Tiji Festival Trekking Upper Mustang Nepal

With permits required and costs starting at $1,800, planning is key—Day Tours Nepal and Rugged Trails Nepal craft seamless itineraries, whether you hike from Jomsom or ride into the Himalayas’ embrace. Ready to chase demons and discover a lost Tibetan kingdom? The Tiji Festival awaits.

What is the Tiji festival?

The word TiJi comes from “Ten Che, and it means the hope of Buddha Dharma prevailing in all worlds and being effective. The mythological deity named Dorje Jono battled against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. Guru Rinpoche carried this word—“hope of the dharma prevailing in all worlds”—a thousand years ago. The locals of Lo-Manthang say the Tiji Festival is “the chasing of the demons”.

How does the Tiji festival celebrate?

Tiji is a 3-day dancing festival with colourful custom dress and mask dancing in the air with swords by monks. The biggest Buddhist priests, lamas, and monks will represent this festival around the world. You shouldn’t miss this cultural marvel; the festival comes once in a lifetime.

Where is this festival celebrated?

The Tiji festival is celebrated in Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang, formerly the Kingdom of Lo, is a remote and isolated region of the Nepal Himalayas. Mustang was a restricted, demilitarised area until 1992, which makes it one of the best- preserved regions in the world. The relative isolation of Mustang from the outside world has preserved the majority of the Tibetan-speaking people and their culture.

What are the Tiji festival dates in 2025?

We have confirmed the dates for the 2025 Tiji Festival, which takes place once a year on May 24, 25, and 26. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival.

Where can I plan my Mustang Tiji Festival trek itinerary?

Day Tours Nepal and Rugged Trails Nepal are both sister concern adventure travel companies; we will arrange your Mustang Tiji trek itinerary.

How long will the itinerary for the Tiji festival trek be?

It’s about 18 days, maximum. The Tiji festival spans three days, during which we must begin our trekking journey from Jomsom. These days, there are roads up to Lo-Manthang, so we can take a Jeep ride if you would rather not trek.

How much does the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival trek cost?

The Mustang trek or Tiji Festival trek costs around 1800–1900 USD. The Upper Mustang trekking permit, which costs 500 USD for 10 days, is quite costly.

How to get there: “Upper Mustang”?

We either have to take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, which is about 35 minutes, or we have to take a jeep drive from Pokhara. If you have enough time and want to hike, then start trekking from Jomsom–Muktinath via Nayapul or the Annapurna Circuit trekking route.

Can I trek alone to Upper Mustang?

To trek in the Upper Mustang, there must be a minimum of two people to issue the permit, and you must go through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. “If you are alone and don’t have a friend with you, then let us know; we can help you.”

How difficult is the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival trek?

It's a moderate trek, and the highest elevation is 3810 meters. We will hike an average of 4–5 hours a day, and you don’t need to worry about high-altitude sickness. If you are unsure about Upper Mustang, then read Michel Peissel's book, “A Lost Tibetan Kingdom.”. Once you make a reservation with us, we will provide you with a comprehensive information packet on Mustang Monastery, along with an art copy. 

Outline Trekking Plan of Tiji Festival

16 May 2025: Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu 1340m. Overnight at Hotel

17 May 2025: Day 2: Trek preparation and trekking permit issue. Kathmandu stay.

18 May 2025: Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m), 6 hours

19 May 2025: Day 4: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2720 m) and trek to Kagbeni (2800 m) for 3-4 hours

20 May 2025: Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Tsaile 3100 m/5-6 hours. Overnight at Lodge

21 May 2025: Day 6: Trek from Tsaile to Ghiling (3570 m) for 6–7 hours via Chuksi Cave. Overnight at Lodge

22 May 2025: Day 7: Trek from Ghiling to Drakmar (3450 m) / 5-6 hours. Overnight at Lodge

23 May 2025: Day 8: Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang (3840 m) for 7-8 hours via Ghar Gompa and Marang-La Pass.

2025 Tiji Festival dates

24 May 2025: Day 9 – First day observe Tiji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m. Overnight at Lodge

25 May 2025: Day 10:  Second day observing the Tiji Festival, Lo-Manthang, 3840m.

26 May 2025: Day 11: Final observation of the Tiji Festival, Lo-Manthang.

Tenchi (Tiji) Festival End

27 May 2025: Day 12: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Tsarang 3560 m / 3-4 hours. Overnight at Lodge

28 May 2025: Day 13: Trek from Tsarang to Syangmochen The trek from Tsarang to Syangmochen covers 3500 m and takes 6-7 hours. Overnight at Lodge

29 May 2025: Day 14: Trek from Syangmochen to Chhusang 2980 m / 5-6 hours. Overnight at Lodge

30 May 2025: Day 15: Trek from Chhusang to Jomsom The trek from Chhusang to Jomsom covers a distance of 2720 m and takes approximately 6–7 hours. Overnight at Lodge

31 May 2025: Day 16: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. Pokhara stay

01 June 2025: Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu. Kathmandu hotel stay

02 June 2025: Day 18: Fly back home.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Drive Tour – 10 Days

20 May Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal

21 May, Day 02: Kathmandu Drive (or flight) to Pokhara.

22 May, Day 03: Drive to Kagbeni from Pokhara.

23 May Day 04: Drive from Kagbeni to Ghami Village

24 May, Day 05: Drive from Ghami Village to Lo-Manthang. Tiji Festival begin

25 May Day 06: Tiji Festival

26 May Day 07: Tiji Festival last day

27 May, Day 08: Lo-manthang drive to Pokhara.

28 May Day 09: From Pokhara drive (or flight) to Kathmandu

29 May Day 10: Final Departure from Kathmandu - Nepal