Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

Trip Overview

The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into Nepal’s hidden Himalayan kingdom. Upper Mustang, also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, lies in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna range and preserves centuries-old Tibetan culture, dramatic desert landscapes, and ancient monasteries.

This trek is uniquely timed to coincide with the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, a vibrant three-day Buddhist celebration symbolizing the victory of good over evil. With colorful masked dances, chanting monks, and royal traditions, the festival offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual heart of Mustang.

Perfect for travelers seeking culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, this trek combines moderate walking with deep cultural immersion—no technical climbing required.

Highlights

Witness the sacred Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang (3 full days of rituals & dances)
Explore the walled city of Lo Manthang, ancient monasteries & royal palace
Trek through dramatic trans-Himalayan landscapes, red cliffs & eroded canyons
Experience authentic Tibetan-influenced Mustang culture & lifestyle
Visit historic monasteries like Ghar Gompa, one of Mustang’s oldest
Moderate trek suitable for trekkers with basic fitness
Incredible photography opportunities culture, people & landscapes
Less crowded trail compared to Everest & Annapurna regions

Detail Itinerary Expand All

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400m

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet the trekking team and receive a briefing about the Upper Mustang journey and Tiji Festival.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation Meals: Breakfast

Guided sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Final permit checks and trek preparation.

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara Altitude: 822m | Meals: Breakfast

Scenic flight to Pokhara with spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Free time to explore Lakeside.

Day 04: Fly Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m) | Trek to Kagbeni Altitude: 2,800m | Distance: 10 km | Trekking hours: 3–4 hours | Meals: BLD

Early morning flight to Jomsom. Begin trekking along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele Altitude: 3,050m | Distance: 15 km | Trekking hours: 5–6 hours | Meals: BLD

Enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Trek through dry landscapes, wind-eroded cliffs, and traditional villages.

Day 06: Chele to Syangboche Altitude: 3,800m | Distance: 14 km | Trekking hours: 6–7 hours | Meals: BLD

A challenging but rewarding day crossing high ridges with dramatic views of Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and surrounding valleys.

Day 07: Syangboche to Ghami Altitude: 3,520m | Distance: 13 km | Trekking hours: 5–6 hours | Meals: BLD

Cross the scenic Nyi La Pass (4,010m) and walk past one of the longest mani walls in Nepal.

Day 08: Ghami to Lo Manthang Altitude: 3,840m | Distance: 15 km | Trekking hours: 5–6 hours | Meals: BLD

Cross the Tsarang La Pass and arrive at the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, capital of Upper Mustang.

Day 09: Tiji Festival: Day 1 in Lo Manthang Altitude: 3,840m | Meals: BLD

Witness the opening day of the Tiji Festival featuring sacred masked dances performed by monks, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Day 10: Tiji Festival: Day 2 Altitude: 3,840m | Meals: BLD

Full day observing vibrant rituals, cultural performances, and community celebrations within the palace courtyard.

Day 11: Tiji Festival: Day 3 & Exploration Altitude: 3,840m | Meals: BLD

Final day of the festival followed by visits to Lo Manthang monasteries and the royal palace.

Day 12: Lo Manthang to Ghami Altitude: 3,520m | Distance: 15 km | Trekking hours: 6–7 hours | Meals: BLD

Return trek retracing the route through Mustang’s unique desert-like landscapes.

Day 13: Ghami to Jomsom Altitude: 2,720m | Distance: 18 km | Trekking hours: 6–7 hours | Meals: BLD

Trek back via Kagbeni or combine trekking with a jeep drive depending on trail conditions.

Day 14: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara | Return to Kathmandu Meals: Breakfast

Early morning flight to Pokhara, then onward to Kathmandu. End of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek.

Day 15: Departure Meals: Breakfast

What's Included?

Ground Transportation: Airport transfer on arrival and departure
Ground Transportation: Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu drive in the sharing coach
Airfare: Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara airfare anf airport tax
Accommodation during Trek: Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
Meals: 3 Meals per day during the trek (BLD: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.)
Guide: Nepal Government licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
Porter: The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit [ACAP] Permit and Restricted Area Permit [RAP]
Souvenir: Duffle Bag, Trekking T-shirt, Trekking Maps
Equipment: Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during Trek (upon request)
Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
Exclusive medical kit bag carried by trekking guide
All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
Official expenses

What's Not Included ?

Nepal arrival visa
Your personal expenses for mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bbar bills showers etc.
Internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs etc.
Extra baggage excess while flying
Medical expenses and trip cancellation.
Any other extended trips and accommodation.
Tips of ga guides, porters and driver as a token of appreciation.
Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in “cost includes” list.

Useful Information

Route Map

Departure dates and price

The given cost are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

Note: The best time is Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). The listed departure dates are based on the best time. If your group size is more than 1 pax, you can set your own departure date or choose the available group joining dates from below.

All the available dates for the trip

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Start Date	Trip Price	Discount	Discounted Price	Action

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USD1995pp

99% Based on 56 reviews

Why Choose Us ?

Your journey. Your rules. Fully customizable from start to finish.
We design the trip to deliver maximum value within your budget.
Perfectly organized for solo adventurers, private trips, and big groups.
Pick your dates and travel when it suits you best.

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Trip Facts

Duration 15 Days

Group Size 2 - 10 pax

Difficulty moderate

Max Elevation 3,840m

Meals Full Board Meal [Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner]

Accomodation Basic Mountain Lodges and Tea Houses

Best Season March - May and September - Mid December

Trip Start/End Kathmandu/Kathmandu

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