Are you a festivalist who loves engaging in new festivals of different groups? If you do, then you need to check out Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek. The Trek perfectly blends adventure and culture, including the Tiji Festival celebration.
The Tiji Festival is an old traditional festival that is celebrated by the people of Mustang. The three-day festival is celebrated to celebrate the victory of the myth son who saved the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. History takes back to the 17th century when Samdup Rabten started this festival in Lo Manthang by inviting the King of other districts.
Now, apart from the festival, the trek also lends you an opportunity to walk on the barren lands of the Upper Mustang region. As you walk by villages, the stone and mud brick houses will astonish you. It’s picture-perfect, with houses surrounded by the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Additionally, the traditions and culture of the villagers, the ancient monasteries, and the sky caves will appeal to you the most.
Overall, the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is a splendid package that you can plan with your friends and families.
Major Highlights
- Set off to visit the UNESCO world heritage sites- Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa.
- Enjoy a day at Pokhara- the most vibrant city in Nepal.
- Catch a breathtaking flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.
- Attend the 3- day Tiji Festival at Lo Manthang.
- Delve into the rich traditions and culture of the local villagers.
- Admire traditional attire, elaborate masks, and costumes worn by the locals to perform ancient dances and rituals as part of the festival.
- The highlights of the Tiji Festival are the performance of traditional dances by the local monks wearing elaborate costumes and masks. The dances depict ancient mythological stories, battles between good and evil, and the triumph of virtue.
- Explore the remote and serene nature of the Mustang region.
- Relish the marvelous mountain views, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri.
- Visit the mesmerizing sky caves and ancient monasteries of Mustang.
How is Tiji Festival Celebrated?
The Tiji Festival is a celebration that venerates the victory of good over evil, with its origins tracing back to ancient mythology.
During the Tiji Festival, which spans over three days, the monks of Chode Gompa in Mustang, Nepal, perform a series of sacred dances. On the first day, they perform the 'Tsa Chaam' dance, which re-enacts the harassment of the demon named Ma Tam Ru Ta from the Buddhist tradition. The monks who perform this dance are believed to be empowered by Vajrakila.
On the second day, the monks perform the 'NgaCham' dance, which depicts the birth or rebirth of Dorje Soman, with his demon father watching from under a blanket in the royal square. This dance includes manifestations representing the souls he encounters on his journey through the Bardo, the transition between death and rebirth.
On the third and final day of the Tiji Festival, the monks perform the 'Rha Chham' dance, symbolizing the victory of Dorje Sonam over the evil demon and his expulsion from Mustang. This victory signifies the arrival of peace and prosperity in the remote land of Mustang.
Route Overview
Let's look at the route overview of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek.
First, the trip begins with your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A sightseeing tour is organized in Kathmandu, where you'll visit the Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath Stupa.
We'll then hop on a scenic drive to Pokhara and rest there for the night. Another flight is scheduled to Jomsom, and upon reaching the destination, the Trek will begin to Kagbeni. Until we reach Lo-Manthang, the capital city of Upper Mustang, we'll hike from Chele, and Geling. The most interesting trail is when we’ll hike from Geling to Charang. The route leads to major destinations like the longest Mani wall, a five-story white Dzong Gompa, then eventually reach Charang, and Lo-Manthang, respectively.
At Lo-Manthang, we'll celebrate the first day of the Tiji festival for the next three days. On the final day, you'll visit Namgyal Gompa and return to Tingkhar. Later, we approach Drakmar, Shyangmochen, Chhusang, and Jomsom. Lastly, we board flights to Pokhara and Kathmandu, bidding farewell to the Trek.
How difficult is the Trek?
The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is an easy-to-moderate trek. The routes follow a mixed uphill and downhill terrain that is relatively easy. Any beginner or pro-level hikers can easily walk on these trails.
Moving on, let's now discuss the altitude level of the Trek. The highest elevated ground you'll reach on the Trek is at Chogo La at 4210m. There is a high chance of falling sick with altitude sickness, but we can avoid the risk by acclimatizing our bodies properly.
We've prepared the itinerary, adding enough acclimatization days, and our guides will instruct you on acclimatization. Hence, you can be assured of your safety.
When is the Tiji festival will be celebrated?
May is the best time for the Upper Mustang Trek and to attend the Tiji Festival. In 2024, the Tiji Festival will be celebrated from 05th to 07th May 2024 in Lo Manthang.
The month of May lies in the spring season, which is considered one of the best seasons for treks. You can expect clear weather with moderate temperatures during this month.
Any alternative treks?
If you want to broaden your options and look for more treks, here are our recommendations.
First of all, you can check out the Upper Mustang Trek. It is a 17-day journey that'll be full of adventures. Next, we have the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara, which can be completed in 18 days.
These were our recommendations. Please let us know which of these packages you want to choose. We are waiting patiently to book a wonderful trek for you!
