Tiji Festival Trek

From your hometown, you will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Our airport representatives will receive you and transfer you to your Hotel. After some food & rest, you can stroll around the Hotel. 

As you are staying in Kathmandu's hub, there are many terrific things to do. Historical places like Basantapur, Boudhanath, and Monkey Temple (Swoyambhunat can be visited). Besides that, you can also shop for necessary trekking gear. There is no better place than ‘Thamel’ for it. You can choose the best from many renowned brands. 

Later in the evening, our representative will give you a detailed brief about your trek. You will meet your fellow travelers and also get your permits & TIMS Card. Ensure you bring the necessary documents like your passport, copies of photos, and your travel insurance. 

Today, you will go to Pokhara. You can either go by flight or via private vehicle. You will reach Pokhara within half an hour by air. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley. You have striking views of the soaring Himalayas. 

While the drive will take about 6 hours, the road trip is more exciting and scenic. You drive passes right beside Trishuli rivers and green hills. Trishuli River is a popular rafting spot in Nepal. Likewise, you can also experience the typical life around highways. You experience lots of scenic moments within these narrow roads.

Upon reaching Pokhara, the rest of your time is leisure. Make sure you enjoy the fullest as you are in the famous tourist hub of Nepal.

After breakfast, you will take an early flight to Jomsom. This is about half an hour of the ride. Jomsom is a beautiful settlement and also the district headquarters of Mustang. This is also the starting point of your Tiji Festival Trek. 

From there, you will walk further to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. The trail from Kagbeni to Jomson is beautiful, flat, and easy to walk. You will also explore the corridor of Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in Nepal. Moreover, you visit a 50 years old village with the ancient Kag Chode Thupten Monastery. You move forward along flat trails. You also have a scenic glimpse of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and Dhampus Peak. 

Finally, you will reach Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a typical Tibetan village where you have your first overnight stay. Here, you will experience the true blend of culture, natural beauty, and mythical scenery. If you wish for some odds, you can even reach Kagbeni from Jomsom by jeep drive or horse ride. 

Leaving Kagbeni, you will ascend towards the ridges after crossing the Kaligandaki. The views of majestic Niligiri Tukuche look awesome. Today, your trails go by the riverbed crossing Kalobhir, the sky cave. You even pass villages like Tangbe, Gumbakang, Chhusang, and various Chortens. 

Climbing the cliff of Kalobhir, you will reach Tangbe village. Tangbe is a typical Gurung village. It encompasses narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and fields. You observe the farm of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchards. 

Next, you will reach Chhusang village after various downhill and uphill. You will cross the suspension bridge. And you will again take a steep climb alongside Kali Gandaki. You will then reach Tshele (Chele).  Here, you encounter the Tibetan-influenced culture, traditions, and lifestyle. The picturesque Annapurna Region welcomes you. The unique and beautiful landscapes are breathtaking. 

The third day of your Tiji festival trek is full of exciting adventures. After breakfast, you will walk uphill within steep ridges. This day of the trek is a tough part as you cross an altitude of 800m. But the spectacular views of mountains and landscapes accompany you. 

You pass-through settlements of Ghyakar and Samar. The lifestyle you witness is fascinating as well as inspiring. You also get to visit the archaic Chungsi cave that originated a few centuries ago. This cave has some cultural and religious significance too. 

The trails of this day also pass through some huge ridges. They are Taklam La (3624m), Dejong La (3660m), Bhena La (3830m) and Yamada La (4010m). You can have some enchanting views of landscapes from these spots. After walking all day, you will reach Sangboche overnight. 

The ascent continues within steep, dry, treeless terrains till you reach Ghami. Today, you again cross some spectacular steep gorges like Sangboche La (3850m), Nyi La (4020m), and Ghemi La (3765m). 

Further, you will continue following the traditional routes. You will pass through the settlements like Tamagaon, Ghiling, Chhunggar, and Jhaite villages. Their lifestyle and culture are Tibetan-influenced. You will have your lunch in one of these beautiful spots. You will enjoy the astonishing frames of landscapes under the pristine blue sky. You also have the perfect panoramas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. 

Afterward comes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge. This trail takes you to Ghami village. Ghami is a Tibetan valley. It flaunts Tibetan Buddhism tradition and culture appealingly. You can also see some grazing fields, a few streams, and a series of high passes there. Plus, the scenic view of the vistas is very stunning. 

You are already on the route of Upper Mustang Trek. So, you start ascending drastic landscapes and mind-blowing scenery. The trail ascends and descends among the blue, gray, and red cliffs. Crossing the Ghami Khola, the ascent heads towards Choya La (3870m). You have a clear glimpse of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Thorang Peak, etc. 

Today, you will walk via the longest and most spectacular stretch/mani wall of Nepal. The local people believe that this ‘Prayer Wall’ fulfills everyone’s prayers. Climbing another ridge of 3600 meters, you will make a long gentle descent to Charang. 

Charang is famous for ancient palaces, Dzong and red Gompas, chortens, stupas, and unique Thanka Paintings. You can also visit Tsarang Monastery that follows the Gelup Sect of Buddhism. You will have a satisfying stay here. 

Today is the ultimate day where you get to the vantage point of Tiji Festival Trek; Lo-Manthang. Locals at Lo-Manthang celebrate Tiji Festival in a very rejoicing and joyous way. Brace yourself as you are going to explore this exclusive land! 

Your journey starts with 100m descent down from Tsarang. You will reach Tsarang Chu and begin the climb in the steep trails. Trails from Tsarang to Lo are the perfect blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and lush culture. On the way, you pass-through various memorial monuments, chortens, and gumbas. 

Then you will get to the ridge called Lo La (3850m), where you can have a fantastic view of Lo-Manthang. The spot also offers the eye-pleasing views of soaring peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. After a short descent, you will climb into the land of mythical culture; Lo-Manthang. 

As you will reach there in the daytime, you have enough time to rest and explore around. You can interact with locals and soak into the ancient Tibetan culture. This is a lifetime memory for sure. 

You are at Lo-Manthang for the first day of the Tiji Festival. Tiji Festival is a grand Himalayan annual fest at Lo-Manthang that symbolizes “Prayer for World Peace.”

The Chode Monastery of the Sakya Sect of Buddhism organizes the whole fest. About 65 monks from Lo-Manthang, Nhenyul, Chhosyer, and a head “Rinpoche” reside in this monastery. 

On the first day, the monks of Chode Monastery perform a dance called “Tsa Chaam.” This part of the ethnic dance interprets the birth of “Dorji Sonam,” a reincarnated Buddha, to defeat a demon. This demon called “Ma Tam Ru Ta” was responsible for harassment and havoc in the kingdom of Mustang. Thus, the song and dance of this day impart the disturbance created towards the life of Mustang. 

This is also the day when an authentic Lama blows the traditional drums and cymbals. An ancient and enormous Thanka rolls down the entire south wall of the square. The masked faces, customs, and surroundingss become vibrant and enchanting. 

The second day of the Tiji Festival is where the monks perform “Nga Chham.” This is the performance where the hero “Dorje Sonam” comes to fight against the demon. He also tries to blow the demon back to the Buddha realm. The ritual dances are beautifully performed in their ethnic style. Every frame of art and presentation is unique that lasts in your memory forever. 

This is also an exploration day. You visit sights like The Champa Lhakhang (God House), the red Thugchen Gompa, and Chyodi Gompa. You can explore these ancient monuments and also the history behind them. 

For example, local believes the rocks of red Thugchen Gompa are painted with the blood of demons. Likewise, Chyodi Gompa presents you with the spiritual world away from every chaos. Your will count every moment you spend here!

Today is the third and final day of this festival, referred to as “Rha Chaam.” Along with the traditional dance, the historic ceremony comes to an end. The dance concludes when Dorjee Sonam triumphs over the evil demon and banishes him from Mustang. 

The play seems fantastic as they try to keep the real spirit up. Even the monk who plays the role of Dorje Sonam throws the dummy evil made from Tsampa (barley). This incident is believed to have happened. And this defeat of evil brought peace and prosperity to the land of Mustang. In the hope of spreading this beautiful message throughout the world, Tiji Festival takes place.

This is your final day at Lo-Manthang. So, you can’t miss other interesting valleys like Tinghar, Philing, and Phuwa. You will also visit the recent Gompa of Lo, the Gompa of Namgyal. This gompa implies it's “the monastery of victory.” You can also take a tour of Chhosar. This valley is the main trading route to Lhasa. 

Leaving Lo-Manthang, you will trek back to Dhakmar. On the way, you will visit Ghar Gumba (3931m). A Tibetan Guru, Padmasambhava, created this magical piece during the 8th century. You will retrace your steps towards the rural, isolated trails. And these trails preserve the true culture and lifestyle of the Mustang Region. 

You will also pass-through Samduiling Marang La (4230m) and Muila (4170m). Marang La, also known as Chogo La, is the highest point of your Tiji Festival Trek. You can have a spectacular view of Mustang Valley, surrounded by soaring peaks. 

This day, you go through various ups and downs through high gorges and barren lands. Before reaching Dhakmar, you will reach the dramatic land of Lo Gekar. Along with the unique landscapes, you interact with some hospitable locals. Overnight stay at Dhakmar!

From Dhakmar, you will head your way back to Sangboche. First, you will descend to Ghami village. This is the village with the rare greenery on such dry terrains of Mustang. Besides, there are many fascinating monasteries and ancient stupas around. The unique highlight of this place is the local houses that look like caves. 

After some rest, you will climb up to Ghemi La again. You will then drop down to a stream and climb Nya La (4090m). These spots are famous for the views of Mustang Valley, Mt. Annapurna, Nilgiri, and other peaks. You will have your lunch at Jhaite (3820m) today. 

After walking for several hours, you will reach Sangbochen for an overnight stay. You can once again explore this lovely and enchanting destination. 

After your breakfast, you head your walk towards Samar. You pass by many seasonal hamlets and grazing fields of sheep & goats. As you return the same way, you can visit some places you missed before. For sure, you will get to witness some new flora and fauna in such climatic landscapes. 

The trail of this also takes you over panoramic red cliffs. You will climb an incredibly vast canyon, the Chungsi La (3810m). Chungsi La is approximately 500 meters above the ridge. This spot offers an amazing glimpse of Mustang valleys and Mount ranges. Then, you will descend and take a tunnel bridge. This day is all about descents as you descend about 1000 meters of elevation. Overnight stay at Chhusang! 

Here comes the final stage of your trek. This would be your last day at Upper Mustang. Also, it is one of the longest walking days of the trip. Today, you will walk on easy and flat trails. This part of the trail illustrates the diversity in Mustangi customs and their lifestyle. 

You will continue along the Kaligandaki River. You tour the settlements of Tangbe, Kagbeni, and Eklebatti. While you pass, don’t forget to look for fossilized “Shaligram” found alongside the river. 

The trek from Chhusang to Jomsom is also a part of other popular treks. It includes Annapurna Circuit Trek, Lower Mustang Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek etc. You will have magnificent natural and geographical scenery this day. If you wish, you can also visit Muktinath Temple. This beautiful temple holds spiritual and mythological significance. Better not to miss this elegant spot! Overnight at Jomsom. 

Today, you will be leaving this trading hub. You will take an early flight to Pokhara after breakfast. If you want to avoid flight, you can drive back via Marpha, Tatopani, Beni, and Kusma. This is a good idea if you want to explore more.  

 After some rest and lunch, the rest of your day is for further exploration. Pokhara is a famous hub that doesn’t need any introduction. It is also called “The City of Lakes.” Thus, you can do various things like boating, rafting, canoeing, and even bungee jumping. You can visit subtle destinations like Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, International Mountain Museum, and temples like Bindabasini. You can go to pubs and restaurants in the evening and celebrate your accomplishments. 

At last, Tiji Festival Trek 2020 is a unique annual trek that anyone can opt for. Nepal is celebrating “Visit Nepal 2020” this year. So, the trek is going to be extra special this time. 

Also, we can modify this itinerary according to your preferences and needs. For any kind of information and inquiries, feel free to contact Eco Holidays Nepal.