Category: Upper mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2020

Posted on

Celebrate Tiji Festival 2024 at Upper Mustang

Celebrate Tiji Festival 2024 at Upper Mustang. Unexpected components of a regular trek include color, splendor, chanting, and dancing. You will, however, get to experience all of these and more on the Mustang Tiji Festival trek. Tenpa Chirim is the local term for the Tiji celebration, also known as the Tenchi festival. Tiji is a much-anticipated celebration that consists of prayers for a plentiful crop and commemorates the end of a protracted drought. It is thought that a demon that caused sickness and drought once afflicted the historic walled kingdom of Lo Manthang. According to mythology, Lo experienced prosperity after the Buddhist god Vajrakila, often referred to as Dorje Jono, slew the demon.

One of Nepal’s most intriguing bordering regions with Tibet is Mustang, which is mostly populated by people of Tibetan ancestry. The whole Mustang region has been divided into Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang due to its sensitivity. Visitors must get a special permit to enter the Upper Mustang region, which has been designated as a restricted area. Natural resources, especially uranium, and scenic beauty are abundant across the region. Aside from this, the main draws of Mustang include the Himalayas, the source of the Kaligandaki River, which is well-known for fossils and ammonite and is considered sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, as well as a plethora of monasteries and caves.

Upper Mustang, commonly referred to as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, is a desolate region in the Himalayas and the oldest route for commerce with Tibet. With awe-inspiring views of the massif Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri (8091m/26545ft), Annapurna (8091m/26545ft), and Nilgiri (7061m/23166ft), Mustang is a highly sought-after destination for trekkers.

What makes the Tiji festival trek worthwhile?

The monks of Chhode monastery perform a unique Vajrakila rite in commemoration of a Buddhist miracle, which is intended to remove all bad aspects in Mustang and promote the well-being of all sentient creatures. Thus, sacred dances are presented annually in the Mustang Royal Palace courtyard over three days in the third month of the Tibetan calendar.

About three months in advance, festival preparations begin. On the other hand, you will witness the once-forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang uniting to celebrate this magnificent Buddhist festival whilst on your Tiji festival trip. You’ll be enthralled by the three days of festivities and Mustang’s distinct terrain.

Check out Upper Mustang Trek Package Details

Dates of the Tiji Festival in 2024

Nepal uses a lunar calendar; hence, the dates of religious or traditional celebrations might change based on the moon cycle of that particular year. It is customary to celebrate the event on the 27th, 28th, and 29th day of the third Tibetan month. These are the approximate dates, converted to the Gregorian calendar:

05 May 2024: First Day of the Tiji Festival
06 May 2024: Second day of the Tiji Festival
07 May 2024: Third day of the Tiji Festival

How do get there?

Located in the Gandaki area of western Nepal, Lo Manthang is nestled in the northernmost corner of Mustang.

1. Take a ride on the bus.

Rumbling over the dusty countryside, the glorious Himalayas are always in the background. Currently, there is an even more affordable and enlightening option available: bus transportation to Upper Mustang. Opt for the ease of direct bus travel from Kathmandu to Muktinath, located around 45km south of Lo Manthang, and immerse yourself in the stunning sceneries along the route.

Making the trip in two halves would be far more comfortable.

  • Travel to Pokhara by bus from Kathmandu (approximately 6-7 hours)
  • Jomsom to Pokhara (about 7 hours)
  • Travel through Ghami for around 7-8 hours to get from Jomsom to Lo Manthang.

2. Take a Jeep ride

Hiring a vehicle would be a more comfortable and pleasant way to get to Lo Manthang. There are also public jeeps available, but a little bit busier. Still, it’s among the easiest routes to reach the barren and rocky Upper Mustang.

The jeep trip will take many days to complete. This is a general synopsis of the Jeep trip:

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-7 hrs drive).
Drive from Pokhara to Jomsom  (6-7 hrs drive).
Chuksang to Jomsom  6-hour drive)
Chuksang to Lo Manthang  via Samar and Tsarang (about a 6-hour drive)

Combine the best of both worlds by flying and trekking.

Trek across the parched valleys and discover the captivating enchantment of the Upper Mustang Trek. Take in the expansiveness of the Himalayas, which makes it possible to thoroughly explore Upper Mustang, Nepal’s final Forbidden Kingdom. This is a sample of what to anticipate from these incredible treks:

Flying to Pokhara from Kathmandu  (30-minute flight)
Jomsom to Pokhara flight (approx. 30 min)
Trek for around 4 hours from Jomsom to Kagbeni
Chele to Kagbeni (around a 6-hour trek)
Syanbochen to Chele (about a seven-hour trek)
Syanbochen hikes to Ghami, around six hours.
Ghami to Tsarang (approx. 6-hour trek)
Lo-Manthang to Tsarang (about a 4-hour trek)
Tiji Festival Trek Pacakage Details

Things to be aware of before traveling for the Tiji festival:

Technicalities, delays, and ways to prepare.

Flights to Mustang are known to be often delayed due to topographical and climate-related challenges. Still, it is preferable to take off a bit later than to have an unfavorable outcome. Be careful to pack light food and comfy clothing in case you have to wait longer than you anticipated at the airport.

Discover more about Mustang

The majority of people in Upper Mustang are Thakali and Tibetan in origin. They belong to one of the rare groups of people who practice authentic Tibetan Buddhism. Aside from religious rites, certain antiquated societal rituals are still in place. Specifically, there is the custom of fraternal polyandry, which involves brothers from the same family getting married to the same female. It’s still a widely accepted tradition.

Make a friendship with locals!

The majority of people living in the dry valley speak Nepali, while there are few forgotten dialects. To get to know the people, you may use any of the following greeting expressions:

Namastey: Hello/Greetings
Dhanyabaad: Thank you 
Kasto cha?:  How are you?
Huncha / Hudaina: Yes/no
Mitho cha:  It’s tasty
Vetera khusee laagyo: nice to meet you
maaf garnu hos:  Sorry

Climb to breathtaking altitudes

In your desire to see the festival, don’t rush to get to Lo! At 3,730 meters (12,238 feet) above sea level, Lo Manthang is located in Upper Mustang. If you have never trekked at a high altitude in Nepal, make sure you take the appropriate safety measures. Remember to take your time while you soar! Acclimatize well!

The Hidden Kingdom’s mystery

Founded in 1380 AD, Lo Mathang is regarded as Nepal’s secret kingdom. Lo remained off-limits to tourists until the early 1990s. Replete with the enchantment of Tibetan Buddhism and the mystery of its people, it continues to be one of Nepal’s most exclusive trekking destinations even now. Just about 1,000 individuals are allowed to visit Lo Manthang every year due to the admission permission requirement only being granted to small, planned parties.

The Tiji Festival’s highlights

Walk through white-washed mountain towns and past vibrant Buddhist shrines and temples as you make your way to Mustang Pass in the shadows of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna along the Kali Gandaki River.
After five days of trekking, arrive to Mustang’s renowned walled city, Lo Manthang.
Attend the Tije Festival, a colorful Buddhist event with dance and traditional music, for three days while in Lo Manthang.
Discover other people’s lifestyles.

OUTLINE ITINERARY BY DRIVE/FLIGHT

01 May 2024: Fly or Drive to Pokhara - 30 min / 8 hrs

02 May 2024: 4WD Jeep Drive to Tatopani 1,341m (4,400 feet) – 5 hours

03 May 2024: Jeep Drive to Muktinath to Kagbeni 2,804m (9,199 ft) -5 hours

04 May 2024: Morning drive to ( Tsarang) Charang 3,570 m (11,710 ft) -6.5 hours

05 May 2024: Drive to LOMANTHANG and explore the day-first TIJI Festival. (FESTIVAL BEGINNING) 3,840 m (12,600 ft) -

06 May 2024: Observe and experience a full-day TIJI Festival.

07 May 2024: Day 3rd of TIJI Festival. (officially festival closing ceremony).

08 May 2024: Drive back to Jomsom 2,736 m (8,976 feet) - 5 hours

09 May 2024: Drive back to Pokhara - 7 hours

10 May 2024: Fly / Drive back to Kathmandu - 30 min / 8 hours

Would you want further information about visiting Mustang and attending the Tiji festival? Do contact us via email or WhatsApp for more information. You can also fill up the form below to reach out.

Chat on WhatsApp
Posted on

Everything About Upper Mustang Trek

Everything About Upper Mustang Trek. The Upper Mustang Trek transports you to the enigmatic former kingdom of Mustang, located in northwest Nepal, and its isolated, parched trans-Himalayan scenery. The most famous aspects of this easy-to-moderate trip are its rich history, culture, breathtaking mountain vistas, and dramatic terrain, which is reminiscent of Tibet’s northern border. The enigmatic ancient kingdom of Upper Mustang Trek is located in the isolated, dry trans-Himalayan region. The area became accessible to tourists in 1992. After all these years of isolation, the region acquired a distinct culture and heritage. Discover the Bon religion, which existed before Tibetan Buddhism, and discover a well-preserved Tibetan culture. You’ll cross a bridge decorated with prayer flags and view many gompas and chortens. Geographically and culturally, the Upper Mustang is closer to Tibet. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the parched and arid valley with its vibrant rock formations and take in the numerous caverns and communities perched above the cliffs. Explore the significance of mani walls, stupas, prayer wheels, and chortens in Tibetan Buddhism.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Discover the historic Lo Manthang kingdom.
  • Observe the spires and rocks that resemble parched desert landscapes.
  • Discover the fascinating caverns, historic monasteries, gumbas, and chortens.
  • Learn about the customs and culture of the area, which are centered around Tibetan Buddhism.
  • You may learn more about the ancient Bon religion—which is comparable to Tibetan Buddhism—by visiting Lubra Village.
  • Walk by Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
  • Savor the breathtaking vistas of several towering mountains, including as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.

UPPER MUSTANG RESTRICTED AREA PERMIT

Tucked away in Nepal’s stunning Himalayas lies Upper Mustang, a trekker’s dream come true. It is not possible to explore the restricted area of the Upper Mustang without a permit. The Nepalese government only removed the limitation a few decades ago, enabling outsiders to go and explore the area. But even now, everyone visiting the area must get an Upper Mustang Trekking Permit in order to access it.

The Upper Mustang trekking permit is intended to preserve the area’s peaceful environment and cultural legacy. The permission limitation helps protect the pristine environment by preventing too many people from visiting Upper Mustang’s upper elevations.

Additionally, only the registered tour operator can help you get the permit. Furthermore, you need to go with a certified guide; hiking alone is prohibited in the Upper Mustang region. These stringent laws preserve both the area’s natural beauty and the security of its visitors. No matter the rules, the Upper Mustang journey is well worth the effort. Furthermore, if you have a clear idea of the prerequisites and the process for acquiring a permit in advance, your trip will be hassle-free.

PERMITS REQUIRED FOR UPPER MUSTANG TREK AND COST

The permit cost varies with the season, reaching its maximum at the busiest time of year. It’s crucial to apply for permission in advance because it might take up to a week to process.

  1. RAP (Restricted Area Permit): USD $500 for the first 10 days (An additional $50 for each extra day)
  2. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3000 (Around $25)
  3. TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) Card: $10 for group trekkers and $20 for individual trekkers

While the information provided is up-to-date, it is possible for costs to alter at any time. It is therefore preferable to stay informed about the expenses ahead of time by using your trekking agency.

HOW TO GET TO UPPER MUSTANG?

There are many routes from Kathmandu to the Upper Mustang. You can choose to take an overland tour, fly, walk, or even have a combination of all of these options. In any case, you may choose several modes of transportation based on your preferences, availability of time, and financial constraints. There are three different routes listed here to reach Upper Mustang:

1. Take a Jeep from Pokhara or Kathmandu to Upper Mustang

One option is to go from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Upper Mustang via ground transportation. It is among the quickest and most straightforward options. From the comfort of the four-wheeler, you can see the views of the mountains and plateaus. Individuals with limited time and physical fitness are the ideal candidates for a full trip. The main drawback is that you won’t get to spend much time outside exploring the sandy roads and mingling with the people because you will spend most of the day inside the Jeep.

2. Flight from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom, and Drive to Upper Mustang

Another choice is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom, after which you take a drive to Upper Mustang. It is another expensive yet comfortable alternative. The flights cost more than taking a jeep ride but take a significantly short duration. After reaching Jomsom, the drive to Upper Mustang is pretty comfortable and interesting. It is for all the tourists who have limited time, are heavy in their pockets, and want the utmost comfort and luxury. Moreover, you can get a bird’s eye view of the mountain ranges from all the flights you take.

3. Take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Jomsom, then trek to Upper Mustang

This is the greatest option if you want a quick trip that combines comfort, adventure, and convenience. It will just take thirty minutes to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara, but it will take an additional twenty minutes to get to Jomsom. It implies that you can fly from Kathmandu to Mustang in less than a day. The real adventure starts when you leave Jomsom and head on foot to the historic Lo Manthang. The trek helps you loosen up your muscles, familiarize yourself with the surroundings, take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, and interact with the people to learn about their customs. The experiences and vistas from the trek to the Upper Mustang are not what one experiences from flying. This choice, therefore, is the ideal combination of all the experiences.

UPPER MUSTANG TREK DIFFICULTY

The difficulty level of the Upper Mustang Trek is rated as easy to moderate. At the PA Pass, the highest point you will traverse throughout the trek is 4,210 meters/13,517 feet. In contrast to trekking to Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek, there are fewer occurrences of severe altitude sickness since the maximum altitude is not as high. On trekking days, you will often need to walk for five to six hours. On certain days, you may need to walk for a minimum of three hours and a maximum of nine hours. Because of the snow and thick, warm clothing, the difficulty level is increased, especially if you travel during the winter.

Therefore, the ideal seasons to travel are spring, fall, and monsoon. Because the trekking path is so dry and dusty, use sunglasses to protect your eyes during high gusts. Overall, this is a trek that can be completed by experienced hikers as well as beginners. Before beginning the walk, there is a certain amount of preparation that is required. A month prior to the trek, you might start a regular activity, such as running, swimming, or hiking, to build up your stamina and body. It would also be ideal to abstain from alcohol and smoking both prior to and throughout the walk.

ACCOMMODATION AT UPPER MUSTANG TREK

Upper Mustang is a trek with tea house lodging. Traditionally, they have been constructed with mud and brick and painted predominantly white. These teahouses contain a small number of rooms and are rather cozy. The recently built, multi-story concrete tea houses in Lo Manthang are large enough to shelter several hikers. Typically, the rooms are furnished with two single beds and not much more. For hygienic reasons, it is preferable to use a sleeping bag on top of the pillow and blankets that are given, even if they are not as fluffy and comfortable.

The majority of teahouses use shared restrooms; just a small number have attached bathrooms. The majority feature squat seating. Remember to bring your pocket soap and toilet paper because not all tea shops provide them.

In the tea house, there are also community showers that are not attached. The cost of a hot shower in the Mustang region is about USD 2. The majority of tea houses use solar energy for heating, and some even provide gas showers.

Additionally communal, the eating area seats a huge number of visitors at long tables. The walls are painted in vibrant hues, and there are incense and butter lamps on the tables. Certain tea shops provide their rooms with gas heaters to stay warm.

TIJI FESTIVAL IN UPPER MUSTANG

The intriguing three-day Mustang Tiji Festival is held every year and features Tibetan ceremonies honoring the legend of a son who had to prevent the fall of the Mustang kingdom. Native to Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang, is the celebration. The term “Tiji” is an acronym for the phrase “Tempa Chirim,” which translates to “Prayer for World Peace.” This celebration honors the triumph of Man Tam Ru, a ferocious demon that feeds on humans and causes storms and droughts, over Lord Buddha’s incarnation, Dorjee Sonnu.

Typically, the Tiji celebration occurs in May and lasts three days. During the festivities, the “Choedhe” monastery in Lo Manthang’s monks conduct ceremonial dances. The performances depict the following events: Ma Tam Ru Ta’s harassment (in a dance titled “Tsa Chham” on the first day), Dorjee Sonnu’s birth as the demon’s offspring (on the second day titled “Nga Chham”), and the attempt to bring the demon back to Lord Buddha’s realm (on the third and final day). Tiji is a much-anticipated celebration that consists of prayers for a plentiful crop and commemorates the end of a protracted drought is thought that a demon that caused sickness and drought once afflicted the historic walled kingdom of Lo Manthang. According to mythology, Lo experienced prosperity after the Buddhist god Vajrakila, often referred to as Dorje Jono, slew the demon.

Upper Mustang Lo Manthang hosts the yearly Tiji Festival, which is celebrated as the Mustang Tiji Festival. The three-day Tiji Festival is always held in May, the third month in the Tibetan calendar. The dates of the 2024 Tiji Festival are set for May 5, 6, and 7. It is held at the walled city of Lo Manthang, Mustang, in front of the Tashi Gephel Palace, the residence of the Mustang King. The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek offers the opportunity to observe, participate in, and enjoy this important celebration for the Mustang people.

TIJI FESTIVAL ITINERARY:

29 APR 2024 | Day 01: Drive to Pokhara – Altitude: 823m. Drive: 7-8 hrs drive (200km).

30 APR 2024 | Day 02: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kegbeni – Altitude: 2858m. Trek: 3-4 hrs.

01 MAY 2024 | Day 03: Trek to Chele – Altitude: 3050m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.

02 MAY 2024 | Day 04: Trek to Geling – Altitude: 3570m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.

03 MAY 2024 | Day 05: Trek to Charang – Altitude: 3520m. Trek: 4-5 hrs.

04 MAY 2024 | Day 06: Trek to Lo-Manthang – Altitude: 3700m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.

05 MAY 2024 | Day 07: Observation of Tiji Festival at Lomanthang – Altitude: 3700m.

06 MAY 2024 | Day 08: Observation of Tiji Festival at Lomanthang – Altitude: 3700m.

07 MAY 2024 | Day 09: Observation of Tiji Festival at Lomanthang – Altitude: 3700m.

08 MAY 2024 | Day 10: Trek to Dhakmar via Ghar Gompa [3950] – Altitude: 3820m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.

09 MAY 2024 | Day 11: Trek to Samar – Altitude: 3660m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.

10 MAY 2024 | Day 12: Trek to Chukusang – Altitude: 2980m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.

11 MAY 2024 | Day 13: Trek to Muktinath – Altitude: 3800m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.

12 MAY 2024 | Day 14: Trek to Jomsom – Altitude: 2700m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.

13 MAY 2024 | Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu – Altitude: 1400m. Meal: B

Contact us for more details:

Posted on

Mustang’s Vibrant Festival: Tiji

The Tiji Festival is one of its kind and is an auspicious festival in the Upper Mustang Region of Nepal. The festival is mainly celebrated to celebrate the victory of good triumphing over evil. According to the ancient myth there once lived a demon who spread disease and took away the water. And during that time there lived a deity named Dorje Jono who fought and defeated the demon and since then this festival has been celebrated with prayer chants and colorful dances.

Check out more details on Tiji Festival

The Tiji Festival celebrated in Upper Mustang only started from the 17th century, when the Mustangi King Samdup Rabten invited Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga Sinam to come to Lo Manthang. During his stay at Lo Manthang’s Chhode Monastery he performed the special Vajrakila ritual for the wellbeing of all sentient beings.

Rituals During The Festival

Like any other festival the Tiji Festival of the Upper Mustang region also has certain rituals that need to be followed while celebrating.

During the 1st day of the festival a dance called ‘Tsa Chaam’ is performed which tells a story of the birth of the deity ‘Dorji Sonam’(reincarnation of Buddha) . The dance depicts the fight of good with evil as the enactment of the event is performed in front of the people. 

On the 2nd day another ritual is performed which is called ‘NgaCham’. During the performance of ‘NgaCham’ Dorjee Sonam tries to return the demon to the realm of Buddha.

And lastly on the 3rd and final day of the festival a different dance named ‘Rha Chham’ takes place. During this ceremony Dorjee Sonam triumphs over the evil demon and banishes it from Mustang. The enactment is done by throwing an effigy by the monk who is in the role of Dorjee Sonam. The effigy is made from Tsampa (barley) representing the demon ‘Ma Tam Ru Ta’. By defeating the evil demon this brings peace and prosperity to the land of Mustang. And every year the festival takes place in hope of spreading peace throughout the world.

Tiji Festival Date For The Year 2020

For the year 2020 the Tiji Festival will be celebrated from 19th May to 21st May. One can experience the colorful festival along with strolling through the stunning and beautiful surroundings of Upper Mustang.

Check out the itinerary for Tiji Festival 2020
Exit mobile version