Upper Mustang Tiji Festival tour

Welcome to Nepal, up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport (TIA), our representative meets you and transfer to hotel by private vehicle. At hotel he/ she will give short briefing about program agreement and day to day plan. Check into hotel, use free time to take rest, relax and explore around Thamel.

Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4593 feet.

The day start with delicious breakfast before embarking on a Kathmandu city tour. Our guide takes you to Swayambhunath stupa, Bouddha, Pashupatinath temple, Patan and Kathmandu durbar square for sightseeing. Kathmandu city has rich cultural and historical heritage for sightseeing and exploration.
Full day Kathmandu tours covers most popular travel spots like famous Temple, stupa, monasteries, people and culture of Nepal. After exploring major sights of Kathmandu, we will drive back to Hotel and brief about upcoming program. Spend rest of the time for gear shopping, packing, exploring streets of Thamel and try local cuisine.

The day begins with scenic drive to Pokhara by private jeep on the Prithvi Highway. It takes 6 to 7 hours to cross 200 kilometers distance in between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Along the way, you will pass through small towns and villages that give you a glimpse into the rural life of Nepal.
Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is incredibly scenic, with breathtaking views of Himalayan mountains, waterfalls, picturesque scenery, Trishuli and Marshyangdi River. Once you reach Pokhara, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of Annapurna range, serene Phewa Lake and beautiful Pokhara city.
After checking into hotel you can take a rest or go to explore lakeside, boating and walk around to watch the reflection of mountain and sky in beautiful Phewa Lake. Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara end but memories last forever.
The main ways to travel from Katmandu to Pokhara are by bus, private car and plane as per the budget, interest and booking deal. If you prefer flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara then it takes about 25 minutes only.

We set out from Pokhara to Kalopani by jeep via Nayapul, Kusma, Beni, Tatopani and Ghasa villages. This journey takes us through natural hot spring spot, deepest gorge in the world, Rupse waterfall, along Kali Gandaki river of Nepal.
It takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach Lete / Kalapani by jeep. The road condition from Pokhara to Beni is fine. As soon as we cross Beni need to drive in bumpy gravel road until Ghasa. There is fine road from Ghasa to Kalopani again and offers really amazing view of Himalayan peaks, charming hamlets, terraced farmlands and greenery around.
Kalopani is a beautiful village (view point) located in a valley surrounded by mountains in lower mustang. It is one of the best place to take a rest, relax and enjoy the natural diversity of Himalayas.
The warm hospitality of local people, their rich cultural traditions add a unique charm on mustang trip. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Thakali dinner at a local restaurant in Kalapani Nepal.

This morning we take a jeep from Kalapani to go to Kagbeni village. Driving track till Marpha is fine black toped then after need to drive in nice off road. The main tourist attractions of the day are Thakali villages, Jomsom, Thinigaon, Dhumba lake, monastery and the Kaligandaki river valley of Himalayan wonderland.
We drive through unique landscape exploring breathtaking scenery, apple orchard, interacting with friendly local and testing delicious local foods. On the way to Kagbeni we stop at Jomsom to explore around. We drive to Dhumba lake, a small lake located in a valley surrounded by mountains. At the same time visit the old monastery and traditional Thini gaon of mustang too.
Dhumba lake and monastery area is a nice place to see the stunning views of Marpha village, Jomsom valley, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other peaks of Himalayas. Kalopani to Kagbeni tour is an unparalleled opportunity to witness the beauty of lower mustang and immerse oneself in the rich natural & cultural heritage of Nepal.

Today we take short trip to Muktinath temple, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists then drive to Ghami crossing Kagbeni, Tangbe, Chhusang, Chele samar and Syangboche villages. Kagbeni to Ghami overland trip is a great way to experience the Tibetan influences culture and desert type landscape of Mustang. During this journey you get the great glimpse of Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peak of Nepal.

Ghami villages itself is a fascinating destination, with a rich history, ancient monasteries, Chortens, traditional architecture and traditional way of life untouched by the modernity.  We traverse several ridges, passes, farm land, apple orchard, whitewashed villages along the river spotting unique rock formation, high cliff and sky caves of Nepal.

After crossing Kali Gandaki river drive uphill to reach Ghami village of Mustang  Nepal. Kagbeni to Ghami off road tour is a breathtaking adventure through the enchanting landscapes where you immerse oneself with natural and cultural wonders of mustang Nepal.

After an early breakfast, we start our overland trip towards Tsarang village via Dhakmar, Ghar Gumba and Marang village. It takes 5 / 6 hours to cross Ghami to Tsarang distance exploring all highlights of the day. Along the way we visit a number of ancient monasteries, including Ghar Gumba built in 8th century by Guru Rinpoche on his way to Tibet.
Lo Gekhar monastery “Ghar Gumba” is the most important hidden treasures of mustang’s ancient culture and traditions. Ghami to Tsarang driving journey is one of the best off road adventure in barren remote area of Nepal.
Ghami to Tsarang tour takes us through serene atmosphere, awe-inspiring landscapes, antique monasteries and traditional Tibetan style villages. Whitewashed houses with narrow alleyways, ancient Chortens, Mani walls, Mani stones, prayer flags fluttering in the wind attract the attention of explorer.
This tour is an opportunity to learn about the unique culture and traditions of the mustang people, where nature enthusiasts immerse one selves in the raw beauty and local ambiance of Mustang.

Today is the most exciting day of the trip, as we finally reach Lo Manthang, the ancient walled city of Mustang. The city is home to many age-old monasteries, historic palace, Mani wall, prayer flags, prayer wheels and stupas. The capital city of former Kingdom of Lo is a fascinating place to discover its history, culture, architecture, ancient tradition and lifestyle of the dwellers.
Tsarang to Lo Manthang distance offer stunning view of Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna massif and many other surrounding peaks. On the way to Lo Manthang we cross Sungda Chorten, sky caves, prayer flags and incredible moonscape etc. Drive to Lo Manthang 3840 meters / 12598 feet via Sungda la and Lo la
Lo la 3960 meters is the highest point of the day. From the pass explorer gets the first glimpse of medieval wall city of Lo in between wide barren land of Mustang valley. Famous wall city known for their traditional mud-brick houses, narrow alleys and colorful prayer flags waving in the wind. The city is unlike anything we had seen before; isolation of the region helps to preserve its exclusivity which makes Lo a captivating destination. At the Lo Manthang city you feel pure Tibetan culture, rich history, interact with Lowa tribe that provides lifetime experience.

First day of Tiji festival begins with ceremonial lowering of thangka, a large religious tapestry depicting Guru Rinpoche “Padmasambhava”.  Monks play Tibetan horns “Dungchen”, drums and cymbals at the same time. This ritual is believed to purify the town and its inhabitants of evil spirits and misfortunes.  After thangka is lowered, monks recite ancient Buddhist prayers and perform sacred dances, known as “Tsa Chaam”. this dance tells the story of the birth of Dorje Jono and his battle with the demon.
These dances, performs with traditional music and colorful costumes, masks that represent mythical stories of triumph over evil forces and symbolize the victory of good over evil. It is a powerful and dramatic performance that leave a lasting impression for sure.

Second day of Tiji festival is most striking then fist day, it represents the battles between Dorje Jono deity and his demonic enemies. Tiji dance depicts the legendary battles fought by Dorje Jono to save the kingdom of mustang from drought, famine and destruction caused by demons.
The energetic movements and rhythmic beats of drums create an emotional atmosphere that attract audiences to witness ancient legends and mystical traditions.
Monks wear elaborate costumes and masks to preform mask dance representing the role of deities and demon’s, perform intricate dance dramas with precision and vigor. Each masked dancers symbolizing a specific character from the mythological tales.
The second day of festival is known as “Nga Cham” dance. It tells the story of Dorje Jono’s victory over the demon “Man Tam Ru” and his return to heaven. Festival immerse into the age-old traditions, vibrant dances, and mesmerizing rituals of Tibetan Buddhism. Lo Manthang is a small town surrounded by earthen wall,  towering mountains and arid landscapes. It is a fascinating place to explore, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty which make an epic journey into the Himalayas.

Drive to Chhoser 3908 meters / 12821 feet travel around & back Lo Manthang. Today is the day to discover the secret of Lo Manthang area that you’ve been waiting for. Trip start with jeep safari towards chhoser, garphu & kora la border. Chhosar village offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life, daily activities that they practice in upper Mustang, Nepal.
Ancient monasteries like Garphu and Niphu monastery, surrounding colorful rock formations and centuries old caves in rock cliff are really impressive to see in Chhoser area. Niphu monastery is an ancient cave monastery carved into the cliffs. Travelers impressed to visiting Jhong cave, Konchok ling cave & Ritseling cave in Chhoser valley Nepal.  It is a part of ancient salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet autonomous region of China. Kora la is known for its stunning mountain views and rugged terrain.
Afternoon we will be back to Lo Manthang to observe final day celebration and spent rest of the day visiting the city’s ancient monasteries, palace, narrow alleys, stupas and the architecture of earthen wall city. Royal palace, three ancient monasteries, Amchi school and the local way of life are the highlights of Lo Manthang exploration.

The third or final day of Tiji festival is known as “Ra Chaam”. Monks perform special ceremonies and local also comes together to offer prayers wearing traditional dress. Monks offer food, drink and other offerings to demon with the hope that he will satisfied, leave the people in peace and never back to mustang.  The atmosphere is filled with spirituality, devotion, rituals continuity and a sense of unity in between. The lowering thangka raised to signifying the conclusion of celebrations.
Mustangi people come together at the square of wall city for a grand procession. They carry thangka, accompanied by music, dance, and joyful celebrations with the belief of drive away evil spirits and bring good luck to the kingdom of lo. As soon as Tiji festival ends the thangka painting placed back in monastery, where it will remain until next Tiji festival. Embark on this journey of a lifetime and its spell upon you.

Today we set out on the return journey from Lo Manthang to Marpha village exploring incredible landscape, snow covered mountains and traditional villages settled in between barren desert of Mustang Nepal. It takes about 6 to 7 hours to cross Lo Manthang to Marpha road distance by jeep with stop at view points for sightseeing. After leaving wall city of Lo Manthang road ascent to cross Lo la pass 3960 meters then descent towards Charang, Ghami and Ghiling, chhuksangm kagbeni, Jomsom villages progressively.

During this journey we cross Lo la 3960m, Tsarang la 3870m, Ghami la 3765m, Nyi la 4025 m pass Syangboche La to reach Marpha. Lo manthang to Marpha journey by luxurious jeep covers vast topography from the barren high desert to the fertile land of lower Mustang Nepal. Mostly downhill driving offers some amazing views of surrounding landscape, towering cliffs, rugged terrain of Mustang valley Nepal. As we reach Marpha, conclude our wonderful journey guide manage the room for night rest and relax. Enjoy traditional dinner and warm hospitality in Thakali restaurant. The stunning views of mountains, rich culture, history of Thakali people and traditional way of life of mustang make this trip memorable forever.

Today is the day to say goodbye to Mustang, early in the morning, we will take a jeep drive to Pokhara. Road passes through a world deepest gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, offers stunning view of snow-capped mountains and green valleys. Marpha to Pokhara travel by jeep is a great way to explore the beautiful scenery, countryside, waterfalls, people and culture of Nepal, the memories will remain forever.
Once you arrive in Pokhara, there are plenty of places to see and things to do. You can spend rest of the day in leisure or walk around the streets of lake city, souvenir shopping, boating in Phewa lake and experience nightlife in Pokhara etc.
If you prefer Jomsom Pokhara flight instead of driving, we will arrange accordingly (flight is not recommended for safety reason) The weather of Jomsom change in no time that affect Pokhara flight frequently. We request you to plan some buffer time for this possibility and be flexible to use alternative ways of transportation like jeep or helicopter.

The journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu is in one of the most scenic and breathtaking routes of Nepal. The distance between the two cities is approximately 200 kilometers/ 124 miles, and the travel time is around 6-7 hours by road and 25 minute by flight. Keep in mind that the actual travel time may vary depending on the mode of transportation, traffic conditions and your personal preferences.
As soon as reach Kathmandu you will check into hotel, take a rest, spend evening time to explore city for souvenirs shopping. Enjoy farewell dinner at evening to celebrate the successful excursion.

Today is the final day of Nepal trip! Our representative will transfer you to airport three hours before schedule flight. “Wishing you a safe journey! We look forward to our paths crossing again someday.”