Swagat Holiday Treks & Expeditions Pvt Ltd.
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Tiji Festival Mustang - 18 Days

Trip Introduction


The Tiji festival is also known as the Tenchi festival and is an abbreviation of the word “Tempa Chirim” which means “Prayer for world peace”. Tiji festival mustang is well known as “The chasing of the demons” clusters on the Tiji myth. Tiji explains the story of a deity named Dorje Jono who must battle against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction.
Tiji festival is a purification ritual that takes place at the beginning of every harvest season. It is the most popular festival in Upper Mustang and is celebrated each year for three days in the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar. The monks and Lama’s of Lo Manthang’s monastery perform ritual dances and celebrations wearing various kinds of masks and ancient traditional costumes. The indigenous people also wear traditional clothing and jewelry. In Lo Manthang, horse race being held or you can just wander through the alleyways of the ancient city. The Tiji festival at Upper Mustang is an impressive reflection of the inspiring and vibrant Buddhist culture of the local region.
On the 1st day, the monks perform a dance called “Tsa Chaam”, this tells the story of the birth of “Dorjee Sonam”- a reincarnated Buddha to a demon. This demon harassed the kingdom of Mustang and brought in havoc to the country. You can witness the monks enacting the harassment of the said demon on the people of Mustang.
On the 2nd day, the monks perform “Nga Chaam”, during this performance, Dorjee Sonam tries to return the demon to the Buddha realm.
On the 3rd and final day of the festival, the “Rha Chaam”, the dance takes place. On this ceremony, Dorjee Sonam triumphs over the evil demon and banishes him from Mustang. The monk who plays the role of Dorjee Sonam does this by throwing an effigy. This effigy made from Tsampa (barely) represents the demon “Ma Tam Ru Ta”. This defeat brings peace and prosperity to the land of Mustang. Every year Tiji festival takes place in the hope of spreading peace throughout the world.
Upper Mustang trail follows the ancient salt caravan route through which the people of Mustang traded Tibetan salt for grain from the lowlands. The goal of the Upper Mustang Trek is the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. From the pass Lo La (3950m) you can see the walled medieval capital in the distance, the white-washed 6-meter tall wall sticking out in sharp contrast to the barren landscape.
 


Group Size : Minimum 02 Pax Max - altitude : 3850m
Destination : Destiny Country Fitness level : Adventure
Arrival : Kathmandu Departure from : Kathmandu
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner whole trekking
Accomodation : Double/Twin Sharing in Hot el/Lodge
Day 01: arrive at Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) and transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Pre-Trip meeting in the morning and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (820m/2690ft), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2743m) & trek to Kagbeni, Duration: fly 20 minutes and 4 Hrs Trek
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni – Chhusang – Chele (3060m), Duration: 6 Hrs
Day 06: Trek from Chele – Samar- Chhunsi/Chungsi Cave- Ghiling village (3555m/11660ft), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
Day 07: Trek from Ghilling to Tsarang/Charang (3620m/11875ft), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
Day 08: Trek from Tsarang-Ghar Gompa - Chogo La - Lo Manthang (3850m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 09: Explore cave and monasteries around Lo Manthang and observe Tiji Festival in the afternoon on the first day
Day 10: Second day of Tiji Festival
Day 11: Third and last day of Tiji Festival
Day 12: Trek from Lo Manthang to Ghami (3460m/11352ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 13: Trek from Ghami to Samar (3520m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 14: Trek from Samar to Kagbeni (2858m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 15: Kagbeni to Jomsom (2700m), Duration: 3 Hrs
Day 16: Fly from Jomsom – Pokhara (860m), Duration: 20 minutes
Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
Day 18: Final departure to back home

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences. For more information please contact us at [email protected]

 


Day 01: arrive at Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) and transfer to Hotel
 You will arrive in Nepal at Tribhuvan International, Kathmandu. Tribhuwan International Airport is the only airport in Nepal. You can meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition outside the airport terminal. A signboard that “Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition” will help you find these representatives easily. You can check into your hotel with them. You have a couple of options as to how you spend your day/evening. Either you can relax in the hotel or you can go for exploring small towns likes Thamel on your own.
Includes: Bed & Breakfast
                                                                                                                  
Day 02: Pre-Trip meeting in the morning and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
You will meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition in the morning and discuss your Salleri (Phaplu) Everest Base Camp Trek. In this pre-Trip meeting, you will have plenty of information about the weather, difficulty, etc. during the trip. You can meet your guide and meet the various members of your trip.
You will get for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley after the briefing. The many UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu make it a beautiful place for an excellent sightseeing tour.
Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple lies on the bank of the Bagmati River, is one of the holiest sites in Kathmandu. It is the biggest Hindu temple in the world. The main temple is two-storeyed. It also has smaller monuments as well as places for pilgrimage surrounding it.
Baudhanath and Swayambhunath
Baudhanath and Swayambhunath are the most famous Buddhist temples you will go to on this trip. The feel of the Buddhist culture as well as the peaceful setting of these two monasteries is made for a wonderful visit to these places.
You will also get to two Durbar Squares- Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Square- during this trip. Historical temples like Krishna Mandir, Hanuman Dhoka, museums, and other smaller temples make these two squares some of the most delightful in this trip. You can see the perfect representations of the medieval architecture of Nepal in these two squares.
Includes: Bed & Breakfast
 
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (820m/2690ft), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
After breakfast, we will take a bus to Pokhara on Nepal’s main busy, scenic highway, an interesting overland journey on the Himalayan foothill. On reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels by the serene Phewa Lake where most of the good tourist standard hotels and restaurants located. For flying option scenic flight of 35 minutes on reaching Pokhara airport, our staff will transfer you to respective hotels by the Phewa Lake with a free afternoon. We will visit some prime spots in the lake city after refreshing at our hotel we will do a tour of some beautiful places in Pokhara that include David’s fall (if we reach early by road), and the Phewa lake, etc. we then do an overnight at our hotel by the lake in the lovely “city of Lakes”.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2743m) & trek to Kagbeni, Duration: fly 20 minutes and 4 Hrs Trek
A 20 minutes small plane presents a stunning mountain view of the Annapurna mountain range and Dhaulagiri. A thrilling flight landing at Jomsom airport, the airport is nestled on Mustang valley. Also can reach Kagbeni by day drive from Pokhara and it will be 10 hours shaky Kagbeni by day drive from Pokhara and it will be 10 hours shaky drive including paved and off-road drive and passes villages, waterfall, hot spring, and boulder gorge. After breakfast, we will tied-your shoes less than approximately 4 hours trekking on the wide barren valley with passes few villages to Kagbeni villages. During your ramble, the trail also provides a stunning view of the Nilgiri range; upon arriving at Kagbeni get a magnificent view of Thorong Peak. The oldest village has Tibetan cultural flavor and also have beautiful Gompa on Shore of Kali Gandaki River. In April can see thousands of Hindus doing a ritual on confluence Glacier River. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Kagbeni.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni – Chhusang – Chele (3060m), Duration: 6 Hrs
After breakfast, our trail continues entering to Upper Mustang region with checking Upper Mustang restricted trekking permit. The landscapes are such amazing in the eroded valley also passes red and white painted Chhortens west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. A little uphill brings us tiny Tangbe village then follow the level trail a side of a river to Chhusang and visit tiger cave above the village in a lunch break. A short distance walk let us cross a river and see the amazing sight of 16 lineup cave above the trail were impossible to reach without proper climbing. Around 20/25 minutes steep climbing up to brings us another beautiful village of Upper Mustang, Chele. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Chele.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 06: Trek from Chele – Samar- Chhunsi/Chungsi Cave- Ghiling village (3555m/11660ft), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
A trek from Chele to Syangboche is relatively harder than yesterday, most of the day ascending upon the infertile ridge with stunning views of Yaskawa Kang, Thorong Peak, and mount Nilgiri, after breakfast, we will start our trail. Upon crossing the small summit, Dajori La and short descend to Samar village. From Samar village, we follow narrow pebbles trail including up and down to Rangjung Drakpuk (Chungsi Cave) monastery believed to be found in 8 century and Padmasambhava had done meditation for a long time. After a witness to see a hidden cave on the cliff, the gentle up trail on the shrubs reaches Syangboche village. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Ghiling village.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 07: Trek from Ghilling to Tsarang/Charang (3620m/11875ft), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
The trek begins after hot breakfast in the morning a short climb takes us to the ridge; it offers stunning Mountain View of Nilgiri, Tilichi Peak, Brikuti, Khamjungar, and Thorong peak. Our journey begins and hiking down to Ghami Khola, then trail passes the longest Mani wall of Nepal also passes huge trio Chortens on foot of Dhakmar red cliff. Trek continued to Dhakmar with enjoying the dramatic spectacle of the red-walled cliff. Also, see closed scenery of eroded hill above the Dhakmar village. The trail beyond Dhakmar village is steady-up on the stony route to Muila Bhanjyang (4172m), then follow flatter path to Ghar Gompa, oldest Gompa of Upper Mustang which was established in the 8th century while Guru Rinpoche heading to Tibet. Few red color Chortens and colorful Tibetan flags around the Ghar Gompa make the scenery stunning with far distance snowcapped mountains. We walk to Tsarang village on the level trail. It is the large village and surrounded by the large apple farm as well as distinct high altitude grain. Also, the north side of the village has Tsarang palace and a monastery as well as a couple of multiple colored fortresses. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Tsarang village.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
 
Day 08: Trek from Tsarang-Ghar Gompa - Chogo La - Lo Manthang (3850m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
After breakfast we will start our brand new day, heading north to Chogo La pass. We are hiking on the trekking route with skipping jeep road. The upper route offers a good view of the landscapes, mountains, and massif canyon; from the pass descending on the downhill to wall city which is also the capital of Upper Mustang. The old city is occupied by several monasteries, Stupas and Buddhist sites. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Lo Manthang village.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 09: Explore cave and monasteries around Lo Manthang and observe Tiji Festival in the afternoon on the first day
Today is the first day of the festival. We will explore around Lo Manthang village, and there are several monasteries and cave nearby lob has residence by walking. After breakfast follows Chhoser village route north of Lo Manthang side of a fresh stream and throughout the villages Nenyul, Arka, Ghom, Garphu then little ascend up to 5 story Garphu cave, Nyphu Gumba (half cave and half monastery), Yachebu monastery and Namgyal monastery.
The Tiji festival starts from 2-6 pm. You will get a chance to observe every activity during the festival. Early in the afternoon, horns resounded, announcing the two twelve-foot copper dances, with their elephantine blurting, followed by two double reeled horns, all accompanied by drum and cymbals.
Next, an ancient and enormous Thanka three stories high was unrolled down the entire south wall of the square. The Thanks portrayed Padma Sambhava or (Guru Rimpoche) who brought this ceremony to Tibet in the 8th century.
Late afternoon, in high wind and blowing dust, eleven lamas in maroon and gold, wearing high red hats, came from the palace and take their places along the wall beneath the Thanka, with Tashi Tenzing on the elevated seat just in the center. The masked dancers start the portrayal of the Tiji myth then Dorje Jono repels the demon through the power of his magical dancing. When the end of the dance, Dorje Jono kills the demon, after which his people are relieved of their plague of misfortunes, water becomes plentiful once more, and the balance and harmony of existence are restored. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Lo Manthang.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 10: Second day of Tiji Festival
On the second day of Tiji, we will see Tibetan women in their traditional dress and colorful jewelry, monks in their robes, and dancers in elaborate costumes. The King of Mustang “wears a whole crown of tiny river pearls set off by dozens of large red coralline tones interspersed with matched ornaments of turquoise. The costumes and masks, the twelve-foot horns, the gold cups of wheat, the butter cakes, the snow peaks and wind and dust and sun, the methi, snow leopard, snow pigeons, Saligrams, the dying glacier and the desert ruins, the drunk and rajas and foreigners the dogs and yaks.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 11: Third and last day of Tiji Festival
On the third day of Tiji ends with the ceremonial destruction of the evil remains, represented by some long black yak hair and red Torma (Special cake minced to a dark red gurry). The demons red remnants are set out on an old tiger skin, whereupon they are attacked by bow and arrow, slings, and the old guns. The poor devil’s remains are overturned upon the ground, each time to a wild cannonade from the old muzzle-loaders and a wave of cheers and smoke.
Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition has been regularly organizing Tiji Festival Trek in Mustang in the ancient forbidden kingdom of Nepal, the Mustang district located behind the mountains.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
 
Day 12: Trek from Lo Manthang to Ghami (3460m/11352ft), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
There is an opportunity to vary the return route, visiting the village that you did not see on the trek northwards. From Lo Manthang the trail to Charang heads south to reach Lo Gear, turn east along an indistinct trail that passes the irrigated fields of the city. The trail to Lo Gear is not the main trading route and the area is crisscrossed with herder’s trails. The trail climbs steadily to a passing marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo Manthang. After descending to the valley floor, the route heads to the right up the center of the valley to its head. Cross the bridge at 4070m and traverse across the heads of two more
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
 
Day 13: Trek from Ghami to Samar (3520m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
On the following day, you will proceed to Samar crossing all through crop fields and plateau. Though you might feel the trekking as not so pleasant once you turn up at Samar you will feel good as Samar is a delightful village with the presence of terrace and Tibetan style of culture and tradition. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Samar.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 14: Trek from Samar to Kagbeni (2858m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Leave-taking from Samar you will head to Kagbeni strolling for 6 to 7 hours. Moving through the bank of Kali Gandaki River and observing natural vegetation you will spend the night. Kagbeni is a differently beautiful place and is admired by the trekkers. Here, you can visit Kagbeni village along with an ancient village too. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Kagbeni.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 15: Kagbeni to Jomsom (2700m), Duration: 3 Hrs
From Kagbeni you will trek to Jomsom a beautiful destination admired by all trekkers. Completing the upper Mustang trail you will link to Annapurna circuit Trek. Enjoying lunch at Kagbeni you will set into Jomsom if you can manage one more day we will make you visit Muktinath but seeing your time schedule we do not have included here.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
  
Day 16: Fly from Jomsom – Pokhara (860m), Duration: 20 minutes
Early morning 10 minutes trekking to Jomsom airport than 20 minutes mountain flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, you will be transferred to your respected hotel in Lakeside. We always put our effort to reserve your seat on the first flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, because due to the weather forecast the flight may delay or cancel a day. If the scheduled flight cancels then reschedule the next day. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Pokhara.
Included: Bed &Breakfast
 
Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
After wake up early morning at 7:30 am we will take the standard tourist bus; departure daily from near to Lakeside Pokhara and 7-8 hours’ drive on Prithivi highway. The distance between Pokhara to Kathmandu is only 205 km but it requires a complete day drive because of the small and Jig-jag road as well as the traffic on the road.
The buses stopping along the high way for breakfast, lunch, and toilet, and it is a scenic drive. Although it is a long drive but definitely enjoyable and fun trip as well. Except for the tourist bus the public buses and micro-buses departure 5 hours to 16 hours from Prithivi Chowk Pokhara. We will stay overnight in a hotel at Kathmandu.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 18: Final departure to back home
The fascinating adventure and cultural exploration Upper Mustang Trek end here by today. We hope you had a memorial and fantastic adventure with us in the Himalayas. As per your international flight scheduled you will be transferred to Kathmandu international airport 4 hours before the flight time.
Before leaving for the airport, you need to confirm that you have secured tour air ticket as well as other travel-related documents. We wish you have a wonderful departure back home. We can also arrange for another trip to Nepal in case you want to.
Included: Bed & Breakfast

 


COST INCLUDE
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle. (for both international and domestic flights).
  • Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show.
  • 2 Night standard twin-sharing accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
  • Three meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking.
  • A Highly experienced, Helpful, Knowledgeable, friendly, well-trained Government license holding English-speaking trekking guide.
  • We provide an assistant guide for walking with the group to support where necessary as per group size.
  • National Park entrance fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card).
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
  • Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.
  • Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
  • All applicable government taxes, vat, tourist service charges as per Itinerary.
 COST EXCLUDE
  • Your Nepal Visa Fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
  • All the International airfare to and from Kathmandu ( no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
  • Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu
  • Personal travel and Health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation
  • In case of extra night’s accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in the city due to early arrival or departure as well as early back/return from Mountain/Trekking(due to any reason) than the given time period of Itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.
  • Your personal expenses such as (soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, bar bills, Extra porter, etc.)
  • Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation.
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation.
  • Tips of the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation.
     # Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.
 

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Important Note:

Your safety is our paramount concern while traveling with Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition. In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. for rescue. The charge must be paid by the client or their travel insurance company.
 Please note that your leader/guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

 


Equipment and Gears
  • Duffle Bag\Rucksack Bag\ Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Swagat Holiday Duffle Bag that is to be returned after the trip)
  • One pair of a walking stick
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Sports shoes or sandals
  • Sun Hat/Cap
  • Basic Medical Kits
  • Head Lamp
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Trekking towels
  • Sunglasses (UV Protection)
  • Warm Hand gloves ( Inner & Outer)
  • Warm woolen cap
  • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
  • Pullover or warm sweeter
  • Raincoat
  • 5/6 pairs of good quality socks
  • 2\3 pairs of trekking trousers
  • 3\4 pairs of trekking shirts
  • 5\6 pairs of underwear( non-cotton preferred)
  • Water bottle
  • Good quality Sleeping Bag
  • Camera and Batteries

Trip Location Map


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