Mustang Tiji Festival Tour – 13 Days

Mustang Tiji Festival Tour takes you to one of the most isolated regions of the country. An opportunity to explore the realm lost to the world, except to the monks and the gods. The Tiji festival brings you to the back roads of Nepal’s Inner Himalayan region, nestled between the Border Himalaya to the south and greater Himalayan towards the north. Also, known as the high mountain valley a semi-deserted region of Nepal.

The unique culture, lifestyle, traditions, and great hospitality of people shows you the different face of Nepal, discovering unique landscapes, climate conditions, and stories along the trail capturing your imagination. The trail traverse through High Mountain passes with views of mighty snowcapped Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Bhrikuti, and Annapurna, ancient caves of primeval settlers and settlements lost in time. Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is an unbelievable and unique mixture of cultural adventure.

Trek Overview

This tour of Mustang Tiji Festival is the most auspicious festival in the Upper Mustang at the foothills of the Himalayas, vast territory and very few inhabitants, the people living in this region are very respectful of the world around them, and has invented ways to protect nature with wisdom and harmony.

Dorje Jono, also known as Dorje Phurba, Vajrakila, and Vajrakumar is a deity in Vajrayana Buddhism, and many practitioners and masters spared this practice to Tibet during the 8th century C.E. Historically, Padmasambhava, Vimalamitra, and Shilamnju were some of the masters who played a pivotal role in spreading the practices into the northern part of Nepal and Tibet. Consequently, Samye Monastery in Tibet and Chhode Monastery at Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang are famous for their performance of Vajrakila practice and ritual.

Starting of our Trek

In the 17th century, King Samdup Rabten of Upper Mustang initiated the Tiji Festival. Subsequently, he invited Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga Sinam, and together they implemented a special Vajrakila ritual. The purpose of this ritual, performed by practitioners, was to ensure the wellbeing of all sentient beings. Ultimately, they aimed to dispel any negative elements in Mustang. Since then, the monks of Chhode Monastery have been performing these religious practices every year, over three days in the Mustang Royal Palace courtyard. The Tibetan performance was originally held at the end of the twelfth month of their calendar. However, nowadays, they have moved it to the third month (May).

Tiji festival 2023 will be celebrated from 16th 2023 to 18th May 2023:

In the Upper Mustang of Nepal, the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek immerses you in the chronicles of traditional dance and rituals performed by the monks. This vibrant celebration, which aims to spread world peace, takes place annually from the 27th to the 29th of May.

The ancient walled capital of Lo Manthang hosts this annual 3-day Tiji Festival in the courtyards of the Royal Palace in the presence of local inhabitants, monks, tourists, and the Royal family. In a world where culture and tradition are vanishing so quickly, here you’ll experience a community of rare beauty and great strength.

The traditional dances narrate mythological folklore of how Dorjee Sonam, got victory over a demon who brought destruction to Mustang. Tiji Festival takes place at the start of every harvest season, as a purification ritual. The word Tiji originates from the word “Ten Che” which means “hope of Buddhism prevailing in the world for peace” and celebrates the triumph of God over the demon.

Fees and Permits:

Foreigners need to obtain a special permit to enter this region. Mustang is one of the restricted regions in Nepal and can be entered with a permit only.

Permits and entry fees for Tiji Festival Trek:

To attend the Tiji Festival, you must obtain two permits.

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP).

The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 per person per day after that.

For outsiders, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) costs USD 30 per person, while SAARC nationals pay USD 10.

You won’t have to worry about permissions as Alpine Club of Himalaya will handle them.

How is the Festival Celebrated?

The Chode Monastery monks, dressed in their vibrant ceremonial attire, perform a traditional dance known as Tsa Chham on the first day of the festival. This dance is a narrative of good versus evil. More specifically, the performance depicts Buddha’s reincarnation as Dorjee Sonam triumphing against an evil demon who wreaked havoc in Mustang. Clad in elaborate headgear and a variety of costumes, the performers bring the story to life. Meanwhile, they display massive works of art on Thangka portraying spiritual leader Guru Rimpoche adorning the walls of Mustang’s Royal Palace.

In the Upper Mustang of Nepal, the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek immerses you in the chronicles of traditional dance and rituals performed by the monks. This vibrant celebration, which aims to spread world peace, takes place annually from the 27th to the 29th of May.

Building towards a powerful climax on the third day, the performance will then conclude by portraying Dorjee Sonam casting the demon out of Mustang through the Rha Chham dance.

Travel Insurance:

First and foremost, all clients engaging in any activity must have smart travel insurance or emergency evacuation insurance. In addition, the Alpine Club of Himalaya highly suggests you obtain a comprehensive insurance plan from a reliable insurance firm. This plan should ideally cover emergency evacuation insurance in high altitudes, personal injury, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other misfortune.

Passport and Visa:

The Nepalese embassy in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu must issue each client a valid visa with a six-month validity from the date of return.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you’ll be provided with various Nepali, Tibetan ethnic cuisines and varieties of continental as well as western meals. The trail winds past a variety of tea-houses, run by local inhabitants. These establishments range from basic and minimal to luxurious, offering a chance to savor a wider selection of cuisines than you’ll find on most Nepali trekking trails.

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. The trekking trail provides easy access to natural water sources from drinking water taps. But since this is untreated water, it’s not recommended to drink it directly. Instead, you can refill your bottles with boiling water or cold filtered water at any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are readily available on trekking trails, providing a range of options from basic facilities to luxurious grandeur. In fact, the trail offers a variety of accommodations, from the comfort of luxurious hotels to the charm of cozy teahouses, catering to all budgets. We will ensure your comfort by preparing comfortable beds with plump pillows for you to sink into. Additionally, electric blankets will be waiting to envelop you in warmth, and refreshing hot and cold showers will be at your disposal to invigorate you. Stay connected with the outside world with free Wi-Fi, and don’t forget to explore the additional amenities these places have to offer.

Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets.

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.