Upper Mustang, which has become synonymous with the name "the Forbidden Kingdom," is a hidden, mysterious land wedged between the terrain borders of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. This culturally diverse area, steeped in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, provides a trek that exceeds long-distance hiking—it is a true pilgrimage. Tiji Festival is observed every year in Upper Mustang, which is a portrait of culture, religion, and the community's age-old customs. As a women only trekking agency, Women Adventures also provides a rare opportunity for women travelers looking to be part of an unforgettable experience in Nepal.

This guide will talk through all of the things you need to know about the Tiji Festival, such as why it's a must-do trek and the rituals and customs associated with it. Hence, you know what to expect on your journey to how Women Adventures makes sure it's a safe, empowering, and culturally valuable trekking experience for a trek that is open to women only.

What is the Tiji Festival?

Tiji or 'Tenchi Festival' or "Tenpa Chirim" also known as the "Festival of the Prayer for World Peace" is a three-day Tibetan Buddhist ritual that began in Mustang. The festival has its origins in ancient Tibetan practices and has been observed for centuries. The main legend of the Tiji Festival is that of Dorje Jono, a deity that battles his demonic father to save Mustang from destruction and drought.

Traditional dances, rituals, and chanting are performed during the festival, celebrating the heroic victory; the day stands as a reminder of the victory of good over evil. These aren't simply ritualistic festivities but act as a spiritual purification, establishing peace, prosperity, and harmony on the land. The colorful mask dances and sacred ceremonies performed by the monks are incredibly moving and give trekkers a truly genuine experience of Tibetan Buddhism.

Why is The Tiji Festival Special in Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang’s isolation until the 1990s is such a special place where the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture flourishes in pristine form and has been untouched for centuries as it was practically severed off from the rest of Nepal. Known as "Lo," the region shares more in common with Tibet than modern-day Nepal. This isolation has assisted in the preservation of these traditions and the area is among the most culturally intact regions in Nepal. For a traveler, the Tiji Festival holds not only religious importance but also represents an unbreakable connection between the people and their land and the undying culture that refuses to disintegrate amidst all the adversity.

The Tiji festival in Upper Mustang is unique because it is one of the last remaining places in the world where this ancient tradition is celebrated in its pure form. The festival is a time when the local population unites to perform rituals and celebrate that have not changed for generations. The dances and rites are performed by monks from Lo Manthang's Chhoede Monastery – through Traditional dance, the monastery comes alive with the myths and legends of the gods and demons that trekkers can see with their own eyes. In what is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural festival, deep in this lost kingdom, gain remarkable access to the spiritual and cultural traditions of these people of Upper Mustang.

How is the Tiji Festival Celebrated?

The Tiji Festival is a three-day event that is filled with rituals, dances, and prayers. Each day has its unique celebration, offering a chance to witness the unfolding story of Dorje Jono's victory over evil.

Day 1: The Opening Rituals (Drums, Masks, and Thangka)

The first day of the Tiji celebration starts with a sacred prayer ceremony. A giant thangka is unveiled in the courtyard, and the Cham dance performed by monks represents the summoning of divine power. The air resonates with Tibetan music—cymbals, horns, and drums—as spectators gather to witness the rich visuals of vibrant costumes and intricate dance moves. These rituals depict the beginning of Dorje Jono's mythological battle against evil and set the tone for the spiritual journey ahead.

Day 2: The Purification Rituals (Overcoming Evil Spirits)

The second day features more elaborate Cham dances that blend drama, choreography, and ritual symbolism. Every movement is purposeful, representing Dorje Jono's confrontation with evil forces. The rituals are not merely theatrical but function as influential acts of purification for the land and its people. Villagers in traditional dress gather around the monastery, creating a culturally rich and sacred ambiance.

Day 3: Final Day – Conclusion of Rituals (Blessings and Community Celebrations)

On the final day, the performance reaches its climax. The demon is symbolically defeated, marking the victory of good over evil. Monks perform blessing rituals, scatter grains, and conclude with a final mask dance to seal the spiritual cleanse. The community comes together in celebration with music, local delicacies, and joyful exchanges—a fitting conclusion to a significant festival. For attendees, it's not just an event but a spiritual renewal.

Trekking to the Tiji Festival: Your Journey through Upper Mustang

Reaching the Upper Mustang for the time of the Tiji Festival includes an interesting combination of air and a scenic trek. Your adventure begins with a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the adventure capital of Nepal. From Pokhara, you travel by one of the below two ways to Jomsom, Mustang's gateway: either by a scenic flight to the mountains or by rough road by a robust jeep drive.

The real adventure begins on foot from Jomsom. The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek makes its way to the ancient trade routes and Himalayan panoramas. Over 7 to 10 days (depending on the speed of your trek), you'll walk through the colorful villages of Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, Ghami and Tsarang until you finally arrive at Lo Manthang, the epicenter of Tiji Festival.

On the trail, you will pass the dramatic red cliffs, rusted canyons and Tibetan-style settlements. Prayer flags flap over suspension bridges and yak caravans have to share the trail with trekkers. It's not only a physical journey but also a cultural and spiritual one.

Special Permits Required:

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: 500 USD for 10 days
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Key Highlights:

Kagbeni: A medieval village with a confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers.
Chele to Syangboche: Hike through narrow canyons and into red rock formations.
Ghami and Tsarang: These towns have ancient monasteries and mud-brick homes.
Lo Manthang: The festival takes place in the crown jewel.

The trip also involves high-altitude and desert driving; therefore, acclimatization and training are essential. Women Adventures guarantees every step is safe and fun with women guides, curated pacing and all-women support teams. Our meticulously planned Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek offers a complete day-by-day schedule design with the women travelers in mind who want to feel empowered.

Unique Features of Women Adventures Women-Only Tiji Festival Trek

Our Upper Mustang Tiji festival trek is designed exclusively for women by women. Here's what makes it stand out:

All-Female Support Crew: Guides and porters who understand your pace, comfort, and preferences.
Empowerment in Action: We hire and train local woman, boosting their economic independence.
Cultural Immersion: Opportunities to interact with local woman artisans and learn about Mustang's matrilineal customs.
Community Vibe: Safe and supportive group environment to foster friendships and share spiritual moments.

Key Information on Trekking Permits and Costs

Upper Mustang is a restricted region, and entry requires special permits:

Upper Mustang Permit: USD 500 for 10 days (USD 50/day after that)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Approx. NPR 3000
TIMS Card: Approx. NPR 2000

Other costs:

Guides and Porters: Included in our package
Accommodation & Meals: Covered in full
Transportation: Flight to Jomsom + Ground transfers
Trekking Insurance: Mandatory. It should cover high-altitude evacuation.
Dealing with Altitude Sickness on the Tiji Festival Trek

Dealing with Altitude Sickness on the Tiji Festival Trek

Trekking to Upper Mustang is high-altitude trekking; Lo Manthang is north of 3,800 meters (12,467 ft). The landscapes are unnatural, the culture is the stuff of legend, and the thin mountain air brings very real challenges. Learning both how to prevent and how to handle altitude sickness can be key to a safe and pleasurable adventure.

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), strikes when your body can’t cope with the decreased oxygen available at higher elevations. Common symptoms include:

Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or light-headedness
Tiredness and being out of breath
Loss of appetite

How to Prevent It:

Hike Slowly: Women Adventures has a wise itinerary and gives time for pacing and acclimatizing.
Stay Hydrated Always: Ensure you drink at least 3–4 liters of water a day.
Stay away from alcohol and cigarette smoke: Both can dehydrate you and decrease the amount of oxygen in your system.
Eat Light but Nutritious Meals: A meal that is balanced with high carbs helps with the keeping of the body's energy levels.
Know Your Limitations: Be alert for warning signs of HAPE (High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and tell your guides as soon as possible if you have any symptoms.

How Women Adventures Helps You:

Expert Planning: Our schedules build in rest and relaxation, slow ascents and cultural stops to support acclimatization.
Trained Female Guides: All of the female staff are trained on Altitude sickness and even provide pulse oximeters for checking your health during the trip.
Emergency Protocols: We have first aid kits and oxygen cylinders and are also linked with in-reach emergency evacuation services as a standard regular.

Nearest Medical Facilities:

Lo Manthang Medical Post: Basic aid and altitude care at festival time.
Jomsom Hospital: Prepared for AMS, breathing problems and small traumas.
Evacuation: In an emergency, clients' helicopters will be arranged for transportation down either to Pokhara or Kathmandu on insurance support.

With Women Adventures, you are never alone. We are committed to providing the safest, most comfortable and friendly presentation possible at every altitude benchmark. This is no walk in the park — it’s a hike you can count on.

Accommodation and Meals on the Tiji Festival Trek

Expect cozy guesthouses, family-run homestays, and simple teahouses throughout the Upper Mustang region. Accommodations during the Tiji Festival trek reflect the rustic charm of the area and the warm hospitality of the locals. While facilities are basic, Women Adventures ensures that each lodging is vetted for cleanliness, safety, and suitability for women travelers.

Accommodation Types:

Guesthouses: Available in Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Lo Manthang.
Homestays: Offer authentic interaction with local families.
Teahouses: Provide simple bedding, shared bathrooms, and hearty meals.

Meals During the Trek:

Daily Meals: Our package includes three meals a day.
Local Specialties: Savor Tibetan bread, dal bhat (rice and lentils), thukpa (noodle soup), tsampa (barley porridge), and yak cheese.
Festival Delights: During the Tiji Festival, experience special treats like sweet rice, butter tea, and festive momo dumplings.

Our team also accommodates dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring trekkers are well-nourished and energized throughout the journey.

Best Time to Visit Upper Mustang for the Tiji Festival

The Tiji Festival is deeply rooted in the Tibetan lunar calendar, and its dates shift slightly each year based on astrological calculations. For 2025, the Tiji Festival will take place from May 24 to May 26, set in the majestic walled capital of Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang.

This sacred celebration is a rare window into Tibetan Buddhist traditions that have remained untouched for centuries. Because the festival occurs in late spring, the months of April through May are considered the best time to trek to Upper Mustang. The region's dry climate and stable weather during these months create ideal trekking conditions while providing full access to cultural events and remote villages.

Why April–May Is Ideal:

Favorable weather: Clear skies, moderate temperatures, and low precipitation.
Authentic experience: Full festival immersion in Lo Manthang.
Scenic beauty: Blooming landscapes and panoramic Himalayan views.

Upcoming Festival Dates:

2025: May 24–26
2026: Estimated for mid-May (based on Tibetan lunar calendar)

Planning your trek around the Tiji Festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness living history in one of Nepal's last Tibetan kingdoms.

Preparing for the Tiji Festival Trek

Success on the Upper Mustang trek begins with thoughtful preparation. Here's how to get ready:

Packing Essentials: Knowing what to carry helps ensure comfort, safety, and preparedness during a multi-day trek in remote terrain.

Layered clothing for changing temperatures.
Insulated down jacket and sleeping bag.
Hiking boots, trekking poles, gloves, and headlamps.
Reusable water bottles and water purification tablets.
Personal first aid kit and medications.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

Physical Conditioning: Building physical strength and stamina is essential to enjoy the elevation and long walking days in the Upper Mustang.

Cardiovascular workouts (hiking, cycling, swimming)
Strength training, especially for legs and core.
Breathing exercises to build lung capacity.

Cultural Etiquette for Upper Mustang: Understanding local traditions allows for more meaningful connections with Mustang's deeply spiritual communities.

Always walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
Dress modestly; avoid revealing clothes.
Ask before photographing people or rituals.

Safety for Women Trekkers: Traveling in well-supported all-female groups adds peace of mind and fosters shared experiences along the trail.

Travel in guided groups.
Avoid wandering alone after dark.
Women Adventures provides emergency communication tools and round-the-clock support.

This foundational preparation helps ensure a safer, more respectful, and enriching journey to the heart of the Tiji Festival.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism During the Tiji Festival

Women Adventures operates with a strong commitment to sustainable tourism and women-led economic growth. Here's how we ensure our treks give back:

Environmental Responsibility:

Pack-in/pack-out waste policies.
Use of reusable items to eliminate single-use plastics
Promotion of low-impact trekking practices.

Community Empowerment:

Employment of local female guides and porters.
Cultural workshops led by Mustang's women.
Contributions to village schools and women's cooperatives.

Respecting Sacred Traditions:

Participation in rituals only with consent.
Proper conduct inside monasteries and sacred sites.

When you trek with Women Adventures, you directly contribute to protecting Himalayan culture and uplifting its female communities.

Other Attractions and Things to Explore in Upper Mustang Beyond the Tiji Festival

While the Tiji Festival is the centerpiece, Upper Mustang offers more:

Lo Manthang Highlights:

Royal Palace: 4-story 15th-century structure.
Monasteries: Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa.
Local museums and art galleries.

Nearby Wonders:

Chhoser Cave: Multi-level meditation caves carved into cliffs.
Nyphu Gompa and Garphu Monastery: Spiritual centers surrounded by dramatic landscapes.
Muktinath Temple: A sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

Extend Your Trek:

Continue toward Jomsom via different trail routes.
Explore hidden valleys around Chhoser or Yara.
Take cultural jeep tours if trekking further is not feasible.

Final Thoughts on Upper Mustang Tiji Festival

The Tiji Festival of Upper Mustang isn't just an event — it's a spiritual and cultural tradition blending ancient rituals, community gatherings and jaw-dropping Himalayan scenery. It is one of the last places left in the world to see the real thing of authentic Tibetan Buddhist traditions in practice in its purest form.

The rhythmic sound of the Cham dances to the drama of Lo Manthang itself makes this an intense spiritual experience. And for women travelers, it is both a journey of cultural immersion and a statement of empowerment. The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek presents an opportunity to enter a living Buddhist kingdom and walk through unnatural desert landscapes and also become a part of ceremonies that have not changed for centuries.

Whether you are drawn to the call of the mountains or the mysterious beat of a sacred tradition, this is not just a trek— this is an unmatched opportunity to witness the devotion, dance, and silence of Himalayan royalty.

Join Women Adventures on this exclusive, women-only Tiji Festival trek to Upper Mustang this year!

FAQs About Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang

What Is the Tiji Festival in Nepal?

The Tiji Festival is a vibrant three-day Tibetan Buddhist celebration held in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. It re-enacts the myth of Dorje Jono's victory over evil and represents the triumph of peace and spiritual renewal.

When Is the Tiji Festival Held in Upper Mustang?

The festival dates vary each year based on the Tibetan lunar calendar. In 2025, it's set for May 24–26.

What Are the Main Rituals of the Tiji Festival?

The Tiji Festival is a spiritual spectacle marked by masked Cham dances, ritual storytelling, and symbolic acts of purification. Over three days, monks re-enact the myth of Dorje Jono, who battles and banishes evil to restore harmony. The unveiling of a sacred thangka, dramatic effigy burning, and elaborate prayer ceremonies all reflect the deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist heritage. These time-honored rituals offer a rare opportunity to witness faith in motion—unchanged for centuries.

The festival includes mask dances, ritual purification ceremonies, blessings, and dramatic storytelling through Cham dance.

What Is the Tiji Festival Trek?

The Tiji Festival Trek is a high-altitude Himalayan journey through Upper Mustang, timed to align with the sacred three-day festival in Lo Manthang. This trek blends an immersive cultural experience with remote mountain exploration. You’ll walk through ancient Tibetan villages, pass centuries-old monasteries, and culminate your adventure by witnessing one of Nepal’s most spiritually charged events. It’s more than a hike—it’s a cultural pilgrimage.

A high-altitude trekking experience to Lo Manthang during the Tiji Festival, offering cultural immersion and spiritual connection.

Is Altitude Sickness a Concern During the Tiji Festival Trek?

Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern during the Tiji Festival Trek due to elevations reaching over 3,800 meters. Common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. Women Adventures minimizes these risks through gradual ascents, built-in acclimatization days, and a support team trained in high-altitude safety and emergency response.

Along with this, Women Adventures includes acclimatization days, trained staff, and emergency protocols to manage altitude risks.

Can I Travel to Upper Mustang by Jeep for the Tiji Festival?

Yes, jeeps can reach Lo Manthang via Jomsom for those unable to trek, but trekking is more immersive.

What Is the Best Time To Visit Upper Mustang for the Tiji Festival?

Late April to May is ideal for favorable weather and full festival access.

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