Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal. After completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggage, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Our representative will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We recommend that you schedule your arrival in Kathmandu in the morning or during the day. This will give you enough time to relax and recover from jet lag before starting your adventure. There will be a trip briefing later at 5:00 pm. And it will be done by your lead guide, covering all the important aspects of the trip. If you have any doubts, check your equipment and visited to Thamel, the main tourist hub. Spend the night in Kathmandu.

Maximum Elevation: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)

The company will make all arrangements for the trek and get your trekking permits as you would be traveling to the restricted area of Upper Mustang. Then in the afternoon, leave for Pokhara, also known as The Lake City owing to the large number of lakes in the city. Upon your arrival in Pokhara, you are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft), Manaslu (8,156m/26,759ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993m/22,943ft), the five peaks of Annapurna and others. You, then check-in to your hotel and take a rest. Or you enjoy boating in the Fewa Lake and stroll in the city’s quaint streets. Overnight in Pokhara.

Flight: 25 minutes
Maximum Elevation: 827m/2,713ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Mount View Pokhara)
Meals: Breakfast

After touchdown at Jomsom, you hit the trail to the Kaligandaki plains. The road diverts to the right bank of the river plain, and your hike is pretty easy going with a few ups and downs. Most of the way to Ekali Bhatti (Lonely Inn), there are three or four tea houses. It used to be the only teahouse in the area when it got its namesake, ‘Ekali–Bhatti’. From here, the path splits two ways; the higher route leads to Muktinath, and the other route takes you to the upper Mustang and Tibet via Kagbeni. Your trail heads past Eklai-bhatti towards the Northwest. The walking gets much easier on a gradually winding route as the road widens. You walk further on the riverbed towards the windswept village of Kagbeni for the overnight. The famous film ‘Caravan’ was shot in this area some years ago.

Flight: 23 min - Hiking: 3-4 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 2,810m/9,220ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your day pans out with a special Restricted Area Permit checkup, and you proceed from here on to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. You come across scenic, quaint places to stop through the sandy and windy trails during the walk. This trail fluctuates up and downhill. You first reach Tangbe village, which has narrow alleys amongst whitewashed houses and fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchards. From there, your trek forward to Chhusang and, after crossing the river, head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. You head on to small ridges before you reach the village of Chele and your teahouse lodge for the night.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 3,050m/10,007ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, your climb to Taklam La Pass at 3,624m through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, and Damodar Danda. You will descend a little to the village of Samar. Then, climb the trail above Samar village to the ridge, which descends steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs of continuous hiking brings you to Syangboche. On the way, you relax along the cool streams and juniper trees. Locals hereabouts use the dried leaves of junipers as incense to invite deities and start any auspicious work. you also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave. After exploring the cave, you return to your lodge for the night.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 3,475m/11,401ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today’s journey is more or less a descent with a few short climbs all the way to Ghami. Once outside the walled Lo Manthang village town, the path leads to a steady climb to a pass that offers the last glimpse of Lo Manthang. The walk from here onwards is gradual on downhill slopes, most of the way to the village of Ghami. It is another important village in this once-upon-a-time thriving region. You get set for the night in your teahouse lodge.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 3,520m/11,549ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From Ghami, the route climbs slowly through fields up the valley’s center, passing below the Tama Gung settlements. Your hike continues across the head of the valley to the Nyi La pass at 3,950m, the trek’s highest point. The pass itself happens to be the southern boundary of Lo. From here, a gradual descent for half an hour brings you to a junction; the right path leads directly to Tsarang, while the left goes to Ghami village, one of the main areas of the Lo region you passed through previously. Your route drops below the blue, grey, and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the Tangmarchu River. The path then climbs past the long and magnificent stretch of a Mani wall, probably the longest one in Nepal. From hereabouts, the final climb of the day brings you to a 3,600m pass; after the last pass, a gentle descent leads to your overnight halt at Tsarang, an interesting village with a maze of fields, willow trees, and a huge five-story white Dzong with a red gompa perched on the edge of the Kali Gandaki gorge. Tsarang has its own electricity system. This is an interesting area to spend the night.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 3,560m/11,677ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This is an interesting day because your trek to Lo-Manthang, which offers superb views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti Peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further, it ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from which you can see the Lo-Manthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Manthang, views of the walled city and its hills on the Tibetan border appear outstanding. Moreover; Today is the first day of the Tiji Festival too. There is going to be a huge celebration in Lo-Manthang. The festival starts with unrolling a three-storied Thanka painted with images of Padma Sambhava or Guru Rimpoche. You spend the day by observing the local dances and celebrations. The people are going to be there in their traditional dresses. You will see the women in traditional jewelry, Buddhist monks in robes and experience a completely different cultural atmosphere. A masked dance starts showcasing the mythical stories of Tiji festival. As the dance ends, Dorje Jono, an incarnation of Lord Buddha, kills the demon and relives the plague and brings harmony to the region. You'll stay at a hotel in this ancient capital for your overnight stop.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 3,810m/12,497ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On the second day of the festival, you enjoy the dances of the Tibetan Lamas. The purpose of this dance is to chase away the hunger and evil spirits in the region. A combination of costumes, masks, 12-foot horns, butter cakes, yaks, pigeons, dogs, and several other native aspects makes this festival a treat to watch. You'll stay at a hotel in this ancient capital for your overnight stop.

Maximum Elevation: 3,810m/12,497ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today is the final day of the Tiji festival. You walk to Namgyal Gompa; a monastery on the top of the hill. It is an important place as it also serves as the court for the local community. In the evening, you return back to the village for the festival. The evil remains of the demons are destroyed on the final day. The demons are set out on the old tiger skin and are attacked by bow and arrows, old guns, and catapult. You'll stay at a hotel in this ancient capital for your overnight stop.

Maximum Elevation: 3,810m/12,497ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

While returning from Lo-Manthang, you head down a dissimilar route to the one you came by. Your trek to Dhakmar via Gyakar, with more than 1200 years of Ghar Gompa and Guru Rinpoche as its central figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to a mythical legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa will have their wishes fulfilled. You explored the local area with the likelihood of dustd wind, so you should hike in the morning.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 3,820m12,530ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, after a long walk, you head back to Geiling for your overnight stay, which takes about 5-6 hours. After arrival, you enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the day exploring the area. However, you reckon it will be dusty and windy in the afternoon, so walking in the evening is better. You will make an overnight stop at the village of Geiling.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 3,570m/11,710ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From Geiling onwards, it will be one of the most pleasant walks as you will lose altitude daily. The trek follows an easy descent towards the Kaligandaki River Valley, passing through the old villages. Overnight at Chuksang.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 2,980m/9,775ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On reaching the riverbed at Ekale-Bhatti, you reach a small settlement with about 3-4 teahouses, where you can take a breather for some time. From here onwards, it can get very windy in the afternoon, as your walk follows a gentle trail for another two hours till the large town of Jomsom is reached for your overnight accommodation. Jomsom, a large village town, is the Mustang region’s headquarters, with a small airstrip just above the river Kaligandaki. Here, you will have sufficient time to celebrate with local apple products like cider, brandy, and pure apple juice. From Kagbeni to Larjung, this area is famous for its delicious apples and by-products. A few swigs of apple brandy could set your moods on a high after a wonderful, memorable trip you had just completed.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 2,720m/8,922ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today after breakfast, you will check in at the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This dramatic 23-minute flight between the gorge of the two huge mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is a nervy, tingling experience you will enjoy. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, your guide will transfer you to the lakeside hotel. You will spend the rest of your time exploring the lake and then spend the night at your hotel by the lake.

Flight: 23 min
Maximum Elevation: 827m/2,713ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Mount View Pokhara)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you say goodbye to the beautiful northern skyline of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. This will be a journey along river banks with wonderful views of terraced hills and the rural Nepalese lifestyle. Kathmandu is 200 km from Pokhara. The Prithvi Highway links Pokhara with Kathmandu. It takes 6 hours to reach Kathmandu from by bus. You will be transferred to the hotel, where you will have a pleasant stay and to celebrate the successful completion of your journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Stay night at Kathmandu.

Driving: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Elevation: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Vajra)
Meals: Breakfast

Thank you for joining us on this trek. Your journey in comes to an end today! A AlpineTrav Treks representative will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way to home, you have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

Meals: Breakfast