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Upper Mustang Trek With Tiji Festival
Your 18-day adventure begins in Kagbeni, where you’ll enter the remote Mustang region, trekking through beautiful villages and stunning landscapes. Celebrate the vibrant Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, where you’ll experience unique cultural traditions and dances. You can take this opportunity to enjoy beautiful views along the way, from Jomsom to Pokhara, and discover the beauty and culture of Upper Mustang.
per person
USD 2,149
Duration
18 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Requires some level of experience in trekking with basic physical ability.
Max. elevation
CT-10065
Trip Code
CT-10065
Meals
Included
Included
Breakfast at the hotel in cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara). Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner during trek days and a farewell dinner on the last day in Kathmandu
Destination
Nepal
Region
Mustang Region Treks
Activity
Trekking
Start / End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Accommodation
Guest House | Hotel
Activity Per Day
Approx. 5-6 hrs walking
Transportation
Domestic flight | Private vehicle
Route
Pokhara - Kagbeni - Chaile - Geling - Charang - Lo Manthang - Drakmar - Shyangboche - Chhusang - Jomsom - Pokhara
Trip Highlights
- Beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara
- Scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
- Kagbeni village
- Capital of Upper Mustang, the Lo Manthang
- Celebration of the Tiji festival
- Old monasteries and ancient artifacts
- Sky caves Muktinath Temple
Upper Mustang Trek With Tiji Festival Overview
Upper Mustang trek in Nepal is one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal that is bound to set amazing memories for anyone traveling to the Upper Mustang. The Upper Mustang lies in the Nepalese Himalayan region that shares the border with Tibet in the North. The trek to Upper Mustang is a rare privilege that has a very unique culture and the settlement here had not been in touch with the rest of the country for many years. This Upper Mustang trek travel package offers travelers with unique perk of witnessing and enjoying the Tiji festival in Nepal that happens once every. Tiji is a festival celebrated among the tribes of Upper Mustang who follow Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. It is a tradition that has been preserved since ancient times in its originality. This festival in Nepal is celebrated with a belief in chasing the demons away.
During the Upper Mustang festival, the people depict themselves in different characters as they gather together. There are two elements; the demons and the deity which are created using colorful dresses and hideous masks. A drama is performed where the deity wins over the demons and it is chased away from the presence of the deity. During this, the people of Upper Mustang are singing and performing their cultural dances as well.
The valleys in the Upper Mustang region are dry and barren as it receive a very little amount of rainfall which is somewhat like the land structure of the Tibetan plateau. But because of this, the place looks exotic and we might have a lack of words to describe the beauty of this place. The Upper Mustang expedition is a popular trek in Nepal for its exquisite beauty that gives a true sense of Himalayan culture. During this trek in Nepal, mountains of Nepal that are in the Annapurna Region of Nepal can be seen such as Mt. Dhulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna First (8,091m), Fishtail Mountain (6,997m), and Tukuche peak (6,920m). The Upper Mustang trek in Nepal is moderate in terms of travel difficulties however getting there requires some essential travel permit for Upper Mustang from the Government of Nepal. You'll need a special trekking permit for Upper Mustang to be able to visit so it is necessary for you to consult with a travel company in Nepal. Upper Mustang exploration requires a minimum of 2 up to 3 weeks depending upon your means of transportation.
The Upper Mustang trek with Tiji festival is basically the same as the Upper Mustang trek but with some extra elements added to it, something that can be experienced only once a year. Being a part of this travel experience in Nepal is truly a rare opportunity. The Tiji festival is celebrated during the month of May in the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. The Upper Mustang trek is a trekking package in Nepal that is carefully put together for travel enthusiasts and adventure seekers who will get to experience a whole new world and its unique cultures and people in a valley that lies beyond the mountains. The cost of the Upper Mustang trek with Tiji festival is a bit higher than other treks in Nepal because of its restrictions and permits to preserve its originality and culture; however, it is one of the best value-for-money trekking experiences that one can find in the world.
Upper Mustang Trek With Tiji Festival Itinerary
Arrival In Kathmandu
Highest Altitude
1,350 m
A representative from Core Treks will come to pick you up at the airport. After that we’ll be taking you to your hotel. We’ll have a short briefing session and feel free to ask any question you might have regarding the trek. If you want to explore the city we might as well walk around the street of Thamel and it’s even possible to do some last minute shopping. There’re no further activities for the day so you might as well check into the hotel.
No Meals
Hotel
Trek Preparation & Sightseeing 2 Places.
Highest Altitude
1,350 m
We’ll be talking more regarding our trip on this day. We’ll need your original passport as travelers need a permit in order to make this trek in Nepal. After finishing that we’ll be doing a bit of a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu valley. We’ll be visiting two world heritage sites located at Kathmandu, namely Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Temple (also known as Monkey Temple). In the evening we’ll be doing final preparation for our trek.
Breakfast
Hotel
Kathmandu To Pokhara
Flight Hours
25 min
Drive Hours
7 hours
Highest Altitude
1,350 m
We’ll be heading to Pokhara on this day. There are two options regarding our travel to Pokhara; by air travel or by drive. A flight would take around 30 minutes to reach whereas driving to Pokhara might take around 8 hours. It depends on how you want to travel. Whether you want to enjoy the scenic highway drive of Nepal or a short scenic flight and enjoy the rest of the day at chilling or exploring Pokhara, it is up to you.
Hotel
Pokhara To Kagbeni
Trek Duration
3 hours
Flight Hours
25 min
Highest Altitude
2,800 m
2,700m/ 8,855ft.(Jomsom) 2,800m/ 9,185ft (Kagbeni)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel
Kagbeni To Chaile
Trek Distance
9 km
Trek Duration
6 hours
Highest Altitude
3,110 m
The trail today takes us through the east bank of the Kali Gandaki river as we walk through several ridges to reach the Tangbe village. The village is filled with fields of crops that are usually grown in the Himalayan region of Nepal such as barley, wheat and buckwheat. Beautiful views of the Nilgiri peak can also be seen during our trek on this day. After some hours of walking we leave the Kali Gandaki valley and climb through the rocky terrian towards Chaile. Chaile will be our destination for the day.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Chaile To Geling
Trek Distance
8-10 km
Trek Duration
5-6 hours
Highest Altitude
3,500 m
We trek through the barren land of the Mustang region alongside a steep canyon. We then descend a long gradual trail towards the village of Samar. From Samar, we climb up above to a ridge and then descend down into a large gorge. We gradually descend to Shyangmochen from where we climb to a pass and again descend to the village of Geling. We’ll be staying overnight at this village.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Geling To Charang
Trek Distance
6-8 km
Trek Duration
5 hours
Highest Altitude
3,620 m
We start our trek by gradually climbing to Nyi La Pass and then descending down towards the blue, gray, and red cliffs. Upon crossing the bridge at Tangmar Chu river, we walk through the longest Mani wall in Mustang. Mani wall is a wall made of stones that are inscribed with prayer mantras. Then we climb over a pass and walk through the long and easy descent to the Charang village. There is a five-story monastery called White Dzong and Red Gompa which are some major attractions of this place. There are collection of ancient statues, Thanka, paintings, and other ancient artifacts inside these monasteries.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Charang To Lo Manthang
Trek Distance
10 -12 km
Trek Duration
5 hours
Highest Altitude
3,840 m
We gradually ascend until we arrive at the Lo-Gekar Gompa. This Gompa is one of the oldest Gompas of the region which is even older than the Samye Gompa in Tibet. From here, we make our path towards Lo Manthang which is the capital of the Upper Mustang. We’ll be spending the rest of our time upon reaching Lo Manthang where we’ll also be spending our night.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
First Day Of Tiji Festival
Highest Altitude
3,840 m
Today is the first day of celebration of the Tiji festival. We’ll be spending the day enjoying the celebrations and the engagement of the people. During this day, sporting events such as horse racing and tug-of-war is also played which are major attractions of the day. You can also see people dressing in their traditional outfits and monks in their priestly clothing.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Second Day Of Tiji Festival
Highest Altitude
3,840 m
We’ll be enjoying the day observing the unique dance of the Tibetan lamas. The reason for the dance is to chase away all the hungry evil spirits from the village. Many people participate in the act of renewal and purification. During the day you can even explore around the village or rent a horse and visit other villages nearby.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Final Day Of Tiji Festival And Visit To Namgyal Gompa And Tingkhar
Highest Altitude
3,900 m
We’ll be enjoying the festival in the village of Lo Manthang for one last time as we come to the end of the festival. After enjoying and spending some time in the village, we then do a short hike as we make our way towards the Namgyal Gompa. This monastery is situated on a hilltop and is a building of utter importance to the local community of Upper Mustang. This Gompa also has a local court that has been in existence throughout the ages. We then hike towards the village of Tingkhar which is the last village situated to the northwest of Lo Manthang. After spending some time at Tingkhar, we then head back to Lo Manthang and relax for the rest of the day.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Lo Manthang To Drakmar
Trek Distance
12-14 km
Trek Duration
6 hours
Highest Altitude
3,840 m
We’ll be walking through the highest point of our trek on this day as we pass through the Chogo La. From there our trail advances to a short and steep descent as we cross the Charang river. We then trek further towards the village of Drakmar which will be our final destination for the day.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Darkmar To Shyangboche
Trek Distance
13-15 km
Trek Duration
6 hours
Highest Altitude
3,810 m
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Shyangboche To Chhusang
Trek Distance
15-17 km
Trek Duration
6 hours
Highest Altitude
3,872 m
Our trek is long but the trail is fairly easier. We follow a stream all the way down until Chhusang. During this trek, we also have an option of taking an alternative route to Saman that is 30 minutes longer where we can visit the Ranchung Cave.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Chhusang To Jomsom
Trek Distance
15-18 km
Trek Duration
5 hours
Highest Altitude
2,920 m
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Guesthouse
Jomsom To Pokhara
Flight Hours
25 min
Highest Altitude
2,700 m
We take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and spend rest of the day in this beautiful lakeside city. There are tons of activities can be done in this city. If you’re not feeling like getting physical then activities such as boating in the lake, food hunt, or experiencing the city’s nightlife could be great options.
Breakfast
Hotel
Pokhara To Kathmandu
Flight Hours
25 min
Drive Hours
7 hours by luxury tourist bus
Highest Altitude
1,350 m
Breakfast
Hotel
Departure Day
Highest Altitude
1,350 m
Our travel journey has now come to an end as we say our goodbyes and take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your flight time. We’ll come to pick you at your hotel and a representative will drive alongside you up till the departure gate at the airport.
Breakfast
Not satisfied with this itinerary?
CoreTreks offers a customized itinerary option that allows you to personalize your trek according to your preferences and requirements.
Temperature by Month at Upper Mustang
Trip Includes
- Airport transfers by Private Vehicles.
- Standard twin- sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara, breakfast included. (5 Nights).
- Twin sharing accommodation during trek. (12 Nights).
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by Luxury tourist bus (If you want both ways private vehicle also available on additional cost).
- Round airfare form Pokhara- Jomsom- Pokhara.
- Three daily meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System & Annapurna Conservation area permit (Please bring 2 passport size photos).
- Special permit for Upper Mustang.
- One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide. Porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary and equipment. Accident insurance for all staff
- Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances.
- Personal care & attention.
- Local and government taxes.
Complimentary Services
Available After Complete Booking
- Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after completion of the trip).
- Core Trek duffle bag, T-shirt, and a trekking map.
- A self-sufficient medical first aid kit containing vital medications.
- Company branded water bottle with purification tablets
- Warm woollen hat
- Solar panel for battery charging in the mountain
- Oximeter
Trip Excludes
- All kind of beverage including mineral water, Phone calls, laundry, hot shower during Trek
- Travel and Rescue Insurance
- Tipping to crew.
- Personal mountaineering gears
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Visa fee, you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu
- Do not mention the services apart from the services mentioned in “Cost Included services”
FAQs For Upper Mustang Trek With Tiji Festival
General
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Upper Mustang Trek With Tiji Festival Additional Information
Equipment And Gears
To prepare for your trek in Nepal, it’s essential to consider both the specific route and the time of year. Here is a Nepal trekking packing list to help you pack wisely. Here’s our Nepal Trekking packing list.
Travellers Reviews
57 Reviews in TripAdvisor
Advisor linkLovely City Of Pokhara
I loved every part of my trip to Nepal, but Pokhara stood out the most. I enjoy lively but peaceful places, and Pokhara had just the right feel. It was calm compared to busy Kathmandu, and Phewa Lake made it even more special.
We started our trek with a short flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, then headed up toward Upper Mustang. We hiked about 5–6 hours a day. Along the way, I got to enjoy tasty Nepali food and witnessed the Tiji festival for the first time it was amazing.
Thanks to the CoreTreks team for guiding us and patiently answering all our questions. We were really curious and they were always kind and helpful. I highly recommend CoreTreks if you’re planning a trek in Nepal.
William
Australia
One Of The Most Beautiful Treks I Have Ever Had
Nepal is a truly beautiful place for trekking and travel. After trekking there myself, I can say if you’re thinking about it, take the leap. The rivers, the views, the kind people, and the huge mountains are something you need to see at least once in your life.
We planned our trek to Upper Mustang during the Tiji Festival, and it matched our timing perfectly. The festival was both fun and powerful it tells a story of good winning over evil, and it really left an impression on us.
Big thanks to CoreTreks for organizing our trip so well and guiding us with care. They’re very dedicated and professional, and their packages are also fairly priced. I highly recommend them.
Jackson
United States
Join our Fixed Departure Group Trips
Our fixed group tours are thoughtfully scheduled and offer specific departure dates, providing a fantastic opportunity for both solo traveler and groups to come together. Read more about fixed departure.
Upper Mustang Trek With Tiji Festival Departure Date
18 Days
Trip Days
20 May, 2026
Start Wednesday
31 May, 2026
End Sunday
5
Pax Booked
15
Group Size
USD 2,149
Per Person
Booking Open
Status
Plan your private Trip
If these dates do not suit your plans, please contact us to request alternative dates. We are more than happy to customise the itinerary and schedule to better fit your needs.
There is no additional cost on the private trip. Group discount will be applied on checkout.
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