Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

Our team will welcome you upon your arrival, marking the beginning of your journey in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. You will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest or walk in Thamel’s busy streets, full of shops, cafes, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a wonderful day to recover from your travels and see Nepal’s rich heritage. During the evenings, you can have a traditional Nepali dinner or simply rest at your hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu, preparing for the exciting adventure ahead in the Himalayas.

Today is about getting ready for your Upper Mustang trek. After breakfast, your guide will explain the 2026 itinerary, safety tips, and how to adjust to high altitudes. Our team will help you get your Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) permit online. Take some time to check your trekking gear and make sure everything is ready. This day is all about preparing you for the trek. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

On Day 3, you will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a picturesque 6–7 hour journey through green hills, rivers, and traditional villages. The journey winds along rivers, green hills, and traditional villages, offering stunning views of the Nepalese countryside. Pokhara is calm compared to Kathmandu. Enjoy an evening stroll around Phewa Lake with stunning mountain reflections. Pokhara is the gateway to many Himalayan adventures. Stay overnight at Pokhara and prepare to continue with your trek.

The day begins with a truly amazing, 20-minute mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, towering above the summits of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, through the world’s deepest gorge. Upon arrival at Jomsom, the crisp and dry rain-shadow air immediately fills your nostrils. Following a short interval, the trek makes good use of the sweeping riverbanks of Kali Gandaki. The walk is essentially flat but meets with fierce afternoon winds, common to this region. As timeless chortens and gale-sculpted cliffs pass you by, you finally reach the historic village of Kagbeni. Here, your restricted area permits are inspected, marking your official entry to the mystical high-altitude desert of Upper Mustang.

Today you officially enter Upper Mustang’s Restricted Area. The trail follows the east side of the Kali Gandaki River, passing through a high desert with cliffs shaped by the wind. You will go through Tangbe, known for its white-washed houses and apple orchards, and Chhuksang, where huge red cliffs rise above the valley. After crossing a seasonal bridge near a unique natural rock tunnel, you face a short, steep ascent to the village of Chele (also known as Tsaile). From this plateau, you’ll enjoy striking views of the Nilgiri Himal contrasting against the rugged brown and red canyons.

On the sixth day, you will trek through the high desert canyons of Mustang and see some ancient Buddhist relics. The day starts with a slow, long climb, crossing the Taklam La and Dajori La passes. Along the way, you will enjoy amazing views of the Nilgiri and Annapurna mountains. The trail gently descends after the climb. You can visit the famous Chungsi Cave, which sits near a tall rocky pillar.

According to legend, Guru Rinpoche meditated here, and the cave has been a sacred site for over 1,300 years. The trail then climbs another small ridge before descending into the peaceful village of Ghiling. Barley fields and windswept hills surround the village. Its white-walled houses with small roofs lined with yak dung, along with the monastery, make Ghiling a perfect place to rest and acclimatize.

Today, the trek continues through the unique landscapes of Upper Mustang. You will walk for 5–6 hours, climbing uphill through wide valleys and barren hills to reach Nyi La Pass at 4,020 meters. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. Along the way, you will see chhortens, mani walls, and traditional Tibetan-style villages, showing the rich Buddhist culture of the region. You will also visit Ghar Gompa, an ancient Mustang monastery, for a real cultural experience. Later, the trail climbs the striking red cliffs of Drakmar and ends at the lodge where you will spend the night. It is best to start early to avoid the heat during the day.

Today you will trek to the walled city of Lo Manthang. It is a long 7–8 hour trek and a bit challenging but very rewarding. The trail goes up over Marang La Pass, where you can see red cliffs, dry landscapes, and distant Himalayan mountains. On the way, you will pass Ghar Gompa, an old monastery showing Mustang’s spiritual heritage.

The trail continues through open areas, mani walls, and small Tibetan-style villages. When you reach Lo Manthang, it feels like a living museum with its strong walls and preserved culture. You will stay in a lodge tonight and get ready for the three-day Tiji Festival.

Today is the first day of the three-day Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang. Monks from Chhoede Monastery start the day with morning prayers and blow copper horns to begin the festival. The main event is the Tso Chham masked dance, which tells the story of the demon Ma Tam Ru Ta.

The dance shows chaos and destruction, but in the end, good wins over evil. Watching the monks with their colorful costumes, detailed movements, and traditional music gives you a close look at Tibetan Buddhist traditions. This day is a wonderful chance to experience the spiritual and cultural life of Mustang and enjoy the lively Tiji Festival.

The second day continues the festival celebrations in Lo Manthang. Today’s Nga Chham masked dances show Dorje Jono, the son of Lord Buddha, defeating a powerful demon. This represents the victory of good over evil. Monks perform colorful dances while the local community joins in the prayers, music, and ceremonies. You will see sacred rituals, storytelling, and traditional practices. Today gives a closer look at Tibetan Buddhist culture and lets you experience Mustang’s heritage and spiritual energy.

The third and last day is called Rha Chham. Monks perform special rituals to cleanse Lo Manthang, symbolically removing negative energies from the past year. The festival ends with a dramatic moment when the effigy of evil is burned or removed, showing the triumph of good.

After this, the village celebrates with music, dancing, and joyful gatherings, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Experiencing Rha Chham gives a deep understanding of Mustang’s spiritual and cultural traditions. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the heart of Tibetan Buddhist culture and be part of one of Nepal’s most unique festivals.

Your journey starts when you trek from the historic walled city of Lo Manthang to Tsarang, which has an altitude of 3,560 meters. The 4–5 hour trek moves through a mix of high desert plateaus, deep canyons, and valleys. The route takes you through Tibetan-style villages, traditional homes, prayer wheels, and mani walls, allowing you to experience the local culture. The day ends with an overnight stay in a lodge in Tsarang, surrounded by Mustang’s peaceful scenery.

Today your trek starts from Tsarang to Syangmochen, which takes about 6–7 hours. The trail will pass through tracts of dry lands, deep canyons, and high-desert plateaus. You will come across several Tibetan, typical villages; barley fields; and amazing prayer walls, embodiments of the local culture.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas, which include the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the west from the jagged and isolated hikes in the section. Spend the night in a lodge at Syangmochen. This moderate trekking trip is designed to offer you a good combination of the culture and nature of Mustang.

Today you will descend from Syangmochen from the high plateaus into deep canyons. You can visit Chungsi Cave, a sacred meditation place of Guru Rinpoche, hidden in a tall limestone gorge. Thereafter, the trail climbs a little to the village of Samar, where you can see ancient sky caves in red cliffs. The final part goes down to the Kali Gandaki River, passing the old village of Tetang and crossing a natural rock bridge to reach Chhusang. This 5–6 hour trek shows the wonderful rocks, cliffs, and salt-mining history of lower Mustang.

Day fifteen, the final part of the trek begins when travelers move from Chhusang to Jomsom which takes 6 to 7 hours to complete. The route moves through river valleys and plains and steep cliffs, which provide views of both the Kali Gandaki River and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

The route passes traditional villages and mani walls, which show the cultural heritage of Tibet. You will spend the night at a lodge in Jomsom to prepare for your flight. This marks the end of your trekking journey.

Today, your trek ends with a morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The short flight offers stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges along the Kali Gandaki valley. On arrival, you transfer to a hotel and relax. In the evening, stroll the Phewa Lake, explore the local market or simply unwind after the trek. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Today, Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. During the drive, enjoy the rivers, hills, and villages of Nepal one last time before reaching Kathmandu. When you reach the hotel, you have ample time to do some shopping or enjoy a final traditional Nepali meal. Overnight stay in Kathmandu lets you rest before your departure.

On the final day, your Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek ends with a transfer to Tribhuwan International airport for your flight home. You depart with lasting memories of breathtaking scenery, sacred rituals, and traditional villages, making this one of Nepal’s most remarkable cultural and trekking experiences.