Overview
The celebration lasts for three days in May. The festivals showcase vibrant traditional music, dance, and colorful costumes. The festival narrates the story of a young boy who protects the villagers from evil forces. It also features fascinating rituals and ceremonies that you can immerse in their local culture.
The Tiji festival is celebrated through Traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals and dances. The sacred dance drama known as ‘’Tsa Chham’’ is performed by the monks. The act is an attempt to recreate the myth of Dorje Jono. He was a deity who defeated the demon that caused storms and droughts. This festival attracts numerous visitors that offers a unique glimpse into Upper Mustang's cultural heritage.
Before its incorporation into Nepal, Mustang was a monarchy within Tibet for many years, and its history is interconnected with that of Tibet. We will reach a maximum elevation of 4,100 meters during our journey. You will be amazed by intriguing mineral landscapes that have red, brown, and ochre undertones. The hike's initial section is quite easy and goes through numerous communities.
Another major highlight of the trip is the Lo Manthang. It is the capital city of Mustang. The place has ancient monasteries that hold historical significance. The locals here are friendly and offer you warm hospitality. We will have various opportunities for adventure activities like hiking and photography capturing the beauty of the region. Overall the Royal Mustang and Tiji festival trip promises you adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a blend of culture.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Bus trip to Pokhara, which allows you to have a first glimpse of life in Nepal. Located on the shores of Lake Phewa, Pokhara offers a famous view of the Annapurna massif. Its lively streets are an opportunity for the last shopping before heading to Mustang.
Transfer by private jeep
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Morning transfer to Pokhara airport for the flight to Jomsom. Then departure for our first day of trekking in a world of exceptional mineral beauty, along the Kali Gandaki where a good number of marine fossils abound. Arrive at the beautiful fortified village of Kagbeni with Tibetan architecture, which close the Mustang Valley. Transfer to hotel.
Transport by plane and 1 hrs drive to Kagbeni
Final altitude: approximately 2800 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
We take a vehicle to go to Samar. Indeed, for this stage, there is no alternative but to walk on a track. So we opted for a jeep transfer. On leaving the village we pass the check post and show our permits for the upper Mustang. We leave Lower Mustang and pass through the village of Tangbe. then, we continue our journey along the torrent to arrive at Chuksang. In front of the village a magnificent cliff and many caves. We follow the Kali Gandaki called here Mustang Khola. We cross on foot a bridge and we change vehicles. The track leads us to Chele where we discover vertical manis, which is unusual. We arrive at a pass at 3,500 m from where the view of the snow-capped mountains is magnificent. We descend towards the village of Samar which is an important caravan stopover. Samar in Tibetan means "red earth". Walk in the wooded village of willows and poplars. We see the fields of barley and wheat. In the distance the Nilgiri (7,134 m) and Tilicho (7,161 m) dominate us.
Transport: by private vehicle, approximately 3 hrs & 1-hour walk
Final altitude: approximately 3460 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Descent into the riverbed followed by a gentle climb. Then it's a magnificent balcony path facing the Nilgiri and the Annapurna chain. Here, some mountain pastures where the shepherds settle in summer. We quickly plunge into a superb canyon with steep walls. A round trip of 40 minutes to an hour to visit the sacred cave, where many pilgrims come to pray, before quietly reaching Syangboche, a tiny white village with flat roofs, squeezed in on itself. The climb continues to the pass around 3850 meters. Descent to Ghiling which we enter by following a red ocher wall. Ghiling is vast, its largely irrigated fields protected by a long dry stone wall. A very beautiful monastery dating from the 1400s preceded by a very pretty chorten dominate Ghiling;
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
Visit the monastery of Gheling considered as the Gateway to the Kingdom of Lo. Ascent of the valley and passage to the village of Chunkar (3750 m); by a steep climb, arrival at the Nya La pass (3990 m) then at the Ghami La pass (3770 m)... Arrival at the village of Ghami (3510 m), built in a green setting. Crossing a grandiose desert valley surrounded by huge red cliffs bordered by several stupas and engraved stone walls (mani) and finally arriving at the village of Dhakmar (3800 m).
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
We start the day with a climb between very beautiful conglomerate towers - After a pass, we arrive at the very beautiful monastery of Lo Gékar (the pure virtue of Lo), which dates from the 11th century and houses beautiful paintings and sculptures. The peace that emanates from these places invites you to meditate... or take a siesta! We then cross two passes, one of which culminates at 4,070 m, before finally seeing Lo Manthang and the Namgyal monastery and the white ramparts surrounded by fields of wheat, mustard, and buckwheat, which can only be entered by the North-east.
5 hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
These 3 days are devoted to the discovery of the capital of the "Kingdom of Lo" (Mustang) and its surroundings. We discover monasteries and villages, in fabulous landscapes where the ruins of ancient fortresses remain. We also discover the Champa Lhakang Palace, where it is sometimes possible to ask for an audience with the King of Mustang, Jigme Dorje Wangchuk. During the Tiji Festival, the mornings will be devoted to visits and the afternoons to monastic dances. The Tiji Festival takes place in front of the fortified royal palace where royalty still sits today. Legend has it that the people of Lo Manthang have been celebrating the Tiji festival since the 15th century, time of the reign of Lama Lowo Khenchen, one of the greatest teachers of Buddhist precepts and son of King Amgon Sangpo. For 3 days, the capital comes alive to the rhythm of masked dances and traditional instruments. On the days preceding Tiji, the paths leading to the place of celebration fill up with caravans and pilgrims, who have come to celebrate the long-awaited festival.
In the morning we finish our visit to Lo Manthang, before leaving for Yara. We walk on the eastern flank of the Kali Gandaki on paths as little known as traveled. The reason is simple: the fairly difficult path crosses a very arid massif on the side, with scattered villages. This path saves us a round trip and allows us to be in the remote valleys of the kingdom of Lo. We start with a steep descent to Dhi, before reaching the village of Yara, after crossing many canyons with brilliant colors and spectacular landscapes.
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3640 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
Passage at the foot of a seventeen-story high troglodyte city and arrival at Luri Gompa, a monastery dug into fairy chimneys. Discovery of its 15th century Buddhist frescoes and the magnificent "stupa". Return to the village of Yara.
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
In the morning, we resume our walk which will be accompanied today by the Kali Gandaki river, to the village of Tangge, located along the Tangye Khola river. We progress on a plateau, the colorful landscape is magnificent, and the views of the Dhaulagiri are too. Descent to the Disvhang Khola river which we ford. Climb to a pass at 4,000 m before descending to the village of Tangge.
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3440 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
Today, we leave for a long day of walking. We start with a long climb towards the Mustang Pass located at 4,200 m altitude, then a series of climbs and descents before a long descent into scree and canyons. Magnificent ridge path with many colorful cliffs.
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
Ascent to the Gyu La pass (4050 m), along a river surmounted by high cliffs, then descent towards Muktinath (3810 m) crossing Buddhist sanctuaries, temples, pagodas and sacred springs where a flame of natural gas burns! Great views of the peaks of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tilicho Peak (7134m), and Nilgiri (7061m).
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
Arid landscapes open onto the Tibetan plateaus to the north and the setting of high snow-capped mountains to the south: here is the Nilgiri, and especially the formidable Dhaulagiri. Short climb to a pass (4000 m), from where the view of the Dhaulagiri is exceptional. Descent to Lupra, the only Bon village on our route. The Bon religion is the pre-existing Tibetan religion of Buddhism. Descent to Jomosom.
NB: the possibility of an excursion (optional) to the village of Marpha to end the day (1h30 there and back). If we had to stop in Ngadi on day 3 of the trip, transfer to Jomosom by Jeep at the end of the afternoon. In this case the visit of Marpha is not possible.
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: night in the Lodge
This morning superb flight over the Annapurnas between Jomsom and Pokhara. You continue with a flight to Kathmandu. End of a free day in the capital.
NB: If the Jomsom / Pokhara flight is canceled you return to Pokhara by vehicle. you then spend the night in Pokhara before flying to Kathmandu the next day
The free day in Kathmandu also serves as a safety day in case something goes wrong while trekking. During the monsoon, which lasts from the end of June to the end of August, it is possible that domestic flights are delayed or canceled due to bad weather conditions. Vehicle transport from Jomosom to Kathmandu can be arranged. Or you have a rest day to relax or you can also go shopping in Kathmandu or you can do whatever you want by yourself
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Included & Excluded
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AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
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ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
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WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
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PERMITS :
All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit including ACAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
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SPECIAL PERMIT :
Mustang restricted permit
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STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
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MAP :
Manaslu Region Trekking map.
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LAND TRANSPORTATION :
Pokhara to Jomsom.
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MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
Air Transportation: Kathmandu – Pokhara and while returning Jomsom - pokhara - Kathmandu
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
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FOODS & LODGING :
3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
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GUIDE :
Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. |
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PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
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STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
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| MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit. |
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INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
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NEPAL VISA FEES :
The Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
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LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
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EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
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INSURANCE :
Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
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PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
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TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
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FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
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INTERNET SERVICE :
Internet facilities during the trek is not included.
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TIPS :
Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
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EXTRA :
Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section. Notes: Costs may be prone to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified. Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another. |
Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramoda: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Upper Mustang
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.
Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
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Trip Map
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FAQ's
Expand AllThe perfect time to visit Upper Mustang is August – November and February—May. Since the area is dry at high altitudes, it gets low rain even during the monsoon. Due to the cold, a few of the lodges are closed in winter, but trekking can still be possible. You can plan your trip according to your preferences.
Since the upper Mustang is a restricted area you have to acquire certain permits. You will need three permits. They are Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit( ACAP), Trekkers’ Information Management System ( TIMS), and Special Restricted Area Permit. ACAP will cost you $ 30, TIMS costs $ 10 and Special Restricted Area will cost $ 500.
Tiji festival is celebrated according to the Tibetan Calendar.This year, Tiji will be celebrated on 5, 6 and 7 May 2024.
You will be staying in teahouses/lodges with basic facilities. They provide basic facilities with a mattress and a blanket. They have clean and comfortable beds. We suggest you carry your own sleeping bags. It is advisable to book a room in advance during the peak seasons.
Usually, there are common toilet facilities in the teahouse and lodges. They are well-maintained, neat, and clean. Few of the tea houses and lodges have attached restrooms. You can choose any of them according to your preference.
Usually, tea houses and lodges provide hot shower services. In the absence of this facility, they will provide a hot water bucket. They charge a nominal amount for this service.
Tea houses and lodges cook a wide variety of food such as pasta, tuna bakes, Dal- Bhat, soups, fresh vegetables, and potatoes. They also cook delicious desserts such as custard, pancakes, apple pie, etc. They serve hot chocolate, tea, coffee, hot lemon, and soft drinks.
If you want to witness the rituals of the Tiji festival, you must visit this year in May. Upper Mustang offers the best experience from August to mid-December and February to May.
You can charge your mobile and other electronic items at the places where you will be staying. They charge a nominal amount for the services they offer. However, we advise you to carry your adapter.
You can use ATMs only in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom. You won’t find any ATM after crossing Jomsom. It is better to carry enough cash from these places. You also need to carry additional cash in case of emergency.
