Road Trip to Upper Mustang & Tiji Festival

Upon your arrival, our team will warmly welcome you and take you to your hotel. After reaching the hotel, you can rest there, and in the evening, you can stroll Thamel and have a traditional Nepali dinner and shop for trekking gear, handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, handmade paper products, singing bowls, and local souvenirs. This day is perfect for relaxing and getting ready for a Mustang trip filled with joy.

This day is full of sightseeing at UNESCO sites in Nepal, including Swyambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Swyambhunath, also called the Monkey Temple, sits atop a hill overlooking Kathmandu. Next, head to Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, which is home to many animals.

While it is a sacred area, it is better known for its thousands of pilgrims, Sadhus (holy men), and funeral ghats. Head to Boudhanath, which is the largest spherical stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. Lastly, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square which is one of the Durbar (royal palace) Squares known for temples and Newari architecture. Return to your hotel, followed by a guide briefing in the evening.

Today’s journey, a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni is a full-day, 9–10 hour journey (approx. 270–300 km) route passing through Pokhara and along the Kali Gandaki River. Beni is a small town that serves as the gateway to the Mustang region. Today’s journey is a key part of experiencing Upper Mustang and the Tiji Festival, providing a glimpse into Nepali culture. Overnight at Beni.

On this day, the drive from Beni to Jomsom takes 7 to 8 hours, which is the administrative center of the Mustang district. Today’s drive will be adventurous, following the Kali Gandaki River, one of the deepest river gorges in the world. The area is entering its notoriously windy period strongly. Jomsom is one of the major highlights of the Upper Mustang region. Overnight at Jomsom.

Today is the rest day at Jomsom which helps your body to adjust. Jomsom is best for trying authentic Thakali Khana, a set meal featuring local buckwheat (Kanchhemba), Mustang potatoes, and Ghee. Visit the local markets for ample fresh apples, dried apple slices, and the famous Marpha Brandy (available in apple and apricot flavors) directly from the orchards. For a panoramic 360-degree view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the unique Mustang landscape, you can hike up to this vantage point near Thini village. Prepare yourself for the higher altitude of remote areas.

Today marks your official entry into the restricted Upper Mustang region. After leaving Jomsom, you will stop at the Kagbeni checkpoint to verify your Restricted Area Permit (RAP). The journey is a rugged, off-road experience on dusty and rocky trails following the Kali Gandaki River. You will ascend to the Nyi La Pass (4,010m) for breathtaking views of the Himalayas before descending into Ghami. This picturesque village is known for its traditional mud houses and its historic 300-meter-long Mani Wall. Overnight at Ghami.

This day offers a scenic drive from Ghami to Lo Manthang that typically takes about 3 hours. You’ll cross the Nyi La and Lo La passes. From the top of Lo La, you get your first breathtaking view of the walled city of Lo Manthang, sitting in the desert valley below. Lo Manthang offers a spectacular gateway, taking you into the heart of the “Forbidden Kingdom,” a place where time has largely stood still since the 14th century.

Arrival in Lo Manthang is a major highlight of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek. It offers a rare mix of high-altitude desert beauty and deeply preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture. Spending your night exploring the city and preparing for the vibrant Tiji Festival, a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.

Enjoy the Tiji Festival in the ancient walled city and cultural heart of Upper Mustang. According to legend, a deity named Dorje Jono fought and defeated a demon to stop a terrible drought. By chasing the demons away with colorful masked dances, the people believe they bring rain, peace, and prosperity to their land for the year ahead.

During the festival, you will see monks from Chhoede Monastery dressed in elaborate silk brocade costumes and hand-painted masks. On these sacred days, the monks prepare their ritual instruments and heavy robes for the Chham (masked dances). These performances are held to the deep, resonant thrum of Dhungchen (Tibetan long horns), cymbals, and drums, creating a powerful atmosphere in the historic square.

Today is a spectacular blend of ancient history and the dramatic climax of the Tiji Festival. Visit the Chosar Caves, iconic man-made wonders of Upper Mustang, located north of Lo Manthang. The caves consist of 40 interconnected rooms, including living quarters, meditation cells, and storage areas near the Chinese border. Monasteries, which are built directly into the red cliffs, offer insight into the region’s spiritual heritage.

Return to Lo Manthang to see the grand finale of the Tiji Festival. Experience the dramatic “exorcism” as monks in colorful masks representing the ultimate victory of good over evil. This day focuses on the final banishment of the demon Ma Tam Ru Ta to restore peace and prosperity to the Kingdom of Lo. Attending this festival is the highlight of the Upper Mustang & Tiji Festival road trip, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After an unforgettable time in Lo Manthang, you’ll drive back toward the lower valleys. The 5–6 hour journey offers scenic landscapes along the way, culminating in Chhusang. As you drive out of the walled city, you’ll cross the Lo La pass (3,950m) for one last panoramic view of the Kingdom of Lo. The route goes through scenic landscapes filled with unique rock formations, deep canyons, and ancient trees. After arriving, you will discover the famous eroded organpipe cliffs and ancient sky caves carved high into the rock faces across the river. Experience the local hospitality and warm welcome and relax after days of exploration.

On this day, you leave the dry, high-altitude desert of Mustang behind and descend into the lush, green subtropics of the Myagdi district. This is a long 7 to 8-hour drive that drops you nearly 1,800 meters (5,840ft) in elevation. You’ll pass through Jomsom and Marpha one last time. As you drive south, the arid, desert-like brown landscapes of Upper Mustang gradually turn into deep green forests and terraced farmland.

Tatopani is a famous stop on the Annapurna Circuit, celebrated for its natural hot springs along the Kali Gandaki River. Enjoy a peaceful evening soaking in the hot springs while surrounded by nature. Capture the views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the world, located between the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Overnight stay in Tatopani.

On this day, you complete your loop and return to the vibrant city of Pokhara (827 m, or 2,713ft). This final route of your journey is a 7 to 8-hour drive that transitions from the rugged mountains into the relaxed, lakeside atmosphere of Nepal’s favorite tourist hub.

The drive is incredibly scenic, following the Kali Gandaki and Modi Khola rivers. You’ll pass through terraced hills, small Gurung villages, and eventually catch your first clear views of the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna ranges from a lower perspective.

Arrive in Pokhara and head to the banks of Fewa Lake for a sunset drink. Watching the mountains just turn gold in the reflection of the water is the perfect moment.

Today, a scenic drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. This day offers the chance to admire Nepal’s hills, remote villages, and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, relax and take a rest. In the evening, explore local markets and go shopping. This journey is filled with cultures, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Your Road Trip to Upper Mustang & Tiji Festival ends here. Our representative teams will transfer you to the Tribhuwan International Airport. Take home unforgettable memories from Nepal. This journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, spirituality, and cultural exploration.  We hope this experience inspires you to explore more of Nepal in the future. Safe travels and see you again.