High Asia Tours
 
Chasing the Demons in Mustang
  Mustang Tiji Festival Tour 2008
Image of Chasing the Demons in Mustang
Route
Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom-Chele-Charang-Lo Manthang-Ghami-Gekar-Kagbeni-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu
The small kingdom of Mustang, closed to westerners until 1992, is an enchanting land of windswept vistas, red walled monasteries, and feudal towns. Geographically and culturally more a part of Tibet than Nepal, Mustang contains a wild landscape of eroded cliffs and hidden caves. 

Lo Manathang—the fortified capital city and home to the king of Mustang—is a 5 days trek from Jomsom. Indeed, the trek to Lo Manthang is through an almost treeless barren landscape, along a steeply undulating rocky trail, from which there are panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and a range of other soaring peaks.
We will explore the city and visit outlying villages to the north of the capital—all of this through a landscape of indescribable vastness and beauty; and home to the infamous Snow Leopard, the endangered Bharal (Blue Sheep), and the mythical Mehti (Abominable Snowman).  Rimmed by 20,000+ snowcapped peaks and bathed in hues of orange and red rocks with sporadic fields of vibrant green, yellow and red of barley, maize, and buckwheat, Mustang is a step back to a simpler time. During our visit, we’ll take a chance in meeting the king, a simple and friendly personality.
We will also attend the famous Tiji Festival of Mustang which is a three-day ritual known as "The chasing of the Demons”. Tiji is a myth that tells the story of a deity named Dorje Jono who battles against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang. The demon father wreaks havoc on Mustang by creating a water shortage which, in this extremely arid land, is the most precious life-sustaining resource. Dorje Jono eventually defeats the demon and banishes him from the land. 
Throughout the festival the events and story of the myth are re-enacted. The festival is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring) and ushers in the wetter monsoon season. Tiji comes from the words "ten che" meaning "the hope of Buddha Dharma prevailing in all worlds" and is a spring renewal festival that also celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Our return is via the rarely visited eastern side of Mustang and the ancient Gompa at Luri. Hidden canyons and stairways lead to the Gompa, which contain unique wall paintings.
Scenically unlike any other area in Nepal, a trek into the hidden Kingdom of Mustang is a uniquely rewarding experience.
 

   Itinerary
 
 

May 22: Arrive Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu, meet our representative and transfer to hotel.

May 23: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley.
Explore the Durbar Squares, Hindu Temples, Buddhist Monasteries, arts and architectures of Kathmandu Valley.

May 24: Drive to Pokhara.
Drive 6 hrs or take 30 minutes optional mountain flight to Pokhara-the capital of nature. Afternoon, visit the local sights.

May 25 Flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2900m/9,512 ft)
It's another short flight (25 minutes) from Pokhara to Jomsom, which otherwise is a 7-8 days strenuous trekking. The air route follows the the World's deepest gorge- Kali Gandaki Gorge between Annapurna I (8,091m) and Ddhaulagiri (8,167m) mountains. Upon arrival, collect the gears and supplies and trek 3 hours to Kagbeni alongside the Kaligandaki River.

May 26: Kagbeni to Chele (3030m/9,938ft, 7 hrs)
Leaving town ascend little Chroten with dusty path. Up and down along side of Kaligandaki arrive Tangbe for lunch than still same kind of path cross the Chusang River and cross the bridge on Kaligandaki. Little climb to Chele with good views of walls with red color.

May 27-28: Chele to Charang (3,650m/11, 972 ft)
its two days trekking to Charang, with 7 hrs daily walk. This day stay with several passes and good views of mountain and colorful landscape, which is water, washed walls. Alpine meadows with animals Chortens, Mani walls and little bhatties .

May 29: To Lo Manthang (3,760m/12,338 ft, 4 hrs)
Lo-manthang-the capital of Mustang is situated in the elevation of 3,760m/12,338 ft and is accessible by 4 hrs hiking from Charang. This is the chief destination of our trek. This fortified town is believed to be 600 years old. The wall around the town is believed to protect the town and its dwellers from the evil spirits. Explore the mysterious capital of the lost Kingdom.

May 30-June 02: Explore Lo-Manthang and Attend the Tiji Festival
-the capital of Mustang is situated in the elevation of 3,760m/12,338 ft and is chief destination of our trek. This fortified town is believed to be 600 years old. The wall around the town is believed to protect the town and its dwellers from the evil spirits. Explore the mysterious capital of the lost Kingdom and attend the Tiji Festival.

June 03: To Ghami via Gekar
This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lomanthang. Crossing a ridge at 4,070m, the trail then bumpily to Gekar. Lo Gekar Gompa is one of the oldest Gompas of Nepal and older than the famed Samye Gompa of Tibet.

Jun 04: To Samar
Today we back track the route we took heading north to Lo Manthang, but we will camp in the quaint town of Samar. 6.5 hours..

Jun 05: To Kagbeni
Again retrace our steps to Kagbeni, where we will leave the restricted area of Mustang. 6 hours.

Jun 06: To Jomsom
A short walk to Jomsom on this day. Time to relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs. 1.5 hours.

Jun 07: Flight to Pokhara to Kathmandu
Get on board for flight to Pokhara and connect to Kathmandu. This is a mountain flight and subject to weather condition.

Jun 08-09: Two reserve days, in case you are not lucky with the weather for Jomsom/Pokhara flight. If weather favors and you could fly as planned, you can utilize these reserve days on optional sightseeing or visit to Chitwan National Park.

Jun 10: Depart

Transfer to airport for your international flight back home.

Travel Note

Difficulty Level
This is a moderate graded trekking, with a maximum altitude of 4070m, suitable for the people of all ages with normal health conditions. In average, you will require to walk 5 to 6 hours a day with a small day pack. Some days are even shorter. If you are not optimally conditioned, we recommend that you start a training program at least three months before departure, gradually increasing the intensity and duration. Check with your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program.
Porters or pack animals, leaving members free to carry only a light daypack, will carry all gear and camp supplies. No technical climbing or other special abilities are required. Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, up-to-date health advice, and other details from procuring visas to advice on local customs.

Accommodation along the trail
Camping is a traditional and in true sense the real way of trekking in Nepal Himalaya. You will be accompanied by a number of Sherpas with camping gears, kitchen utensils, cooking gas and food supplies, transported by pack animals or local porters. The camping gears include two person sleeping tents, dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, shower tent, dinning table and chairs. Shower tent will be set up only if water source is in easy access.
The kitchen crews comprise a Cook and 3-4 helpers, who cook 3 hot meals a day. The menu ranges Nepali, Indian and western cuisines. You are advised to bring supplement foods like vitamins, energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates etc to supply enough calories.

What A Typical Trekking Day is Like?
The trekking day typically starts at 6:30 a.m. with a hot cup of tea or coffee served at your tent. This is soon followed by a large bowl of hot water for washing. Then it's time to pack your bags and sit down to a hearty breakfast of porridge, eggs, and toast. By 7:30 or 8:00 you're off on the trail.
For about three hours you'll walk through villages, forests, and up and down green hills and valleys. There's plenty of time to visit local teashops, stop for a view or a photo, and exchange a smile or greeting (Namaste!) with the friendly Nepali people who share the trail. A trailside lunch breaks up the day, giving you time to rest and refuel with a substantial hot meal prepared by the staff. After about an hour of eating, napping, and relaxing, it's time for the afternoon hike.
You arrive in camp/lodge around 4:00- p.m. and have time to wash up and get settled in the lodge before enjoying tea and snacks. The next few hours are free to write in your journal, read a few pages in a novel, play cards, engage in conversation, walk around the neighborhood or simply relax. The day closes with a hot, multi-course dinner that often includes ethnic cuisine as well as western favorites. Yak cheese pizzas and momos-Tibetan pot-stickers are the local specialty to try. After dinner you can gaze at the stars and the moonlit peaks, recount the events of the day, or retire to your bed to read for a while or doze off to sleep.


Expert Local Leader
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonder you'd never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You'll be in good hands with them every step of the way.


High Asia Tours is an active adventure travel company. We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.

Booking and Cancellation

When you are sure you are traveling, please don't delay in booking. The internal flights are the key factor in determining whether your trip can be realized or not.  
 

Deposit.
A deposit of US$150.00 on land plus the cost of internal airfares is requested. Also forward your trip application form and a copy of the photo page of your passport.  
 
 

Balance Payment
Balance payment is due 90 days prior to your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date.  If balance of payment is not received by the requested date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking without prior notice. 
 

Cancellations
Cancellations received 90 days prior departure will attract US$ 30 admin fee. 
Cancellation received less than 90 days and more than 45 days prior to the departure date will be charged 25% of the land cost.
 

Cancellations received less than 45 days and more than 15 days prior to the departure date will be charged 75% of the land cost.  

There will be no refund on cancellations received less than 15 days. 

Air ticket cancellation charges will be as per the policy of concerned airlines.

 

   Trip Facts
 
Duration:
20 Nights/21 Days
Accommodation:
Hotels in cities and tented camping in the mountain.
Activities:
 Exploring the temples, Durbar Squares and other architectural heritages of Kathmandu Valley.
 Moderate graded trekking
 Attend Tiji Festival
Trip Type:
Non-Touristic
Group Size:
2-10 pax
Start From:
Kathmandu
Finish In:
Kathmandu
Highest Altitude:
4,070m
Best Season:
March to October
 
   Tour Cost
 
US$ 2650 per person
 
   Optional Activity
 
 Rafting  Jungle Safari  Boating  Cable car ride  Pony trek
 
   Trips Highlights
 
 Lo Manthang-the capital of Mustang.
 Tiji Festival
 Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley
 
   Inclusive
 
 Accommodation in first class hotels in cities with breakfast.
 Domestic airfares as on itinerary.
 Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
 All transfers
 Special Permits for Mustang Restricted Area ( US$ 920)
 All camping gears and kitchen gears and support staff
 During trekking, 3 meals a day prepared by our cook.
 Crews Insurance.
 First Aid Kit
 
   Exclusive
 
 All expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tip, laundry, phone etc.
 Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
 Extra expenses caused due to nature and unforeseen events.
 Emergency medical transportation and evacuation.
 Travel Insurance.
 International airfare to and out of Kathmandu