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Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour

Good to Know
  • Duration 8 Days
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • Trip Destination Mustang
  • Starts at Pokhara
  • Ends at Pokhara
  • Max. Altitude 3,840 m
  • Trip Type Overland Tour
  • Transport Jeep
  • Accommodation Teahouses

Highlights

  • Driving along the banks of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world
  • An exploration into the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang and its wealth of Tibetan culture.
  • Awake to the colorful spectacle of the Tiji Festival, with masked dances.
  • Visit monasteries and chortens that have stood for hundreds of years, as well as the royal palace of Lo Manthang.
  • Experience the magnificent arid landscapes and crimson cliffs of Upper Mustang. 
  • Bathing in natural hot springs in Tatopani after the journey.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour 2025 and 2026 is a breathtaking and adventurous cultural tour into the mystical land of Upper Mustang, which is popularly known as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal." This unique tour will take you deep into the ancient Tibetan-influenced region and into deserts dotted with centuries-old monasteries and the spiritual aura of the Tiji Festival.

The Tiji Festival is a sacred Buddhist event that happens every year in Lo Manthang. It celebrates the victory of good over evil with colorful masked dances and deep rituals done by local monks.

The journey starts with a wonderful drive from Pokhara to Jomsom, along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, and past charming villages like Marpha, Kagbeni, and Ghami. As you enter Upper Mustang, the landscape transforms into a surreal, desert-like terrain with dramatic cliffs and ancient cave dwellings.

Lo Manthang is the center of the Tiji Festival and has a beautiful view of the three days of ceremonies that are deeply rooted in the land. There is also traditional music and cultural performances during these days.

There is more to the Tiji Festival Tour 2025 & 2026 than just the festival itself. You can learn about the area's long history by visiting monasteries like Thubchen and Chhoser that are hundreds of years old, the Royal Palace of Lo Manthang, and the mysterious caves of Chhusang and Dhakmar.

After immersing yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of the three-day festival, it will be an exhilarating experience to traverse through unexplored landscapes on your way back. Don't forget to gently soak your body in the hot springs at Tatopani for a well-deserved refreshment before continuing on to Pokhara.

Upper Mustang is one of those rare places in the world where permits and special entry requirements for restricted areas are required, so for the most phenomenal experience of this tour, a licensed trekking agency is best.

The 2025 and 2026 Tiji Festival dates are rapidly gaining popularity among global travelers, making it an ideal time to book your trip in advance. This tour gives people who are interested in culture, photography, and adventure a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit a more untouched Tibetan kingdom. This makes it one of the most appealing Nepal trekking and cultural festival experiences in 2025 and 2026.

Trip Details of Tiji Festival Tour

  • Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Destination: Upper Mustang, Nepal
  • Tour Type: Cultural & Adventure Tour
  • Festival Dates: May 24th, 25th and 26th for 2025 & May 13th 14th and 15th for 2026 (Tiji Festival)
  • Maximum Altitude: 3,840m (Lo Manthang)
  • Mode of Transport: Private or Local Jeep Drive
  • Accommodation: Tea Houses
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Best Season: Spring (April–May) & Autumn (September–November)
  • Permits Required: Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) & Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Group Requirement: Minimum 2 Travelers (Mandatory)
  • Major Attractions: Lo Manthang, Tiji Festival, Ancient Monasteries, Kali Gandaki Gorge, Tibetan Culture, and Tatopani Hot Springs.

Best time for 8 Days Tiji Festival Tour

The best time to visit Upper Mustang for the Tiji Festival Tour is during the Tiji festival days. however for the upper mustang tour Spring and autumn are the best time. During these months, the weather is at its best, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and dry trails for comfortable travels.

Spring is especially epic since the Tiji Festival falls in that period. The Tiji Festival is one of the colorful three-day Buddhist festivals celebrated in Lo Manthang.

The Tiji Festival 2025 will be held on May 24, 25, and 26, whereas the Tiji Festival 2026 will occur on May 22, 23, and 24. This ensures one gets to see all the colorful rituals of the festival, the sacred dances, and its more profound meaning in the culture. 

Autumn is another excellent time for the Upper Mustang Tour, offering crisp mountain views and pleasant weather. Monsoon rains have washed away everything by this time, and thus it is an ideal season for those who like to be away from busy festival crowds.

If you plan to witness the Tiji Festival in 2025 or 2026, you should schedule your visits for the end of May. Permits and bookings should be arranged beforehand since Upper Mustang is a restricted area and booking during this period is highly recommended.

About Tiji Festival in Nepal

The Tiji Festival is one of the most sacred and highly celebrated Tibetan Buddhist festivals in the region of Lo Manthang in the Upper Mustang. It is a three-day annual event that practices and symbolizes the victory of good over evil; it is deep-rooted in ancient myths and traditions. Tiji is based on the story of Dorje Jono, a god who fought a war against a demon that people in Mustang thought caused all kinds of damage, droughts, and pain. In Mustang, people who want to get rid of bad energies and bring peace and prosperity to their land do these holy Tiji rituals.

The First Day: The Birth and Early Struggles of Dorje Jono

We dedicate this day to the birth and early years of Dorje Jono, the festival's protagonist. Tsa Chham is performed by the monks to enact miraculous births and early struggles. Thus, the day is ceremoniously set for blessings and prayers for a fruitful and peaceful solemnity of the near-warring contest.

Second Day: The Battle with the Demon

The Nga Chham dance on the second day enacts the battle carried on by Dorje Jono against the demon. The monks animate the dramatic movements symbolizing the struggle against the demon who had inflicted suffering on this land. The day stands for the victory of good over evil, lent with spiritual superstitions to add to the festival itself.

Third Day: Victory and Peace Restoration

The Rha Chham date marks the third celebration of Dorje Jono's victory and the restoration of peace. The monks perform their last dances, symbolizing the return of harmony and blessings to the Mustang people. This day ends with the community's happy participation in prayers and offerings and marks the end of the festival.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour Cost for 2025 and 2026

The cost for the Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Tour is $2150 per person sharing on a group basis (minimum of 2 people required). Excluded from the tour cost are private jeep transportation, accommodation at tea houses and lodges, three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), all necessary permits (Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit & Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), a licensed guide, and airport transfers.

Alternatively, private tour prices per head range from $1695 to $2750, depending on the amount of tailoring or services you will require. Whether you are interested in traveling solo, with your partner, or with a group, we can customize it for you.

For those who are doing the solo tour or there is no group on the specific date, an additional cost of USD 600 for a single supplement is required in the group sharing price. It's advisable to book early, particularly around the Tiji Festival dates in May 2025 (24th-26th) and May 2026 (22nd-24th), as spaces fill quickly.

Tiji Festival Tour Booking Procedure

You can book your tour to Lo Manthang for the Tiji Festival through our online booking system. We offer group departures on the specific dates, and we can accommodate groups ranging from 1 to 25 passengers in a single day. As below,

To Apply Group Joining Tour

  • Step 1: Click the Check Departures button for departure dates and prices.
  • Step 2: Select a trip date as per your preference. Then click the Book Now button.
  • Step 3: Select the number of travelers and fill out the booking form accordingly. Then, click the Proceed to Payment button.
  • Step 4: Nepal Trek Adventures will send you an instant confirmation email after you complete your payment. You are ready to fly on your specific date. Our team will connect with you based on the information you provided when booking the trip.

To Apply For A Private Tour

  • Step 1: Click the Personalized Trip button for departure dates and prices.
  • Step 2: Select a trip date as per your preference.
  • Steps 3 and 4 are similar to group joining (as mentioned above).

Note: You can pay for the trip through credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Union Pay, etc. Our online payment system uses 3D Secure Payment Processing with MasterCard SecureCode™ and is verified by Visa Compliance. Your card details are safe!

Book now and get free t-shirts, caps, and stickers.

What's Included

Domestic and International Airport Pickup and Drop-off Services:

  • International Arrival Pickup
  • International Dropoff on your Final Departure Day

Accommodations

  • 2 Nights in Pokhara with bed and breakfast
  • 5 Nights at Lodges during the tour 

Food:

  • 7 days of Breakfast 
  • 8 days of Lunch 
  • 7 days of Dinner

Trekking Permits:

  • Local Government Entry Permit (Trek Card)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Transportation

  • Drive throughout the tour by local jeep (group sharing basis) 

Guide/Porter Services:

  • English-speaking government-licensed guide (Minimum 10 Years’ Experience)
  • All Meals for the guide
  • Insurances for Guide
  • Well-Paid Salary as Per Government Rates
  • First-Aid Kit Box Carried by Our Team

What's Excluded

  • Fee for Nepal visa upon arrival
  • All meals in Pokhara, before and after the journey
  • Tips and gratitude to the guides, drivers, porters, other staff, etc.
  • Extra-day expenses apart from the scheduled itinerary 
  • Personal expenses like drinks, laundry, shopping, personal gear, hot showers, electronic battery recharges, and WiFi
  • All other expenses not included in the cost are listed.
  • Travel Insurance: It must be covered for both medical and emergency evacuations with a minimum value of USD 100,000.
Add-Ons & Options

Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight

If you're looking for a quick and scenic way to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, we offer a direct flight service that will take you over stunning Himalayan views. The flight duration is approximately 25-30 minutes, offering a comfortable and efficient option to reach Pokhara. If you'd like to include this service in your package, you can easily select the Add-On Option, and the cost will be $107 per person. This flight allows you to save time and enjoy beautiful aerial views along the way.

Pokhara to Kathmandu Flight

When it’s time to head back from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we also provide a convenient flight option. This short, scenic flight lasts around 25-30 minutes and is the perfect way to conclude your journey. To include the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, simply choose the Add-On Option during booking, and it will cost $107 per person. It’s a comfortable, fast, and picturesque way to complete your trip!

Note for Single Suppliment:

If you are a solo traveler opting for a group joining tour and no group is available on your preferred date, an additional cost of USD 600 will be required as a single supplement to cover the tour expenses.

Availability & Private Trip

Select a Trip DateSmall Group Departure
    
Start DateStart: SundayMay 18, 2025End DateEnd: SundayMay 25, 2025PricePriceUS $2150StatusStatusGuaranteed
Start DateStart: MondayMay 19, 2025End DateEnd: MondayMay 26, 2025PricePriceUS $2150StatusStatusGuaranteed
Start DateStart: TuesdayMay 20, 2025End DateEnd: TuesdayMay 27, 2025PricePriceUS $2150StatusStatusGuaranteed
Start DateStart: WednesdayMay 21, 2025End DateEnd: WednesdayMay 28, 2025PricePriceUS $2150StatusStatusGuaranteed

Pick Your Suitable Date

Book a Private Trip
Private & Group Discount Price
1 pax
US$2750
2 pax
US$2150
3 - 5 pax
US$1850
5 - 10 pax
US$1695
1 Travelers x US $2750TotalUS $2750(No additional taxes or booking fees)

Why Join the Tiji Festival Tour in Upper Mustang?

  • Get to be a part of the ancient Tiji Festival, wherein sacred Buddhist rituals are performed with masked dances.
  • The Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang is a land of rich Tibetan heritage.
  • Enjoy a thrilling 4WD Jeep ride through rugged Himalayan terrains.
  • Cham dances and spiritual ceremonies will be performed in Lo Manthang.
  • This tour is suitable for every health condition and does not require trekking.
  • There is also a stunning view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountains.
  • Visit ancient monasteries, magnificent sky caves, and the royal palace of Lo-Manthang.
  • This trip gets you into authentic Tibetan culture and unique Mustang traditions.
  • The permits are limited; hence, you will experience a less crowded, exclusive trip.
  • Explore the walled city of Lo-Manthang, a city with centuries-old heritage

Food During 8 Days Lo Manthang Tour

During the Tiji Festival Tour, breakfast, lunch, and dinner form an important component of the package, leading to stress-free tours through the remote parts of Upper Mustang. Dining will be done at several local teahouses and lodges, where all food at these places will mainly include Nepali, Tibetan, and a few basic dishes from the West.

The typical menu includes Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), Tibetan bread, 'momos' (dumpling varieties), noodles, and soups, with rare but delicious Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup). In some places, such as Jomsom and Marpha, you can even try to sample some apple-based products, such as dried apples and cider, giving that unique flavor to the whole experience.

The remoteness makes the food simpler at this altitude, yet it remains wholesome and hearty enough to fuel the journey. Breakfasts usually consist of pancakes, omelets, porridge, or chapati with tea, while lunches and dinners are heavier meals like rice and vegetables, complemented by products of the local season.

Meats are also available in the lower regions; however, we recommend a vegetarian diet for Upper Mustang due to its freshness and ease of digestion. You don’t need to worry about food arrangements; all meals are included in the package, so you can enjoy the adventure even more.

Accommodation During Tiji Festival Tour to Upper Mustang

The Tiji Festival Tour respects the remote locations; therefore, accommodation will be arranged in local teahouses and lodges for the travelers' comfort. The teahouses provide basic, comfortable accommodations, including twin-sharing beds, warm blankets, and shared washrooms, among other amenities.

At some major stops such as Jomsom, Lo Manthang, and Tatopani, the lodges provide slightly better facilities, including hot showering and charging (sometimes at extra cost). Staying at these teahouses affords travelers the authentic experience of Mustang's remote villages and the kind hospitality of the local people. 

Given the remoteness of the region, luxury accommodation is sparse and available lodges offer clean and comfortable rooms, assuring a decent night's sleep after long travel days. In Lo Manthang, where the Tiji Festival is being celebrated, you will be put up in one of the best available teahouses, with easily accessible proximity to the festival grounds.

The services are rather minimalistic compared to city hotels, but they will suffice for a memorable and immersive experience. Since the entire accommodation cost is included in the package, you can unwind and concentrate on the cultural and scenic splendor of Upper Mustang. 

Permits Required for 8 Days Tji Festival Tour

Since Upper Mustang is a restricted region, you must obtain all necessary permits to visit and attend the Tiji Festival. The package includes all necessary clearances, ensuring a hassle-free journey. The Upper Mustang's Restricted Area Permit (RAP full form) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP full form) are the two basic permits you need to get into this restricted area.

The Restricted Area Permit is valid for 10 days and costs USD 500 per person. After these 10 days, it costs USD 50 per day. The ACAP charges USD 30 per person to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is located on the route.

You cannot travel to Upper Mustang alone because it is a restricted zone. A minimum of two trekkers are needed to apply for the permit. Government-registered trekking agencies grant permits, and independent travelers cannot apply for them on their own.

For this process, you need a valid passport and recently taken passport-sized photos. Having already included all of the above permits in the package, you can travel exclusively to enjoy the Tiji Festival and all of Upper Mustang's gorgeous landscapes without having to deal with bureaucracy.

Packing List for the Tiji Festival Tour

  • Passport & Permits
  • Travel Insurance Documents
  • Warm Clothing (layers for varying temperatures)
  • Lightweight Trekking Boots
  • Comfortable Clothing for Jeep ride and festival participation
  • Hat/Cap for sun protection
  • Sunglasses (UV protection)
  • Personal Hygiene Items (toothbrush, wet wipes, etc.)
  • Water Bottle and water purification tablets
  • Power Bank for charging devices
  • Camera & Extra Batteries for capturing festival moments
  • Small Backpack for daily essentials
  • First Aid Kit (including altitude sickness medication)
  • Personal Medications (if required)
  • Snacks for the journey (energy bars, nuts, etc.)
  • Sunblock (high SPF)
  • Cash (Nepali Rupees for local expenses)
  • Satellite Phone (optional, for emergency communication)
  • Travel Pillow for comfort during long Jeep rides.

Travel Insurance For Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour

Travel insurance is a must for the Tiji Festival tour, as it takes you to some of the very remote places in Upper Mustang, where medical assistance is limited. The insurance should include expenses incurred while getting emergency medical help, evacuation by helicopter, trip cancellations, and unforeseen travel delays.

Lo Manthang lies at 3,840m (ca. 12,598 ft); thus, there is always a possibility of altitude sickness, and severe symptoms may lead to immediate evacuation. Therefore, comprehensive travel insurance ensures your financial safeguard at such times.

Moreover, the tour has quite a few long stretches of off-road driving over very rugged terrain, so there will inevitably be times when the drive is obstructed, or weather may delay you, or you may have a small injury. A good policy should also cover unavoidable circumstances such as baggage loss, theft, and trip interruption.

Before you purchase the insurance, it is crucial to understand its clear terms and conditions regarding travel at high altitudes and emergency rescue in Nepal. You can now venture forth with proper insurance actually holding its own with any adventure to meet the unexpected.

Vehicle and Road Conditions for the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour

The Tiji Festival Tour is the perfect kind of vacation in Upper Mustang. The tour encompasses an exhilarating 8-day jeep safari, necessitating a robust 4WD vehicle to navigate the rugged terrain. This terrain encompasses not only paved freeways from Pokhara to Lo Manthang but also gravel roads and unpaved mountain trails.

Without a four-wheel drive (4WD), this trip would be extremely hazardous, rough, and uncomfortable. High-performance, well-maintained Jeeps such as Toyota Land Cruisers or Mahindra Scorpios are known for their reliability in traversing rough, rocky, and dusty terrains—this is what our tour used. 

In fact, the high mountains are created as barriers to rain from this region, thus making the terrain very dry, windy, hard, and rough in Upper Mustang. The first part starts from Pokhara to Jomsom, which is pretty fun, and there are some rough and rocky off-road paths from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang.

Expect a lot of roughness, dust, and river crossings while traveling through deep canyons and towering cliffs along the gorge of the Kali Gandaki. All these add up to a very memorable ride. Even if the road gets dodgy and bad, we're here to promise you safety, not to mention a smooth trip, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Altitude and Acclimatization for the Tiji Festival Tour

Some of the highlights of the Tiji Festival Tour include travel to high-altitude areas such as Lo Manthang, Chusang, and other upper Mustang settlements. We guarantee that this full-fledged Jeep tour will require minimal physical exertion. Understanding the effects of altitude and acclimatization is important.

This tour route comprises the varied heights, with the highest point being around 3,840 meters, which is Lo Manthang. While this height does not fall under the high-altitude definition, it carries a mild risk of having mild altitude sickness for some people.

We designed this itinerary with gradual ascents to mitigate health hazards, allowing your body to adjust to the elevation change. Remaining preferably hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and resting on trips are some recommendations for practicing healthy habits.

Travelers must also carry essential medications such as altitude sickness tablets, and we strongly suggest travel insurance that covers high-altitude emergencies. A well-prepared and pacey itinerary guaranteed you would savor the beauty of Mustang comfortably and safely.

Connectivity and Communication in Upper Mustang

The remoteness of the land in the Himalayas severely hinders communication in Upper Mustang. Mobile network coverage can be seen in specific areas like Jomsom and Lo Manthang, but the signal can be weak or inconsistent in remote villages. Most of the major Nepali mobile operators, like NTC and NCell, provide coverage, but consider fairly scarce internet access that may only be available via basic Wi-Fi at some of the teahouses and lodges. Always keep a satellite phone with you for emergencies that require a reliable communication method. Members of the tourist party must prepare for very limited or no signal during specific phases of the trip from western Upper Mustang into the more remote regions of Upper Mustang. Power, for charging, can also be available only in larger settlements, so a power bank is recommended.

Essential Tips for the Tiji Festival Tour

  • Carry all the required permits and documents ready before the start of the journey.
  • It is advisable to try to book earlier, as the Tiji festival is usually a grand event and most places get fully booked.
  • Hydrate yourself and acclimatize at a comfortable pace to prepare your body for high altitude.
  • Upper Mustang has freezing mornings and nights; therefore, pack warm clothes.
  • Carry some cash with you, as ATM availability is scarce in such remote locations.
  • Carry with you a power bank, as power outages may occur frequently.
  • Enjoy local connectivity with a local SIM card.
  • Respect the culture by asking before taking people's images.
  • Reduce use of plastic in terms of minimization under responsible travel practices.
  • Get yourself ready, as the journey includes quite a long off-road drive.
All-inclusive priceUS $2150
8Days
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