Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Safari -14 Days

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Trip Facts
  • Duration 14 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Country Nepal
  • Maximum Altitude 3,800m/12,467ft
  • Group Size 2-12
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Trip Style Jeep Tour

Trip Overview

Mustang Tiji Festival A Colorful Buddhist Mask Dance Experience. This Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Safari is a unique adventure that takes you on a journey to the remote and stunning Lo Manthang, the walled kingdom in Upper Mustang. Situated north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang, also known as Lo, is surrounded by the Tibetan plateau on all sides except the south. The region’s long association with Tibet has helped preserve its distinct Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle, religion, culture, and art, making it one of the most culturally rich places in Nepal.

Upper Mustang is home to ancient monasteries, palaces, and the ruins of grand forts dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Most of the monasteries here belong to the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and the colorful monastery decorations with shades of red, grey, and white are a testament to the strong Buddhist heritage. The people of Lo are deeply religious, and festivals like the Tiji Festival is at the heart of their community life.

What is Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang?

The Tiji Festival is a vibrant and spiritually significant three-day celebration held annually at Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. This festival is one of the most cherished and revered in the region, and it has a deep connection to the local community's religious beliefs and customs.

Originally, the festival was a religious ceremony meant to ward off obstacles and suffering, as well as bring blessings of peace and prosperity to the region. Over time, the Tiji Festival has also come to symbolize the strength and hope of the people of Lo. The festival is based on the myth of Dorje Shunu (Vajrakila), a deity who reincarnated to subdue the evil forces and demons that caused suffering and hell on Earth.

During the festival, a series of masked dances are performed by the monks, each depicting Dorje Shunu’s battle with the demons. The festival's dances are a powerful expression of the victory of good over evil, and they are accompanied by the sounds of drums, chanting, and other traditional music. These dances bring the mythology to life and fill the air with spiritual energy, making it a truly memorable experience.

Is Trekking Better Or The Jeep Ride for Tiji Festival

The Jeep Safari and the Tiji Festival blend so well in comparison to Trekking .

The festival takes place in Lo Manthang, where the local people gather in large numbers from surrounding villages to participate in the celebrations. The trails leading to Lo Manthang become bustling with local pilgrims, mule caravans, and even jeeps, all converging on the capital to celebrate their most important annual event.

The Tiji Festival is celebrated in Lo Manthang with great fervor, and it is said to have begun in the 15th century, at the time of Lama Lowo Khenchen, an influential Buddhist teacher and the son of King Amgon Sangpo. During the festival, the chosen monk representing Dorje Shunu performs the sacred dances, embodying the various forms of the deity. Additionally, an ancient Thangka painting of Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava is displayed, adding to the spiritual significance of the event.

Join Us for the Mustang Tiji Festival Celebration.

At Mystical Nepal Treks, we are excited to offer this exclusive Tiji Festival Jeep Safari to Upper Mustang. The 2025 trip is now open for bookings, and seats are limited. If you want to witness the festival and experience the beauty of Upper Mustang, now is the time to reserve your spot!

Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and immerse yourself in the unique culture, spirituality, and traditions of the people of Lo Manthang. Book your place today and be part of this magical festival in May 2025!

Itinerary

Kindly note that there is always an option to customize this itinerary as per your preference. Please let us know. Besides, if you want to explore Nepal further, you can also combine the driving tour with Ghorepani, Mardi Himal, or ABC Trek.

Day-to-day Plan
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Arriving at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is the first step of your adventure in the heart of Nepal.

Once you collect your luggage and clear customs, you will be greeted warmly by your Trekking Group Leader or our Office Representative with a "Mystical Nepal Treks" board who will assist you and transfer you to your hotel.

Although Kathmandu is the busiest city in Nepal with hectic traffic, it still holds a unique charm with its local beauty and lively atmosphere. You will enjoy the fun of driving through its unfamiliar roads. The drive to the hotel will take you through Kathmandu’s lively streets, where the old and new come together. You’ll pass by ancient temples, busy markets, and modern shops, all blending into the colorful culture of Nepal.

Highlights:

  • Airport pickup.
  • Transfer to the hotel with your Group Leader.
  • Brief introduction about your trip.
  • Early arrival gives you a chance to explore Kathmandu.

Altitude: 1,400m / 4,593 feet
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Distance: 6 km
Transport: Airport Pickup

Enjoy your time and relax as you prepare for your trek ahead!

City Tour & Briefing Day

Tour:  Our professional City Tour Guide will take you for a half-day city tour visiting two of Nepal’s most famous cultural and spiritual sites: Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.

Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits on the banks of the Bagmati River, and it’s a peaceful place where pilgrims come to perform rituals. The pagoda-style temple and beautiful wood carvings make it even more special.

Next, you’ll visit Boudhanath, a huge stupa and a major center for Tibetan Buddhism. Its giant dome and Buddha’s eyes looking over the busy streets create a calming atmosphere. You’ll find monasteries, prayer flags, and shops selling religious items around the stupa.

Briefing: After the tour, you’ll have a trek briefing in the afternoon. This will cover important details about the trek, including the itinerary, safety tips, and what to expect on the journey. You can also ask any questions you may have.

Welcome Dinner: To end the day, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with your team. It’s a great chance to bond and share your excitement for the trek ahead. The dinner will feature a best of Nepali traditional food..

Accommodation:Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / Welcome Dinner

We will leave the hotel early in the morning to avoid the heavy traffic, and also because parts of the Kathmandu/Pokhara Highway are under construction. The drive offers picturesque views with beautiful landscapes, dramatic gorges, and farming terraces. Along the way, you will catch glimpses of the snow-capped mountains, which adds to the beauty of the journey.

Highlights:

  • Pokhara (820 m), the second-largest city in Nepal, is popularly known as the ‘second home’ of tourists. Despite the 8-hour drive, the journey to Pokhara is exciting, offering stunning views  of the winding highway down the valley. Following the rafting river Trishuli all the way to the town of Mugling make it a worthwhile adventure.
  • Phewa Lake, with its calm waters and the towering Himalayas in the background, creates an atmosphere of tranquility and awe, making Pokhara a must-visit destination.
  • Unlike the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, the peaceful vibes of Pokhara will surely add more excitement and anticipation for your journey ahead.

Altitude: 820 m/2,690 feet
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Walking Hours: 8/9 Hours Drive
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 200 km
Transport: Private Vehicle

This scenic drive will set you up for the stunning beauty and peaceful environment that Pokhara is known for, offering you a refreshing break from the busy city life of Kathmandu.

Day 4: Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m/9,186 feet)

Today, we wake up early to catch the morning mountain flight to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang. This thrilling flight takes us over the world's deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The scenery is truly exceptional, giving you a taste of the majestic Himalayas right from the sky.

Highlights:

  • A 20-minute flight to the windy valley of Jomsom is an unforgettable experience, with magnificent views of towering Himalayan peaks.
  • The view of numerous Himalayan giants piercing the sky will leave you awestruck, as you fly over the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • You will also witness the Kali Gandaki River, a river that has been flowing for around 80 million years, originating from the Tibetan Plateau.
  • After enjoying a morning tea in Jomsom, we begin our trek to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, following the ancient salt trade trail. This historical route offers a unique and culturally rich experience.
  • The walk to Kagbeni is easy and scenic, and after lunch in Kagbeni, we will take a leisurely stroll around this antique village, known for its traditional mud houses and spiritual ambiance, making it a place not to be missed.

Altitude: 2,800 m/9,186 feet
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Walking Hours: 4/5 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 12 km

This day provides an exciting blend of scenic flight, cultural exploration, and a peaceful trek to Kagbeni, giving you a true taste of Mustang's natural beauty and ancient culture.

Day 5: Drive to Ghami

After a hearty breakfast at the guesthouse, we begin our journey by jeep to Ghami. Our first stop will be at Tangbe Village, a picturesque settlement known for its whitewashed houses and scenic views. From Tangbe, we continue our drive towards Chhusang, passing through beautiful landscapes and dramatic terrain.

Once we reach Chhusang, we drive along a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of Tilicho Peak, Damodar Danda, and Yakawa Kang. Along the way, we will stop at various stunning locations to capture some memorable photos of the majestic mountains and serene landscapes.

After enjoying the spectacular views, we continue our drive, passing through the high mountain passes of Syangboche La and Nyi La. The vistas from these passes are nothing short of incredible, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Finally, we arrive at Ghami, where we will spend the night at a local guesthouse.

This day offers a blend of scenic driving and awe-inspiring mountain views, making it a memorable part of your journey through Mustang.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Jeep
Distance: Approx. 5-6 hours of driving

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Ghami, we begin our journey towards the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang. We will board our jeep for a drive to Tsarang via Lo Pass. Along the way, we will cross the Ghami River and travel across a plateau, passing several mani walls that are typical of the region.

Continuing our drive, we head towards the capital city of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. On this beautiful journey, we are treated to stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and Bhrikuti.

After reaching Lo Manthang, we will settle in a guesthouse for the night, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this unique and historic place.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Jeep

Lo Manthang is a mystical and magical city, deeply influenced by Tibetan culture and lifestyle. It is a restricted area in Upper Mustang that once belonged to the King of Lo. Even today, you can find the king and queen living in the royal palace here. This region is very isolated and holds a unique charm.

Today, we will spend the day exploring the city. First, we will visit the four-story palace, which is still home to some members of the royal family. After that, we will drive to Jampa Monastery, the oldest monastery in the region, dating back to the 15th century.

Other attractions in Lo Manthang include the Thubchen Gompa and Chodey Gompa, both important spiritual sites in the area.

After a day of exploration, we will return to our guesthouse in Lo Manthang for a restful night.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Jeep

After exploring Lo Manthang, we will begin our drive back to Jomsom. After breakfast in Lo Manthang, we will take the same scenic route and drive to Tsarang, then continue towards Ghami. From there, we drive past the beautiful village of Kagbeni and the charming village of Marpha, heading towards Jomsom.

After reaching Jomsom, we will check into our guesthouse for the night and relax after a long day of travel.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Jeep

After a delicious breakfast at the guesthouse, we will take an early flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will board a vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. We will follow the same scenic route along Prithvi Highway, enjoying the beautiful landscapes on the way.

Once we arrive in Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. You can relax and unwind after a long journey.

Tonight, spend your time at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Flight & Drive

Where will your next adventure take you?

Congratulations on completing an unforgettable trek! As you bid farewell to the breathtaking trails and cherished memories, we wish you a safe journey home. May the mountains call you back for another adventure soon. Until we meet again!

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Cost Details
Includes
  • Arrival and departure airport transfer
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin share with breakfast
  • Welcome dinner with a cultural program. Beverages not included.
  • Half-day guided cultural tour in Kathmandu with heritage entrance permit
  • Teahouse/lodge accommodation while on a trek on twin share
  • Full board meals while on Upper Mustang Tiji Festival trekking
  • Properly boiled hot water for drinking is provided every evening – so it’s wise to have bottles equivalent to 3 liters or bottles along with a rehydration bag (camel bag). 
  • Upper Mustang special entry permit for the Tiji Festival tour.
  • Annapurna Conservation entry trek permit and other trek documentation
  • Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara airfare with airport tax
  • Private transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara drive
  • Free use of trekking gear like a sleeping bag, down jacket, liner, trekking poles, etc.
  • Complimentary trek duffle bag and T-shirt for every trekker on the Tiji Festival trip
  • Medically trained, experienced trekking guide with a first aid kit
  • Guide, Sherpa and porters with all their gear, wages, and insurance
  • A Kathmandu city map and Mustang region trekking map.
Excludes
  • Nepal entry visa and your travel insurance of any kind
  • International airfare
  • Drinks and main meals while in the city like Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Tips and items of personal nature expenses like postage, laundry, and drinking water
  • SANCTIONS: Permits or special authorizations for filming, using large drones, or specific filming cameras require additional fees.
  • Tipping the trekking crew is an expected custon in Nepal
Essential Information

How Is The Jeep Safari Adventure?

The Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Safari is relatively less physically demanding than trekking tours, but it still presents a unique adventure due to the rugged terrain of the Mustang region. The Jeep Safari takes you through remote areas, dusty roads, and high-altitude landscapes, where you will witness stunning natural beauty, traditional villages, and cultural heritage. The terrain can be challenging, especially on the rough roads, but the journey is suitable for most people with a moderate level of fitness.

The highlight of this tour is experiencing the Tiji Festival, a vibrant and culturally rich event that celebrates Tibetan Buddhist traditions, which will immerse you in the unique local culture of Mustang. You will traverse through ancient villages and high-altitude deserts, where the climate and landscape vary greatly.

Tour Duration: The tour spans 14 days, which includes visits to multiple locations across the Mustang region, special cultural experiences at the Tiji Festival, and comfortable travel by jeep.

Daily Travel Hours: Depending on road conditions, you will travel around 5 to 7 hours a day by jeep. This can vary, especially depending on the condition of the roads or any unforeseen events that might delay travel.

Tourist Infrastructure: The Mustang region is still relatively remote, and tourist infrastructure is more basic than in major cities. However, the jeep safari ensures that you stay in comfortable lodges, and there are a few basic hotels where the accommodations are usually clean and simple.

Travel Smart: Secure Your Journey With Insurance 

Due to the remoteness of the Mustang region and the potential for unexpected delays, it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance. The tour involves travel through high-altitude regions where weather conditions can change suddenly. Insurance that includes helicopter evacuation and medical coverage is necessary. In case of unforeseen situations, having evacuation insurance will ensure that you receive quick help if required.

The Mustang region, particularly the area around the Tiji Festival, requires special permits to visit. You will need to obtain the following:

Mustang Restricted Area Permit:

The cost of this permit is USD 500 per person for 10 days (available from March to November). After 10 days, it costs an additional USD 50 per day.

The permit allows entry into the Mustang region, which is a restricted zone due to its proximity to Tibet.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit:

The cost of the ACAP permit is USD 30 per person.

Looking for the Ideal Time for the Mustang Jeep Safari? Here’s When!

The best time to visit Mustang for the Tiji Festival Jeep Safari is during the spring season, from late April to May, when the Tiji Festival takes place, or from September to November for a clear view of the landscape and the vibrant festival celebrations.

Late April to May: This is when the Tiji Festival is celebrated. The festival's dates vary each year, but it usually takes place in May. During this period, the region is warmer, and the landscape is lush with spring flowers. The temperatures range between 20°C to 4°C.

September to November: This is also an excellent time to visit as the weather is dry and clear, making for great sightseeing conditions. Temperatures range from 20°C to -5°C. You will also enjoy the clear views of the high Himalayan peaks and pristine landscapes.

Fuel Up with Local Cuisine: Food Stops on the Mustang Jeep Safari

Accommodation on the Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Safari is in basic but comfortable guesthouses, teahouses, and local hotels. The rooms are generally clean and simple but offer all the necessary comforts. In some areas, you may be staying in homestays, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Some accommodations offer shared rooms, while others might have private rooms, depending on availability.

Food: The food along the Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Safari is mostly based on traditional Nepali and Tibetan cuisine, with dishes like dal bhat, momo, thukpa, and Tibetan bread. In some places, you will also get fried rice, stews, pasta, or simple continental options like eggs and toast. There are also local delicacies served during the festival.

  • Drinking Water: Bottled or purified water is widely available, but it’s advisable to bring your own purification tablets or water filter.

  • Snacks: Snacks such as nuts, energy bars, and biscuits are available along the route. You can also purchase additional snacks in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the journey.

FAQs

Trekking Days are so designed that the walking is enjoyable and safe. The companionship of other trekkers and staff positive attitude creates great environment and many memorable events. The day begins early at 6.30 am with a wakeup call. Before breakfast pack your gears into duffle bag by keeping some essential things in your daypack. After breakfast, we are usually on the trail by 8am and following a good morning walk, we stop for lunch break for about an hour. Continuing our walk for the second part of the day we reach the days destination usually around 4.00 pm as the afternoon walk is usually shorter than the morning. Having afternoon tea you can relax, read or have some game activities involving the local staff. Dinner is usually served around 6.30 to 7.00 pm.

We are committed on the welfare of our staff from trek Leaders/Guides to Sherpas, Cooks, and Porters. We ensure good wages, salary provident fund, proper insurance, to the equipment and clothing. They are the most valuable members of our organization and the people who make every trip a success.

You need general travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance, as well as rescue insurance. Read your policy’s fine print to make sure it covers you for trekking or climbing, depending on what trip you have booked, and that it covers you for helicopter evacuation.

MNT trip itineraries have been professionally designed to minimize the effects of       High Altitude sickness. Extensive medical kit is carried on all our trips. In addition Portable Altitude Chamber Bag ( a life saving device) is brought as a safety backup on high elevation treks and expeditions. All our Leaders and Guides are well trained in Wilderness Medicine and First Aid Course who are competent to recognize any mountain ailment and act accordingly on the spot.

Trekking in Nepal Himalayas is an adventure holiday thus do not expect shower each day. Now days, some of the teahouses up to 4000 meters have hot shower facilities depending on the trekking regions. Laundry services are available at limited place on trek.

You will be carrying your day pack with warm clothes, rain pocho, drinking water, snacks, sun block, camera etc. you need for the day. Generally it will be light around 3 to 4 kilos.

Most airlines fly direct to Bangkok from North America, Europe and Australia and New Zealand. From there Thai Airways fly direct to Kathmandu 10 times a week. Silk Air ( Singapore Airlines) and Cathay Pacific via Hong kong also has regular flights and there are many flights via Doha, Qatar, New Delhi, Hong Kong to Kathmandu.

All our trip itinerary have an arrival and departure day from Kathmandu so you can arrive and leave Kathmandu as per the program. You are also welcome and encouraged to arrive a day earlier or leave Nepal a day later to have a look around the vibrant Kathmandu Valley. MNT arrange any extra activities as per your interest outside the main package.

Yes, the facility is available almost each teahouse at a cost of usually about 2 to 3 US$ per hour. We use the voltages 220 – 240 volts to power and 2 point plugs is recommended to bring.

It depends if you are used to it is very handy. It is recommended for knee support and for down hills specially. The walk is manageable without them at times.

Yes there are dozens of trekking shops in Thamel area of Kathmandu. Our trekking guide will be happy to assist you in this regard.

It works in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with countries you are travelling to and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on. You can also buy a local mobile SIM card in Kathmandu.

It is notoriously difficult to predict the weather conditions in the Himalayas. Normally days are warm and nights are cold. There can be snow or rain storms at any time. Between 1000 and 3500 meters the temperature could go as high as 20 degree celsius to 5 degree. At higher altitude the temperature ranges from 20 degrees to -10 degree celsius. During winter month of December the days are 10 degree colder. Good polarizing sunglasses for high altitude and large brimmed hat are really helpful. Expect the unexpected.

Tipping is an accepted part of trekking although it is completely personal matter. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Up to 10% of the trip cost as tipping could be a guideline.

Before we depart for the trek all your left luggage and valuable is to be deposited in the safety store and safety deposit box at the hotel or you could also feel safe with MNT office for storage which you can claim effortlessly on your return after trek.

The maximum weight they allow you is 15 kilos that is including your hand carry bag.

Definitely! Our airport representative or your group Leader will be there catering you from day of your arrival till departure. Do check for Mystical Nepal Treks clip board on your arrival in Kathmandu airport outside the arrival terminal hall. Make sure you have provided your flight details to us in advance.

Yes, you can obtain Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. In fact for some countries Nepal visa is to be prearranged from their country itself prior to their entry to Nepal. For more details please check Nepal Visa and Entry Procedure in the website

All  our trip itinerary have an arrival and departure day from Kathmandu so you can arrive and leave Kathmandu as per the program. You are also welcome and encouraged to arrive a day earlier or leave Nepal a day later to have a look around the vibrant Kathmandu Valley. Mystical Nepal Treks will help arrange any extra activities as per your interest outside the main package.

14 Days
Price from US$2870US$2990(All-Inclusive Price)
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