18-Day Mustang Tiji Festival Trek in Upper Mustang from Kathmandu

• A representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drive you to your accommodation.

• Tour the World Heritage Sites of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. Durbar Square provides insight into the world of ancient royals. For Hindus, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites. The Monkey Temple is also known as Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world's biggest stupas.
• Later in the evening, meet your trekking guide and prepare for your trek.

• The Prithvi Highway will take you from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Along the way, enjoy views of the hillsides, valley lowlands, green rice fields, and the stunning Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers.
• You will stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the middle of the journey. If you prefer a more comfortable option, you may take a flight to Pokhara instead of driving.
• After checking into your accommodation, you may relax and enjoy the evening around Fewa Lakeside.

• After breakfast, you will board a flight to Jomsom, located in the Mustang District in Nepal's western region. The flight to Jomsom is exceptional, with breathtaking views of snowy mountains and hills before landing on barren, parched terrain. Jomsom village is the economic heart of the Kali Gandaki valley, where dirt roads connect several settlements and locals may be seen selling delicious locally grown apples.
• After arriving at the domestic airport, you will begin your climb to Kagbeni.
• You will pass through Kagbeni village, the entrance to Lower Mustang. Dhaulagiri Mountain can be seen from this settlement, known for its brick-built houses and historic monasteries.

• You will set out on a long trek to Chele. After leaving the mystical Tibetan settlement of Kagbeni, you will travel deeper into Upper Mustang's restricted territory, where you will be asked to present your Restricted Area Permit at the checkpoint. From there, continue along the route beside the Kali Gandaki River basin.
• You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Nilgiri mountains. Eventually, you will reach Tangbe village.
• Then continue with a short climb to Chhusang village, cross the Kali Gandaki, and proceed to Chele village, one of the oldest Buddhist communities in the Mustang kingdom.

• Today is a long walking day from Chele to Shyanbochen. You will ascend a steep canyon and cross the Taklam La pass at 3,624 m/11,889 ft, then continue to Dajori La pass, the day's highest point at 3,735 m/12,253 ft, passing Ramchung Cave and Chungsi Cave, which stand as testaments to prehistoric settlers.
  The vistas of Nilgiri Peak, Damodar Danda, Yakawa Kang, Annapurna, and Tilicho Peak will astound you along the trail.
• You will see the Syangboche Khola and ascend steeply from Chungsi Cave to Samar town, passing through meadows and hillsides on your way to Syangboche village.

• It will be a long and tiring trek, but you will be rewarded with magnificent landscapes of ethnic settlements, rock formations, and snow-capped mountains.
• You will cross Yamada La pass (3,850 m/12,631 ft) and Nyi Pass (4,010 m/13,156 ft) on your route to Ghami settlement. Ghami is one of the most populous settlements in Mustang's Lo area.
• Then, at an elevation of 3,870 m/12,696 ft, you will cross a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola River to Tsarang La Pass and continue to Tsarang village after passing through Drakmar settlement.

• Today you will head to Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mustang.
• After breakfast, start the hike early in the morning. Along the way, pass by Ghar Goempa, one of Mustang's oldest monasteries, reached by climbing alongside the Tsarang River. At the monastery, you will have the opportunity to see Guru Rimpoche's scriptures. Then, at 3,950 m/12,959 ft, descend through the gorge to Lo La Pass. The towering Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak, Tilicho Peak, and Damodar Kunda will remain visible throughout the walk.
• You will reach Lo Manthang, Mustang's northernmost point, in a short time.
  Since the trek is short, you will have plenty of time to explore Lo Manthang, its mud-brick dwellings, and gompas. You may also visit one of Lo's four major monasteries. Jampa Lhakhang, also referred to as the God House, is one of the oldest monasteries, dating back to the 15th century. Tubchen Goempa, also built in the 15th century, has a large assembly hall for pilgrims.
• You may also visit Chode Goempa, the city's most important monastery.

• Today you will attend the first day of the Tiji Festival. Tiji is a Japanese word meaning "global peace and prosperity." The Tiji Festival of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition has been practised for centuries. Its origins can be traced to King Samdup Rabten, who performed the Vajrakila ceremony to purify malevolent spirits in Mustang in the 17th century. Since then, monks have continued this tradition through various rituals and performances. The celebration lasts three days according to the lunar calendar and usually falls in May. It includes a pilgrimage to the 600-year-old Royal Palace of Lo Manthang. On the first day, the monks of Chhode Monastery perform different rituals to explain the origin of the Tiji Festival to visitors. The enormous thangka painting portraying Buddhist relics and Guru Rimpoche, displayed on the white walls of the Royal Palace, is striking at first glance.
• You will also have the chance to meet Lo Manthang's monarch. The traditional Tsa Chham dance performance reflects one-third of Tiji's story. Tiji celebrates the triumph of Dorjee Sonam, a reincarnation of Lord Buddha, over a demon said to have brought devastation to the inhabitants. The extravagant headgear and colorful dresses worn by the performers are dazzling, and you may also chat with locals who have gathered from nearby villages to witness the celebration.

• Today, after breakfast, you will head to the Royal Palace to witness the second day of the Tiji Festival. The courtyard is once again bustling with residents and members of the royal family. The story of Dorjee Sonam continues through the Nga Chham dance on this day. In this second segment, Dorjee Sonam is shown releasing the demon to the Buddha's realm. During the dance performance, various movements and gestures symbolize deeper meanings. The performance, believed to eliminate obstacles in life, captures the villagers' curiosity, while the crashing cymbals and pounding drums create an energizing atmosphere.
• After enjoying the festivities, you may interact with the residents and then go on short hikes to overlooks and religious sites.

• The most remarkable festival in Upper Mustang draws to a close today.
• After breakfast, you will travel to the Royal Palace to witness the final dance depicting the conclusion of Dorjee Sonam's three-part victory story. The Rha Chham dance will be performed, in which a monk portraying Dorjee Sonam throws an effigy of the demon. The effigy, crafted from tsampa made of barley, symbolizes the demon's expulsion from Mustang. The finale is magnificent and awe-inspiring. The Tiji Festival ends on a bright note, carrying the theme of spreading peace and prosperity across the world. It is fascinating to be part of the hidden kingdom of Lo's most treasured and prestigious festival alongside the monarchs and inhabitants. The festival inspires deep respect for the residents' rooted customs and traditions.

• You will bid farewell to the charming people of Lo Manthang and return to Dhakmar. If you did not visit Ghar Goempa earlier in the trek, you can stop there along the route. More than 160 nuns once lived at the convent, also known as Gargen Chyoling Nunnery. Guru Rimpoche is closely linked to the monastery, and his paintings can be found inside. According to legend, a monster destroyed the Samye Monastery in Tibet each night while it was being built. Guru Rimpoche was summoned to help and told the monks that Samye could not be completed unless a monastery was established at Lo Gekar. As a result, this monastery was built here between Lo Manthang and Dhakmar. The imperial red cliffs of Dhakmar village and the yaks grazing in the green pastures below are a memorable sight.

• The trek begins at Dhakmar and continues toward Syangboche village.
• You will ascend to a hilltop before descending to Akaima. To reach Ghiling village, you will cross a narrow dry plateau and pass through verdant fields. As high winds usually rise in the afternoon, it is best to start early.
• You will cross Yamada La pass (3,850 m/12,631 ft) and Nyi Pass (4,010 m/13,126 ft) after passing through Ghami hamlet. To reach Syangboche, follow the Tama Gaon route past barley fields and little streams.

• Trek from Syangbochen to Chhusang, retracing your steps for the first section of the journey by following the Syangbochen stream. Mustang Khola will then guide your route along the river. Chhusang lies at the confluence of the Narshing and Kali Gandaki rivers, and its cliffs display striking red-orange and silver-grey hues. Thagsing Grangma refers to the caves in these towering cliffs.
• When you arrive at Chhusang, you may visit the historic Gompa Gang nunnery. Observe the community's busy farms and settlements, as it is a wonderful place to experience local life.

• You may reach Jomsom, Mustang's vibrant commercial hub, by trekking down the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki River. Along the banks, you might be lucky enough to come across the black fossilized stones known as Shaligram, which hold tremendous spiritual and therapeutic importance.
• Stop for lunch in the enigmatic village of Kagbeni along the trail. Views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri will captivate you. Jomsom is a hub for tourism activities and home to Mustang's only airport. It is inhabited by Tibetan Buddhists as well as Thakali communities. The village of Marpha is a fine representation of Jomsom's distinct customs and cultures. In the evening, you may try some local beverages, cuisine, and dried apples, a regional delicacy.

• By flying from Jomsom Domestic Airport to Pokhara, you will bid farewell to the mythical Kingdom of Mustang. The flight is picturesque, offering views of the famous Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges, and you will be transferred to your accommodation in Pokhara upon arrival.
• After resting and recharging, you may head out for sightseeing in Pokhara. An excellent Thakali dinner at a local restaurant, boating on Fewa Lake, and a hike to the Peace Pagoda are among the local attractions.

• Return to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway on a long but scenic journey. Along the way, you will see hills, verdant farmland, and rivers. You may also choose to fly to Kathmandu for a faster and more convenient option.
• After arriving in Kathmandu, you will be driven to your accommodation and have some free time to explore the city. Later in the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and staff, marking the end of a great adventure.

• Our staff will drop you off at the airport.

Trip ends.