Every May, the walled city of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang bursts into color and celebration during one of Nepal’s most captivating cultural events—the Tiji Festival. This vibrant three-day spectacle, rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, will take place in 2026 from May 24 to May 26. Please note that the iconic five-story Lo Manthang Royal Palace is currently closed to visitors.
Now more accessible than ever, the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2026 offers a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Mustang’s high desert landscapes, ancient monasteries, and rich traditions—all comfortably reached by 4WD vehicle.
Steeped in centuries-old legend, the word “Tiji” originates from “Ten Che,” meaning the triumph of Buddhism for world peace. The festival tells the mythic story of Dorje Jono, a brave deity who defeats his evil father—a demon threatening Mustang by cutting off its vital water supply. Through sacred masked dances and rituals, locals reenact this symbolic victory of good over evil, praying for harmony and prosperity.
Join us for an unforgettable cultural adventure where legend, ritual, and the rugged beauty of the Himalayas converge.
12 days / 11 nights Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep trip
Explore the Hidden Tibetan World of Mustang Region
Highlights
- Sightseeing in Pokhara Valley
- Enjoy local apples, apple pie, and apple wine (Marpha) in Jomsom
- Travel through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge
- Admire panoramic views of the Annapurna I, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountain ranges
- Spot unique wildlife while walking among rhododendron, oak, and pine trees
- Visit key locations such as Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Muktinath
- Learn about the customs and way of life of the Bon and Lobha ethnic groups in Upper Mustang
- Experience the stunning landscapes, including arid terrain, ancient monasteries, caves, and archaeological sites
- Explore Champa Lhakang, Namgyal Gompa, and Tsechen Shedrubling Monastery to learn about Tibetan Buddhism
- Discover the ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang during the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour
- Visit the King's Palace, Lo Manthang’s oldest whitewashed five-story building
- Participate in the 3-day Tiji Festival, the most significant celebration in Upper Mustang
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Once you're settled at the hotel, we will schedule a trip briefing at the hotel lobby or restaurant.
The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Jeep Tour begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, offering stunning views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges from your window seat. A professional from our team will handle your airport pick-up and hotel transfer. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
After breakfast, we begin the Mustang Tiji Festival journey with a four-wheel drive from Pokhara. Enjoy scenic views of mountains, local life, farms, and river gorges along the winding road. In the evening, unwind at the natural hot springs in Tatopani.
After breakfast in Tatopani, we drive by four-wheel jeep to Kagbeni. Along the way, we visit Marpha village, the local market in Jomsom, and the Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, symbolizing religious harmony between Nepal and India. After exploring the temple and surrounding area, we return to Kagbeni (2,804 m) for an overnight stay.
After breakfast in the mystical setting of Muktinath, your Tiji Festival Jeep Tour with a local guide continues toward Kagbeni. Here, your identification and special permits will be checked before you can explore the local monasteries and Buddhist schools.
Next, you’ll travel toward Ghami, known for its whitewashed stone and mud houses. Take time to interact with locals, learning about their beliefs and daily life as you wander the village's narrow alleys.
The journey to Tsarang includes crossing the Kali Gandaki River and passing through the villages of Chhusang, Chele, Samar, Syangboche, Ghiling, and Ghami, along with numerous Mani walls. From Tsarang, enjoy views of a traditional walled village set against a backdrop of towering mountains.
After a traditional breakfast, your Tiji Festival 2025 Upper Mustang Tour continues from Charang to Lo-Manthang. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Annapurna I, Tilicho, Nilgiri, and other peaks. You'll pass Upper Mustang's longest mani wall, along with Tibetan plateaus, cliffs, and ancient sky caves.
The desert-like landscape and dry terrain dotted with white-washed houses mark your arrival in Lo-Manthang, the administrative center of Upper Mustang. After lunch, you'll visit the king’s palace to witness the Tiji Festival, where Tibetan monks from around the world perform traditional dances and rituals. Return to the teahouse for dinner and an overnight stay.
On the second day of the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2025, begin with breakfast before visiting several significant monasteries and temples in Lo-Manthang, a city rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. Hiking is the best way to explore its hidden corners and barren landscapes.
As the festival typically begins around noon, you’ll take a short morning drive to Chhoser village, about an hour away. With some luck, you might spot blue sheep and other wildlife along the way. In Chhoser, you'll visit a Buddhist school and explore its famous sky caves. Afterward, return to Lo-Manthang to attend the Tiji Festival. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the teahouse.
On the final day of the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, you'll explore Lo-Manthang's monasteries and Buddhist schools while enjoying the village’s unique atmosphere. The region, predominantly Buddhist, is home to communities from the Lhoba and Bon tribes. Visit historic sites to learn about the legacy of this ancient kingdom.
One key stop is Champa Lhakang, a significant temple featuring a large Buddha statue and intricate Mandala wall paintings. You can also take a short walk to Namgyal Gompa, which serves as both a monastery and a local courthouse. After noon, join the villagers in celebrating the final day of the Tiji Festival with traditional dances and ceremonies. Afterward, return to the guesthouse for dinner and an overnight stay.
After exploring Lo Manthang, you'll begin your return journey to Jomsom, gradually bidding farewell to the mystical Upper Mustang. Following breakfast, your Tiji Festival Jeep Tour retraces the scenic route through Tsarang, Ghami, Ghiling, and Samar before reaching Kagbeni, where your permits will be checked.
From Kagbeni, you'll continue by 4WD Jeep to Jomsom, enjoying views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges along the way. Upon arrival, you'll check into your room and have time to explore Jomsom’s market, sample local apple whiskey, enjoy traditional music, and hear local folktales before dinner.
After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Pokhara, following the same route we took to reach Jomsom. The advantage of retracing this path is the opportunity to revisit or stop at any spots you may have missed or wish to see again.
This morning, you’ll board a tourist bus in Pokhara for the return journey to Kathmandu. The 205 km route follows the scenic Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers and passes through bustling market towns like Damauli, Dumre, and Mugling. Along the way, enjoy views of hills, rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a team member will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After freshening up, spend your final evening shopping or exploring Thamel, marking the successful conclusion of your Upper Mustang Tiji Festival 2025 trip.
We’ll arrange your airport transfer three hours before your scheduled departure. If you have extra time, we can organize optional side trips, or you’re free to explore on your own.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Pickup from Kathmandu International Airport on your arrival date and time
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu (with breakfast)
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara (with breakfast)
- Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, including airport transportation
- Private 4WD Jeep for the journey from Pokhara to Pokhara (as per itinerary)
- 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) daily as per the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour itinerary
- 7 nights of tea house accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the Tiji Festival Tour
- Necessary permits for Annapurna Conservation Area
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
- Guide and driver expenses, including accommodation, salary, food, transportation, and insurance
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the tour
- All government and local taxes
- Purified drinking water (Ef-Chlor tablets)
- Deluxe tourist bus ticket from Pokhara to Kathmandu, including bus station transfer
- Farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant in Thamel before your departure
- Free luggage storage at Green Lotus Trekking Store during the trek
- Airport transfer service for your final departure
Cost Excludes
- International airfare, Nepal entry visa fees, and insurance
- Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, hot showers, extra meals, and upgraded accommodation
- Lunch, dinner, and extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain
- Tips for the guide and porter (expected from travelers)
FAQs
The Tiji Festival will take place from May 24 to May 26, 2025, in accordance with the Tibetan calendar.
The Tiji Festival Jeep Tour is considered an easy, beginner-level adventure, as most travel will be by four-wheel drive. No hiking experience is required, and our specialists will provide brief training to prepare you.
The Tiji Festival Jeep Tour is safe, though unexpected events can sometimes arise. Our travel specialists will provide a safety briefing before the tour to ensure you’re well-prepared.
You can expect to enjoy sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, a scenic drive through Mustang and Annapurna, visits to towns like Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, and Muktinath, exploration of ancient monasteries, and a view of the famous sky caves.
Some villages along the route have landline phones, allowing you to contact loved ones. Internet access is available in certain locations for a small fee. You can also purchase a local SIM card with a copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo.
Credit cards are accepted in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but once you leave the cities, payments must be made in cash. Be sure to exchange money for Nepali rupees before leaving the cities.
Most guesthouses and lodges have charging stations. However, due to occasional power outages, it’s a good idea to bring a power bank or extra batteries.
Yes, vegetarian meals are widely available, and we recommend sticking to vegetarian options to avoid food-related issues, especially at high altitudes.
Mineral water bottles are available for purchase, and you can refill bottles at teahouses and streams along the route. We recommend drinking only boiled water at the lodges. As you ascend, bottled water prices increase, so bring extra funds if you prefer bottled water.
We use different vehicles depending on the travel type. For city tours and airport transfers, we provide tourist vehicles. A tourist bus is used for transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and for flights between the two cities, we book tickets with Simrik Air, Buddha Air, or Yeti Air.
The 12-Day Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Jeep Tour begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After exploring popular Pokhara Valley attractions—such as Phewa Lake, Devi’s Falls, World Peace Pagoda, Mahendra Cave, Bindabasini Temple, and Sarangkot—you’ll board a short flight to Jomsom.
Jomsom, a charming town straddling the Kali Gandaki River, marks the start of your real Himalayan adventure. Traveling in a comfortable private jeep, you’ll avoid the strenuous climbs typical of Mustang treks.
A major highlight is the visit to Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, reached via Kagbeni. After a full day exploring Muktinath’s cultural and spiritual atmosphere, your journey continues through the villages of Chhusang, Ghiling, and Ghami, eventually reaching Tsarang.
From Tsarang, you’ll drive to the walled city of Lo Manthang, where you’ll spend three days immersed in the vibrant Tiji Festival. This centuries-old Buddhist celebration features sacred dances and rituals that depict the victory of good over evil.
After the festival, you’ll return to Jomsom by jeep and fly back to Pokhara, then onward to Kathmandu. Your tour concludes with sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley, including visits to Pashupatinath Temple, Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Temple.
This tour offers a hassle-free spiritual and cultural experience. Green Lotus Trekking has long provided expertly guided Tiji Festival Jeep Tours, and we’re happy to customize any itinerary to suit your needs.
Bookings are now open for the 12-Day Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2026 at a competitive rate. Please contact us for details and customization options.
Benefits of Booking the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour with Us
- Free international airport pickup and drop-off services
- Map of the Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
- Oximeter to monitor blood oxygen levels
- Medical kit (for emergencies)
- Free excess luggage storage at Green Lotus Trekking store during the trek
- Sleeping bags provided if needed
Preparation for Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2026
Here are key considerations when preparing for the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour:
- Obtain a Permit: A special permit is required to enter the Upper Mustang region. You can obtain it through a government-authorized trekking agency or tour operator. Be sure to apply early, as processing can take several weeks.
- Research the Festival: Familiarize yourself with the Tiji Festival and its cultural significance. This will enhance your understanding and help you respect local customs and traditions during the event.
- Pack Appropriately: Mustang’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and a hat or head covering. Don’t forget necessary medications and enough money for emergencies and personal expenses.
- Get in Shape: With its high altitude and remote villages, light hiking or walking may be required. Make sure you’re in good physical condition for the trip.
- Be Respectful: Mustang is home to a unique culture. Be mindful of local customs and behave respectfully throughout your visit.
- Understand the Risks: The region’s remote location means road conditions, weather, and medical facilities may differ from what you’re used to. Ensure you have good travel insurance and inform loved ones of your whereabouts.
By preparing in advance, you’ll ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on your Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour.
Useful Information for Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2026
Best Time for the Tour
The Tiji Festival Jeep Tour will take place in Upper Mustang from May 24 to 26, 2025. May is the best time to visit, as the region is most beautiful during this month. The festival features rituals and traditional dance performances at Chode Monastery. Spring brings new buds and flowers, offering breathtaking natural beauty throughout the journey.
Food and Meals
Upper Mustang offers excellent food and service. You’ll find a variety of international cuisines, including Thai, Continental, and Indian, as well as the local specialty, Dal Bhat—a rice dish with vegetables and lentil soup. Here are the meal options available during the tour:
- Breakfast: Tibetan bread, chapati, French toast, cornflakes, hash browns, eggs (fried, scrambled, or boiled), pancakes, porridge, muesli, vegetable dishes, and hot beverages.
- Lunch: Thukpa (noodle soup), dal and bhat, momos (dumplings), Tibetan chapati, macaroni, spaghetti, sherpa stew, steaks, potatoes, sandwiches, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers, pizza, and yak steak.
- Dinner: Momos, thukpa, dal and bhat, chapati, macaroni, spaghetti, soups, steaks, potatoes, sandwiches, pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, ramen, yak steak, and desserts.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be in three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and guesthouses in Mustang. Most rooms are twin-sharing, with single rooms available on request at an additional cost. While most hotels offer attached bathrooms, some teahouses may only have shared facilities. Single rooms are more readily available in Kathmandu and lower-altitude areas, but may be limited at higher altitudes. All tea shops along the route offer Wi-Fi access.
Tour Difficulty Level
The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Tour is classified as easy to moderate. Most travel will be by jeep, with light hiking to explore sites like gompas, caves, and monasteries. While high-altitude sickness is unlikely, being in good physical condition is essential for enjoying the trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour. Ensure it covers emergency helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, medical expenses, theft, and lost baggage. Confirm your policy covers mountain rescues if needed.
Altitude Sickness and Remedies
While altitude sickness is rare below 4,000 meters, it’s important to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and take it slow at high altitudes. Bring Diamox or similar medication for altitude sickness, and consult your guide if symptoms arise.
Packing List
Essential items for the tour include:
- Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, long pants)
- Sun protection (sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen)
- Sturdy footwear (hiking boots or sneakers)
- Daypack, personal hygiene items, and a reusable water bottle
- First aid kit and necessary medications
- Camera/smartphone, cash in small denominations
- Sleeping bag and camping gear (if applicable)
- Optional: Solar power bank, towel, microspikes, rain poncho
Safety and Guides
Green Lotus Trekking ensures your safety with experienced guides, all trained in wilderness first aid. Guides assess the quality of food and accommodations, and carry necessary equipment for emergencies. In case of altitude sickness, the tour guide may decide to cancel or adjust the trip.
Booking Procedure
Green Lotus Trekking, a government-approved operator, offers the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour. A 30% deposit is required to book, with the balance due before departure. Provide necessary documents, including your passport, passport-sized photos, travel insurance, and flight details. Payments can be made via bank transfer, Western Union, or online. Upon arrival in Nepal, payments can also be made in cash, bank transfer, or credit card.
