days – 125 USD

For more information, please contact the Department of Immigration.
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu
Tel: 00977-1- 4429660 | 4438862 | 4438868 | 4433934
E-mail: mail@immi.gov.np.
Website: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must when you travel abroad. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because of the reason that they cover all the expenses if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen.

First Aid Kit/High Altitude Sickness

Nepal Adventure Team strongly suggests that you have your first aid or medical kit. This trip takes you to some high altitudes though not much but the slow walks and regular stops between the walks will help you acclimatize to high altitude saving you from the high altitude sickness called AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Gaining altitude without proper consideration of AMS is fatal.

Equipment and Packing Lists

After booking with the Nepal Adventure Team, please pack the necessary items as listed:

  • Travel documents: passport, visa (If you have one), travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, passport photo (x 2)
  • Bank cards or credit cards, travelers' Cheque, etc
  • Comfortable boots and runners/sports shoes.
  • 6-8 pairs of socks woolen/cotton. Fleece jacket, Down / Duvet Jacket, and Rain / windproof jacket.
  • Gloves- 2 pairs.
  • T-shirts 4-6 pcs, shirts (woolen/cotton).
  • A cap for the day and a woolen hat or Balaclava for evening/morning wear.
  • Trousers.
  • Short and tracksuits.
  • Sleeping bag (4 seasons) with inner liner.
  • Large and small towels.
  • Toiletries.
  • Water bottle.
  • Sun /snow glass.
  • Ski/walking poles (optional but useful).
  • First Aid/medical kit.
  • Rucksack/backpack.
  • Duffel Bags (carried by porters or animals).
  • Torch / Flashlights with spare batteries.
  • Pen knife/ Swiss knife.
  • Scarf/mask (for dust and wind).
  • Personal hygiene stuff.
  • Any other extras you feel are necessary like binoculars, cameras, books, journals, and more.

Precautionary Note:

Trekking has been long established in Nepal, so the itineraries are modified and moderated in such a way that you can take it easy and slow. DO NOT RUSH AND ENJOY. There is plenty of time and the guide will keep track of you all the time. It might be a bit harder or a bit colder but you will get used to it.

Additional Money

Every traveler is different and they spend their way. Some spend on food and drinks while others on souvenirs. Either way, consider your own spending habits and also tipping, emergency fund ($200), etc before you pack up and leave.

Trip Specific Safety

Your guide is always there for your safety concerns and looking after your valuables. But you have to be equally careful. Carry some sort of wallet or belt for your important documents and money. The hotels have a safety deposit box where the lock is recommended before passing the luggage.

A Couple of Rules

Possession or use of any illegal drugs is intolerable. It is because of the law that respects the local people and their culture. The group will be expelled in such a case.

Responsible Tourism

Nepal Adventure Team strongly believes that we all are equally responsible for acting in favor of the local people and the surrounding environment. Our clients too have an important role to

  • Respect the local laws, customs, and beliefs
  • Always ask for permission before doing something local or consult the leader
  • Keep the area the same as you found it, wherever you go, and dispose of rubbish
  • Support local skills to encourage positive sides of tourism.

Feedback and Reviews

This is very important for us. After your travel, we want your feedback whether it is good or bad since that's the way we can thrive further. To motivate you to finish the review or feedback online, we are going to give you an 8% discount on your next trip with us. Outstanding isn’t it?

Additional Information

For all the additional information, go to contact us or send a message and call directly to Mr. Jeevan Thapa Magar +977 9851234322 (Viber/WhatsApp)

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