Nepal · Festival

12-Day Upper Mustang Jeep Tour with the 2026 Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang

12 Days Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Witness the vibrant 3-day Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang's most significant cultural celebration
  • 02 Journey through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley and the world's deepest gorge
  • 03 Visit the revered Muktinath Temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
  • 04 Explore Upper Mustang's arid landscapes, ancient caves, monasteries, and archaeological sites
  • 05 Discover the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang and the historic King's Palace
  • 06 Interact with the Bon and Lobha ethnic communities and learn about their ancient customs and lifestyle
  • 07 Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna I, Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri, and the Nilgiri range
  • 08 Taste Upper Mustang's famous local apples, apple pie, and apple wine in Marpha

The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour offers a rare chance to witness one of Nepal's most colorful and spiritually significant festivals in the remote trans-Himalayan region of Upper Mustang. This 12-day journey combines a scenic flight to Pokhara, an overland jeep adventure through the Kali Gandaki Valley, and visits to culturally rich villages such as Kagbeni, Chhusang, Ghiling, Ghami, and Tsarang, along with the sacred Muktinath Temple. The centerpiece is a three-day stay in Lo Manthang during the Tiji Festival from 14 May to 16 May 2026, where masked dances and rituals celebrate the triumph of good over evil in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Ideal for travelers seeking culture, spirituality, history, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes, this tour blends adventure with comfort in Nepal's former restricted kingdom.

The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour offers a rare chance to witness one of Nepal's most colorful and spiritually significant festivals in the remote trans-Himalayan region of Upper Mustang.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Jomsom, Tatopani, Muktinath, Lo Manthang, Charang, Kagbeni
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Kathmandu Arrival, Pokhara Flight, and Mustang Jeep Journey

Day 1: 09 May 2026 - Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will warmly welcome you and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, you may relax or explore nearby cultural attractions. In the evening, you will meet your guide for a detailed trip briefing and final equipment check.

  • Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel

  • Driving Time: ~30 minutes

Day 2: 10 May 2026 - Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m / 2,696ft)

Enjoy a scenic morning flight to Pokhara with breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre ranges. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore Lakeside.

  • Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Pokhara

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Flight Duration: 25-30 minutes

Day 3: 11 May 2026 - Drive from Pokhara to Tatopani (5-6 hours)

After breakfast, begin your jeep journey toward Mustang. Drive along winding mountain roads through villages, terraced farms, rivers, and deep gorges. In the evening, relax your muscles in Tatopani's natural hot springs.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Distance: 110 km / 68 miles

Day 4: 12 May 2026 - Drive to Kagbeni via Jomsom & Muktinath (5-6 hours)

Travel through Marpha village, explore Jomsom Bazaar, and visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. After sightseeing, continue to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Distance: 85 km / 52.8 miles

Day 5: 13 May 2026 - Drive from Kagbeni to Charang (3,560m / 11,679ft)

After permit verification at Kagbeni, enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Drive through Chhusang, Chelle, Samar, Ghiling, and Ghami, crossing mani walls and the Kali Gandaki River. Arrive at Charang, known for its monastery and fortress-like village setting.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Driving Time: 4-5 hours

Day 6: 14 May 2026 - Drive to Lo Manthang & 1st Day of Tiji Festival

Drive to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, passing dramatic cliffs, plateaus, sky caves, and Upper Mustang's longest mani wall. After lunch, attend the first day of the Tiji Festival, witnessing sacred masked dances performed by monks.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Driving Time: 2-3 hours

  • Festival: Day 1 of Tiji (2026)

Day 7: 15 May 2026 - 2nd Day of Tiji Festival Celebration

Spend the morning exploring Lo Manthang and optionally drive to Chhoser Village to visit sky caves and a Buddhist school. Return to Lo Manthang to observe the second day of the Tiji Festival, featuring ritual dances symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Festival: Day 2 of Tiji (2026)

Day 8: 16 May 2026 - Final Day of Tiji Festival

Visit important cultural sites including Champa Lhakhang and Namgyal Gompa. After midday, join locals for the final day of Tiji Festival celebrations, marking the ceremonial conclusion of this sacred event.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Festival: Day 3 of Tiji (2026)

Day 9: 17 May 2026 - Drive from Lo Manthang to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,923ft)

Bid farewell to Upper Mustang and retrace your route through Tsarang, Ghami, and Kagbeni. After permit verification, continue to Jomsom. Enjoy the evening exploring the market and tasting local apple products.

  • Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Driving Time: 5-6 hours

Day 10: 18 May 2026 - Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara

Drive back to Pokhara via the same scenic route, allowing time for photography and short stops along the way.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Lakeside

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

  • Driving Time: 7-8 hours

Day 11: 19 May 2026 - Tourist Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Travel by deluxe tourist bus along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, passing vibrant market towns and lush landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel for your final evening.

  • Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Driving Time: 8-9 hours

Day 12: 20 May 2026 - Final Departure

A private airport transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule. Optional extensions or side trips can be arranged upon request.

  • Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
8 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu

  • 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (3★ hotel with breakfast)

  • 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara (3★ hotel with breakfast)

  • Domestic flight: Kathmandu-Pokhara with airport transfers

  • Private 4WD Jeep transportation as per itinerary (Pokhara-Upper Mustang-Pokhara)

  • 3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the tour

  • 7 nights tea house accommodation on twin-sharing basis

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

  • Licensed local guide and experienced driver (salary, meals, accommodation, insurance)

  • Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the tour

  • Purified drinking water (water purification tablets)

  • Deluxe tourist bus ticket from Pokhara to Kathmandu with transfers

  • Farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant in Thamel

  • All government taxes and local service charges

What's Not Included

  • International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

  • Personal expenses: drinks, bottled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, laundry, and snacks

  • Extra meals or accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure

  • Tips for guide and driver (customary and appreciated)

What to bring

  • Well broken-in trekking boots
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
  • Trekking pants and quick-dry shirts
  • Fleece or insulating mid-layer
  • Warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
  • Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
  • Daypack (30-40 liters)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle and/or water purification tablets
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel
  • Personal medications and basic first-aid kit
  • Passport, trekking permits, and sufficient cash

Know before you go

  • Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and permit verification is required at Kagbeni before entering the region.
  • The Tiji Festival 2026 will be held from 14 May to 16 May in Lo Manthang.
  • Optional extensions or side trips can be arranged upon request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Ring Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began.

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