Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek - 19 Days:

Upper Musatng Tiji festival trek is a captivating yearly three-day celebration comprising of Tibetan customs that praise the myth of a child who needed to spare the Mustang kingdom from obliteration. The celebration is indigenous to Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang. "Tiji" the name is a shortened form of "Tempa Chirim" which signifies "Supplication for World Peace". This celebration honors the triumph of Lord Buddha's incarnation Dorjee Sonnu over an evil spirit called Man Tam Ru a horrible animal nourishing on people and causing tempests and dry spells. Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek or Tiji Festival Lo Manthang has been so splendid cultural yet adventurous walking journey ever.

The Tiji celebration generally happens around mid May and goes on for 3 days. The priests of Lo Manthang's "Choedhe" religious community perform custom moves amid the festival. The provocation of Ma Tam Ru Ta (in a move called "Tsa Chham" on the principal day), the introduction of Dorjee Sonnu as the evil presence's child (on the second day called "Nga Chham") and the endeavor to restore the devil to Lord Buddha's domain (on the third and last day) are instituted amid the exhibitions.

Trip Highlights of Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek:

Mysterious landscapes of Mustang including walled city Lo-manthang, Charang, Ghami village.
Large numbers of ancient monasteries with primitive monuments, caves, etc.
Three full days of Tiji Festival oberservation and celebration with dancing and traditional music.

Tiji festival celebration moves are altogether composed by the Choedhe Monastery, which has a place with the Sakya organization of Buddhism. The religious community is going by a Rimpoche. Around 65 priests from Lo Manthang, Nhenyul and Chhosyer live in this religious community.

Trip Facts:

Trip duration:19 Days

Trek Duration: 13 Days

Max. Altitude: 4010 m

Group Size: Min 2 pax

Starting From: Kathmandu

Trek End: Kathmandu

Trip Grade: Moderate

Transportation: Flight and Drive

Accomodation Type: Tea House/Home stay

Trip Attraction: Beautiful Landscape, Old Monasteries, Muktinath Temple, Caves

Culture: Tibetan culture, Bon and Hindu culture, Buddhism.

Trip Activity: Trekking and Cultural excursion , Pilgrims Tour, Heritage rail.

Tiji festival dates : 16th, 17th, 18th May 2023

When is Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Celebrated?

Tiji Festival Lo Manthang also known as Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is now open to book with Unique Adventure International. The dates of the festival have been published. The Tiji festival this year will be celebrated on 16th, 17th and 18th May 2023.

Join us and experience like never before the traditions, culture and history of the forbidden kingdom of Nepal lying beyond White Mountains on the northern side of country. While our trekkers trek on the famous trail of Upper Mustang trekking our guide will be very handy to explain all the trekkers about the information on Tiji Festival.

As the Tiji celebration approaches close, individuals from neighboring towns venture out along the path to Lo Manthang. The path gets busier with loads of individuals and convoys of donkeys. Bunches of sightseers drive to Lo Manthang by means of jeeps to see the festivals of Tiji celebration.

This delightful outing to Upper Mustang Tiji celebration consolidates normal, topographical, and natural assorted varieties. On the top are the extraordinary festivals of Tiji celebration.

The Upper Mustang Tiji celebration trek is a terrific walk. This trek takes you through Himalayan territory, lavish fruitful slopes, and perfect valleys.

The reserving for Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2023 is as of now open. Get this lovely open door trekking with a famous trekking organization in Nepal, Index Adventure. We guarantee you the best recollections for a lifetime. For additional subtleties or any questions, Contact Us.

Recommended Gear Lists:

Good wind/rain jacket
Warm fleece jacket or jersey
Good boots, either light-weight trekking boots or light full leather boots
Good -20 Sleeping bag (which can be rented or buy in Kathmandu)
A comfortable day pack, preferably with a waistband.
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
T-shirts
Underwear
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottom
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Other necessary equipment:

Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
Basic First Aid Kit (We also provide comprehensive first aid medical kit and Oxymeter)
Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Water bottles (2 bottles recommended)
Toiletries
Small wash towel

16th May 2025 Day 01: After your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (1350m), Kathmandu, transfer to hotel by our representative.

17th May 2025 Day 02: Stay in Kathmandu, sightseeing around Kathmandu valley and official procedure, overnight at hotel.

18th May 2025 Day 03: Depart to Pokhara (920m), overnight at hotel.

19th May 2025 Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2710m) and trek to Kagben (2800m)i, overnight at guesthouse.

20th May 2025 Day 05:Trek to Tsaile (3050m), overnight at guesthouse.

21th May 2025 Day 06: Trek to Geling (3440m) , overnight at guesthouse.

22th May 2025 Day 07: Trek to Tsarang (Charang - 3490m), overnight at guesthouse.

23th May 2025 Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang , overnight at guesthouse.

Tiji Festival Starts

24th May 2025 Day 09: Stay in Lo Manthang (3840m), first day of Tiji Festival observe, overnight at guesthouse.

25th May 2025 Day 10: Stay in Lo Manthang (3840m), second day of Tiji Festival observe, overnight at guesthouse.

26th May 2025 Day 11: Stay in Lo Manthang (3840m), Third or Final day of Tiji Festival observe, overnight at guesthouse.

Tiji Festival Ends

27th May 2025 Day 12 : Trek to Ghami (3510m) via Marang La Pass and Ghar Gompa, overnight at guesthouse.

28th May 2025 Day 13: Trek to Samar (3700m), overnight at guesthouse.

29th May 2025 Day 14: Trek to Chhusang (3370m), overnight at guesthouse.

30th May 2025 Day 15: Trek to Jomsom (2710m), overnight at hotel.

31st May 2025 Day 16: Fly to Pokhara (920m), overnight at hotel.

1st June 2025 Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu (1350m), overnight at hotel.

2nd June 2025 Day 18: Leisure day in Kathmandu, overnight at hotel.

3rd June 2025 Day 19: Transfer to airport, departure onward destination.

What is included?

4 nights twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the programme.
2 nights twin sharing accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast as per the programme.
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu inclusive with all entrance permit fees.
All meals with hot beverages whilst on terkking.
Guesthouse accommodation whilst on trekking.
Upper Mustang special trekking permit fee, Annapurna Conservation Area permit Fee.
Domestic flights (Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara) inclusive with airport tax.
An experienced fluent English speaking trekking guide, trained by ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation.
Guide wages, allowances, transportation, food, accommodation, euipment & insurance.
All necessary ground transportation (Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu).
Escorted airport transfers.
First aid medical kit, Oxymeter, sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking map and duffel bag.
All governmental procedure and applicable taxes as per the government rules and regulations.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at typical Nepali restaurant.

What is not included?

Meals at Kathmandu and Pokhara (except breakfast and farewell dinner).
Extra hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara (after 4 nights in Kathmandu, after 2 nights in Pokhara).
Personal nature expenses (telephone, laundry etc.).
Bar and beverage bills.
Porter if required.
Your International flights.
Your Travel Insurance (Mandatory).
Rescue & Evacuation if needed.
Gratitude (tip) for staffs.

Why us? Is a conscientious question that requires an honest answer of integrity and devotion of the highest standards.

We are what we were from the very beginning: Read on to know us the way we are…

At Unique Adventure International, We do not pretend to be what we are not, ours is a simple ethic, hospitality straight from the heart. When doing trips with us, you will soon find out excellence with us is not just a norm, it’s more a habit.

We have walked the length and breadth of the Himalaya across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for over two decades…and still counting, we have enjoyed all of it so much; right to the hilt. We love our mountains and enjoy it so much when we tread its trails with our trekking guests, who also love these mountains as much as us or maybe even more. We have much knowledge of the land and meticulously plan things so our guests get the utmost from their sojourns with us; we know how chaotic it can be for our guests when they organise holidays so far from home…keeping this in mind, we sort out for the long haul and ensure our guests do not only have fun on the way but also get value for money with purposeful journeys. We know and understand that this may probably be a once in a lifetime holiday where you will explore a world not too familiar and its binding for us to make doubly sure you are completely safe throughout the whole course of your expedition when you are in Nepal. With each trip we do with you, we are constantly searching for ways to improve our services so that your expectations of us are met beyond what you could have ever expected on all fronts. We want that you go home with a happy heart and unforgettable memories of an odyssey well done. With Unique Adventure, this is central to all our thoughts when we meet you.

A small business with big ideals…

We are a small outfit with big ideas and we know how complex human nature can be; its only but human to understand your weaknesses and respect your strengths, both of which will be put to the test on the punishing trails of Nepal, but it’s always our mission to understand you and make your journey as calm as possible.

This is the whole reason why we get repeat clients who never seem to get drained with the Himalayas and enjoy the way we guide them throughout the trip…

We know how worrisome it can be when you choose to live life on the edge… so we go the mile to make sure your holidays become more purposeful, more significant…

We do not push you, no matter what the circumstances…

We know you want it slow and easy the moment your plane hits the tarmac in Kathmandu. We understand your instinctive curiosities and ensure you are left alone with enough space to do what we have planned for you – ‘your way’’. You call the shots – it’s your trip – and we provide you enough freedom to make your own decisions in harmony with your group. We help you to become friends and bridge gaps; it’s a matter of pride for us to mention here that we created some of the best friendships where some morphed into lifetime partnerships and this is how things shape out with us when you assemble in our country. And when we are out with you in the country at high elevations, we ensure that our crew leads you in ways comfortable to your body and physical needs.

Our ‘True-to-Life’ practical itineraries…

Our itineraries are meticulously planned and based on the way you see it when your trip commences. Our themes are hands-on and we take you to some difficult but extraordinary places where some would likely pass by. We know you thirst for the unknown and interesting; your search for things that will ignite your emotions and imaginations, seeking for the ‘whys’, how’s and when’s’ into the mountain culture, lifestyles and traditions that you witness in territory you have never been familiar with. We put in a lot of effort to create astonishing one-off experiences which would make great notes for memorable stories to pass down to the coming generations. Each trip we design opens up new avenues to a whole new world that you are not familiar with…and when you discover the answers, it could be a life changing experience you would have never expected.

Trips to match your time frames…

We are flexible in the way we operate our trips based on your exclusive needs. We understand the kind of pressure ridden world you hail from and know you have worked hard for your dream holidays. Our programs are typically designed to give you the most and the best based on your time limitations without any blemishes on the joys that come with your venture.

You could be planning a budget trek or a luxury tour, maybe even a trekking peak; whatever the choice, we give you an extension combo so you have a scintillating mix of history, the outdoors and even jell in a jungle safari into the potpourri so you have varied experiences within the timeframe you’ve chosen. Our website is programmed to give you a host of options to make you smile…

Accommodation: They say Home is where the Hearth is…and yes, the Pillow!!

We are extra wary when arranging your accommodation before you enter our country. We know we’ve got to give you something that’s closest to home. After consulting with you and being twice as sure about what you’re expecting when it comes down to that most important part of life: resting your body and mind at night, we make sure we give you the best accommodating facilities available at a hotel that’s not only comfortable but also a place that is spanking clean with fresh linen and staff who understand your needs and go the length in making sure you feel at home, no matter what the length of your stay with us.

This also includes the sanitized conditions of the food you are served. Even when on the trails, we go the mile to make sure you find a cosy teahouse with no dampness and enough ventilation to keep you healthy and warm with food that’s organic and clean. We know how important the hearth is wherever you stay. With us, be sure that all your personal needs are taken care of well. Ours is the kind of hospitality that comes straight from the heart…

Safety and Security: This is mandatory and imperative…

Our safety and security arrangements for all our inbound guests cross all boundaries; from the moment your jet hits the tarmac at the airport in Kathmandu. This is a process that begins prior to your arrival in Kathmandu, when we design your itinerary based on the program you have chosen. It begins with choosing the right team for you, especially if it’s a trek. We make sure your crew is primed for any contingency when at altitude. We believe in following firm standards with focus on risk assessment knowing mountain climbing is always a risky business despite the excitement it offers. All the planning is done prior to your arrival so you have a carefree, footloose and fancy free journey, without any hassles.

We always advise our guests to go through medical routines in their home countries before embarking on trips above 3000m. We also encourage our guests to get insured before coming to Nepal.

Your entire stay in Nepal is monitored from day one, especially when you are on the mountains. We take nothing for granted, nature can be a monster when least expected. When booking your trip through ‘Unique Adventure, you are not just a client – you are more than all that - you are a parent, a brother/sister, a close colleague – in a word – ‘family’; and all our safety precautions and personalized services are purely based on this relationship.

We Respect and Care for the local folks and Love the Environment we operate in…

We are conscious in the importance of preserving the natural beauty and culture of Nepal, so that future visitors can also enjoy the wonders of this beautiful but fragile environment. We are sensitive and devoted to responsible travel with minimum impact on the environment and local communities. The planet is large enough for everyone to explore and it’s the curiosity of human nature to explore and discover the unknown. We are always careful about the ecosystems that surround us when we are on the mountains, but we don’t let this spoil the spirit for adventure. We seek to enjoy in ways beneficial to others and wish to respect this beauty that God created for us to appreciate; and we want to keep it that way. Equally important, we instruct our crew and travellers to be aware of the values of responsible travel, by: respecting people, cultures and local environments, in creating goodwill; with cross-cultural sharing and experiences; and helping make sustainable development practical, where we put in efforts to give back more than we take.

Our Trekking crews are Principal to the Company…we’re Family…

One paramount issue for trekking companies in Nepal are employees directly connected to guests when trekking in the Himalayas and this is key to any trip conducted anywhere on the Himalayas. Our staffs in general receive fixed monthly salaries and our trekking crews get special rates as defined by the Ministry of Labour in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism - Government of Nepal.

This also includes the provision of Social Security for mountain workers as per government directives. In addition to this, we also provide climbing training to new comers listed on our payroll. All our seasoned guides are well trained in the use and application of First Aid in the event of any unexpected injuries that may occur in the course of the journey when at altitude.

Field Employees are constantly upgraded for personal development, delivered via courses in English, about nature, history, and ongoing training as mountain guides with techniques based on safety precautions...along with this, our mountain crews are insured and covered against any eventualities. The insurance package covers the cost of health care if injured or sick and provides a lifetime gratuity if any employee is physically disabled. We treat our employees as valuable assets. We know their security and happiness is vital to ensure yours throughout your stay in Nepal…

Innovation: We are constantly juggling new Products…

Ours is a constant search for new trails in the great wilderness. We’re always innovating new areas for travel within and around the city limits and out on the mountains. Nepal has so much to offer in her ancient heritage cities and within the vast expanse of her Himalayas. We ceaselessly research new products in order to give our old clients new thrills; this has always been part of our company’s policies for giving more value for money. We know that many of our guests rarely get time to travel and when they do, they’d sure like to make the best of it; besides Nepal, we even cut across borders giving our guests unbelievable historical and cultural highlights of Tibet, Bhutan and India. We even design divine spiritual tours for the holy who’d sure like to hike down footsteps of ancient ancestors along the Mount Kailash Mountains so that they could come face-to-face with the gods. You even get opportunities to stroll down the cobbled stone Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur and slip into the Forbidden Temple of Pashupatinath. Beyond the spiritual of Kailash in Tibet, our programs take you to the highest region on earth, at an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,000 ft). Very much noted as the ‘roof of the world’, Tibet is symbolic of a mesmerizing culture seeped in spirituality and nature. From superb temples and tranquil monasteries to the Yangtze River and adorable Pandas, our products are molded in a way that ensures you experience a whole new world of amazing discoveries that tells you about God’s gift of a wonderful planet we all live in.

‘Please visit our highly informative website for some of the most extensive information on some of the most stimulating holidays ever conceived’. Get friendly with us on: www.uniquetreks.com

We give you Mountain Yoga

The Mountain Yoga we offer on the trail is an earthy, friendly and unassuming space, dedicated to healing and transformation as your mind battles the vagaries of nature while on your journey in the wild. When you decide to holiday on the mountains; it’s like a calling into the high and wild to experience Mother Nature at a higher level and to explore her true beauty. But there’s another calling that wants you to find release from your inner demons. It might be seen as the feeling that there has to be more to life than our day-to-day routines in the machine of modern day society. As you go higher above the tree-lines, our certified yoga guides give you the kind of alignment helpful to your body’s needs when adjusting to the thin air at altitude. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and guide you with postures and breathing exercises that promote physical fitness at higher elevations, keeping the mind calmer, making your self-awareness more acute, and help you get more balanced, while preventing you from having any problems with altitude mountain sickness. Yoga is an ancient practice known for thousands of years to clean out even the deepest mental grooves and rigid mindsets which may hamper your trip and spoil the fun on your trek.

We are the only adventure company in Nepal offering our guests mountain yoga which enhances hassle free trips and keeps our guests safe from common altitude problems.

Our Success Ratio…

We’ve been through it all – the ups and downs have been full and plenty. The series of earthquakes of 2015 affected us bitterly; however, we kept the faith. We knew this was nature at its best and worst. We do not take anything for granted when it’s a tryst with Mother Nature, especially in the wilderness above the tree-lines. We knew we would still need these mountains more than they need us...These mountains teach us so much about life. It was Almighty God that created these mountains with all its stark beauty, but then a natural calamity can be lurking somewhere around the bend, and we must always be aware of the environment - and this comes with respect, consciousness and faith.

Despite the hurdles and hiccups, our Success Ratio has been over 98%, why? Because experience has taught us the hard way to Love God, respect the mountains, to learn from our mistakes, and to always, at all times, be Honest with our Guests…and let God do the rest.

Gokyo and Renjo La trek

The reasons I choose Unique Adventure International P.Ltd. Trekking for a trek to Mustang in 2008, and again a few weeks ago (April 2013) for a trek to Gokyo and Renjo La, is primarily because of the company's responses to specific requests I made. When I shopped around on the web to determine who to trek with, Unique provided me with the fastest and most comprehensive replies to all of my questions. They are also very flexible and can tailor trips to whatever the client needs. I also found that, as a Nepalese company, they are cheaper than Western based outfits. If you book through an outfit in the UK, the US or Australia for instance, you will pay 20-30% more for the "benefit" of dealing with someone local. However most Western based outfits will generally subcontract to companies like Unique for local services, so you are paying more than you should for no real reason. Khum Subedi (one of Unique's owners) and his brother Krishna (who answers most emails) speak and write very good English, so communications have never been a problem for me. Even during the trek, the guides are fluent in English, so you don't need Western based guides that add to the cost.

It is also noticeable how well trained the guides and porters selected by Unique are. A good guide/porter will walk either just ahead, or just behind a client, not too close as to get in the way and not to far either. My guide (who happened to be Krishna Subedi) and both my porters (Nima and Pasang) in my last trek followed my pace and provided the right path suggestions when things got tricky (particularly during the descent from Renjo La in freezing cold near whiteout conditions).

Finally, and I can't stress how important this is in Nepal, Unique provide you with Western toilet seats for any kind of trip! I have bad knees and this made a huge difference in comfort. If you choose them be sure to ask for this little extra service, it doesn't cost anything more but makes life much more comfortable!

Contact me if you need any more information.

Marco Capriz

Trip of a lifetime

We have used Khum Subedi Unique Adventure twice now. Totally professional, knowleagable, organised and patient! We have kept in touch for over 20 years and with his guidance have tried to support his work with charitable causes. He is an honourable man and deservedly well respected. I have and always will trust him implicitly.

Karen and Ernie Rumsey

Beautiful Experience

My friend and I spent 15 unforgettable days in Nepal, 13 of which discovering and admiring the beautiful Upper Mustang region. Accompanied by Ghattaraj, a competent, friendly and very helpful guide, we visited the entire region by jeep, with some small treks to better enjoy every possible detail of our visit. Spontaneous and necessary thanks also to our driver Siwa, very careful, prudent and helpful. A beautiful adventure that I will remember for all my life! Thanks again.

Alessandro Giusti

Clothing
- Lightweight base layers (2-3 sets): Moisture-wicking shirts and leggings
- Insulating layers (2-3 sets): Fleece jackets, down jacket, and thermal tops
- Trekking pants (2-3 pairs): Quick-dry, breathable, and comfortable
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants: Essential for unexpected weather changes
- Long-sleeve shirts (2-3): For sun protection and warmth
- T-shirts (3-4): Quick-dry, moisture-wicking
- Warm hat and gloves: For cold mornings and evenings
- Sun hat and sunglasses: UV protection
- Buff or neck gaiter: Protects against wind, sun, and dust
- Warm socks (5-6 pairs): Wool or synthetic for warmth and comfort
- Underwear (sufficient for 19 days, considering laundry opportunities)
- Comfortable hiking boots: Well broken-in and suitable for rugged terrain
- Sandals or camp shoes: For comfort at the end of the day

Gear and Equipment
- Backpack (40-50L): With a rain cover for daily essentials
- Daypack (15-20L): For short hikes and carrying personal items
- Sleeping bag: Rated for -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F)
- Sleeping pad: Lightweight and compact for added comfort
- Trekking poles: Adjustable and durable for support on rough terrain
- Water bottles (2-3 liters total capacity) or a hydration bladder
- Headlamp: With extra batteries
- Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher
- Lip balm: With SPF
- Personal hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, wet wipes, etc.
- Towel: Quick-dry and compact
- First aid kit: Including blister treatment, pain relief, antiseptic wipes, bandages, and any personal medications
- Altitude sickness medication: As prescribed by your doctor
- Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, and other high-calorie snacks
- Camera: With extra batteries and memory cards

Documents and Money
- Passport: With necessary visas and permits
- Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Travel insurance: Covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
- Cash: Nepali Rupees for expenses in remote areas
- Credit/debit cards**: For use in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Copies of important documents: Stored separately from originals

Additional Items
- Guidebooks and maps: For reference and navigation
- Journal and pen: For documenting your trip
- Portable charger: For electronic devices
- Water purification tablets or filter: To ensure safe drinking water
- Binoculars: For enjoying distant views and wildlife
- Reusable bags: For organizing and carrying items

Optional Items
- Reading material or e-reader: For downtime
- Compact travel games: For entertainment
- Earplugs and eye mask: For better sleep in shared accommodations

Packing Tips
- Layering system: Ensure you can add or remove layers as needed to adjust to changing temperatures.
- Lightweight and compact: Prioritize lightweight and multipurpose items to minimize the load.
- Organized packing: Use packing cubes or stuff sacks to keep gear organized and easily accessible.

This list should cover all essentials for your 19-day trip to Mustang for the Tiji Festival, ensuring you are comfortable, safe, and well-prepared for the diverse conditions you will encounter.

1. What is the Tiji Festival?

Answer: The Tiji Festival is a three-day ritual celebrated by the people of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang, Nepal. It is based on the myth of a son who saved the kingdom from destruction and is meant to drive away evil spirits and bring peace and prosperity.

2. When is the Tiji Festival held?

Answer: The Tiji Festival usually takes place in late May. The exact dates vary each year as it is based on the Tibetan lunar calendar.

3. What is the significance of the Tiji Festival?

Answer: The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and involves elaborate rituals, traditional dances, and reenactments of historical legends. It is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and local folklore.

4. How do I get to Mustang for the Tiji Festival?

Answer: To reach Mustang, you can fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then take a domestic flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom, a trek or jeep ride takes you to Lo Manthang, the main venue of the Tiji Festival.

5. What should I pack for the 19-day trip?

Answer: Pack warm clothing, trekking gear, comfortable walking shoes, a sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, personal medications, and a camera. The weather can be unpredictable, so layers are advisable.

6. Do I need a permit to visit Mustang?

Answer: Yes, you need a special permit to enter Upper Mustang. This includes the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

7. What is the cost of the permit for Mustang?

Answer: The Restricted Area Permit costs USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each additional day. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is around USD 30.

8. What type of accommodation is available during the trip?

Answer: Accommodation ranges from basic teahouses to more comfortable lodges in larger villages. In Lo Manthang, you may find slightly better options, but amenities are generally basic.

9. Is it necessary to hire a guide for the trip?

Answer: While it is not mandatory, hiring a guide is highly recommended for navigation, cultural insights, and safety. Guides can also help arrange permits and accommodation.

10. What altitude will we be trekking at?

Answer: The trek to Lo Manthang involves altitudes ranging from 2,700 meters (Jomsom) to over 3,800 meters (Lo Manthang). Proper acclimatization is important.

11. How can I prepare for the high altitude?

Answer: Spend a few days acclimatizing at lower elevations, stay hydrated, and ascend gradually. Consider taking altitude sickness medication if recommended by your doctor.

12. What is the weather like during the Tiji Festival?

Answer: In May, Mustang typically experiences mild weather with clear skies. Daytime temperatures can be pleasant, but nights can be cold, especially at higher elevations.

13. What cultural etiquette should I be aware of?

Answer: Dress modestly, respect local customs, ask permission before taking photos of people, and be mindful of religious practices and ceremonies.

14. Are there any health concerns to be aware of?

Answer: Be cautious of altitude sickness, stay hydrated, practice good hygiene to avoid food and waterborne illnesses, and bring a basic first aid kit.

15. What kind of food is available during the trek?

Answer: Typical meals include rice, lentils (dal bhat), vegetables, potatoes, noodles, and Tibetan bread. Meat may be available, but vegetarian options are more common and safer at higher altitudes.