Mustang Tiji Festival

The Tiji Festival in 2026 will take place on May 14th, 15th, and 16th. The Mustang Tiji Festival, also sometimes referred to as Tenchi, is one of the most fascinating cultural events in the Himalayas. It takes place every year inside the walled city of Lo Manthang, the old capital of the Kingdom of Lo. The festival comes from old Tibetan Buddhist traditions and tells the story of Dorje Jono/Shunu, a deity who fights against chaos to bring peace and protect the land. For three days, monks from Chhoede Monastery perform dances, prayers, and rituals that hold deep spiritual importance.

Each day has its own meaning and purpose. The festival begins with colorful masked dances and loud drumbeats that fill the ancient courtyard. As the days continue, the performers act out the story of the deity defeating evil, using slow movements, music, and storytelling to show the ideas of cleansing and renewal. On the final day, the monks destroy an effigy that represents the demon, a powerful act that symbolizes driving away negativity and inviting good fortune for the coming year.

Tiji is not only a spiritual event but also a celebration of Mustang’s living culture. People from the region come dressed in their traditional clothing, and members of the local royal family often attend. The surroundings make it even more special where houses have whitewashed walls and views of dramatic cliffs, and the vast desert landscape of Upper Mustang. For visitors, the festival offers a rare chance to see a tradition that has been preserved for generations and remains an important part of Mustang’s identity.

Throughout the three days, the festival follows a clear pattern of rituals. The first day starts with monks offering prayers to protective deities, followed by introductory dances that set the mood. On the second day, the dancers retell the main story of Tiji, showing the battle between the demon and Dorje Shunu through expressive masked performances supported by traditional horns and drums. On the final day, the symbolic destruction of the demon’s effigy marks the end of the festival and the purification of the land. Each moment is carefully performed, making Tiji one of the most meaningful and unforgettable cultural experiences in the Himalayas.

Mustang Tiji Festival Tour

This tour is a true driving adventure that begins in Kathmandu, where you explore Nepal’s cultural and spiritual landmarks before flying to the serene lakeside city of Pokhara. From there, the journey shifts into high gear as you travel north by road, following the Kali Gandaki Valley into the rugged landscapes of Mustang. The drive gradually climbs from green hills and terraced villages into a world of deep gorges, rocky cliffs, and vast desert plains shaped by centuries of wind.

As the road winds upward, you pass traditional Mustang settlements, ancient monasteries, and viewpoints that reveal striking views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and the Annapurna range. The adventure continues all the way to the walled city of Lo Manthang, the cultural heart of Upper Mustang and the site of the Tiji Festival. After experiencing the festival and exploring the region, the journey retraces the same dramatic route back to Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu.

This driving adventure offers a complete experience of Mustang’s landscapes, culture, and history, giving you the rare chance to travel through one of the Himalayas’ most unique regions.

This Mustang Tiji Festival tour is ideal if you want a deep cultural experience, powerful landscapes, and a real sense of adventure. It is perfect for culture enthusiasts who enjoy exploring ancient traditions, sacred monasteries, and festivals that have survived for centuries.

Photographers too, will find endless inspiration in the dramatic desert cliffs, high mountain passes, and vibrant scenes of the Tiji Festival.

Since this is a driving adventure, it suits travelers who prefer to experience the Himalayas by road rather than trekking long distances. The journey does involve bumpy roads and long drives, but it is appealing for those who enjoy off-beat travel.

This tour is also for seekers, people who are looking for meaning, clarity, or spiritual renewal. Many come to Mustang to receive blessings, visit holy sites, and reconnect with themselves in a quiet, powerful landscape.

If you feel unsatisfied, stuck, or simply need a shift in your life, the peaceful atmosphere of Mustang and the energy of the Tiji Festival offer a space for reflection and inner grounding.

If you are drawn to culture, photography, adventure, or spiritual exploration, this journey will feel truly rewarding.

Mustang Tiji Festival takes place in the month of May.

May is one of the best months to visit Mustang and the Himalayan regions. The skies are generally clear, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges along the journey.

Daytime temperatures in the lower regions like Kathmandu and Pokhara are warm and pleasant, typically ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68–82°F). As you ascend into Mustang, temperatures drop, especially in the mornings and evenings, with daytime highs around 15°C–20°C (59–68°F) and nights cooling to 5°C–10°C (41–50°F).

The region is dry and arid, with very little rainfall in mid-May, making road travel and overland exploration comfortable. The thin mountain air is crisp, and the wind across the high Mustang plateau can feel sharp, so layered clothing is recommended.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay at a 3-star Boutique Hotels. These hotels offer a comfortable and restful environment before and after your journey to Mustang. These hotels feature clean and spacious rooms, en suite bathrooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and attentive service. Located in convenient and safe areas, they provide a peaceful base with modern amenities to help you settle in or unwind after your adventure.

In the Mustang region, accommodation is arranged in locally-run Lodes or Guest houses, which are simple yet welcoming lodges operated by families along the route. These tea houses offer basic rooms, with clean bathroom facilities, hearty hygienic meals. While the amenities are modest, the experience is rich in warmth and authenticity.

During this Mustang Tiji Festival tour, you’ll be on a full board meal plan, meaning breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included throughout the tour. Meals are served in local lodges and guesthouses along the route, with menus that reflect the region’s high-altitude lifestyle, simple, warm, and nourishing. Typical dishes include dal bhat (rice with lentil soup and seasonal vegetables), vegetable soups, fried rice or noodles, chapatis, and sometimes local specialties like buckwheat pancakes or tsampa porridge. While the offerings are basic, they’re freshly prepared and comforting after a day of travel.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, where more variety is available, your stay includes daily breakfast, served buffet-style in your hotel. Expect a selection of both local and international options like eggs, toast, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, tea, coffee, and traditional Nepali items. These urban meals offer a pleasant contrast to the simpler fare in the mountains, giving you a balanced experience throughout the trip.

We can accommodate most dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan meals. Please inform us of any allergies or specific food requirements at the time of booking so we can ensure your needs are met during the tour. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, we provide Breakfast. For lunch and dinner, reserve $12-15 per meals.

The type of vehicle used for this Mustang Tiji Festival tour in the Upper Mustang region depends on the terrain, comfort preferences, and group size. The entire region has rugged terrain with off-road conditions, so robust vehicles are essential. Commonly used vehicles include:

4×4 SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles)

Here are some of the options:

• Toyota Land Cruiser: Known for its durability, especially for rough and mountainous terrains.
• Mitsubishi Pajero: Another reliable 4×4 SUV for off-road conditions.
• Mahindra Scorpio: Popular in Nepal for both on-road and off-road travel.
• Ford Ranger: Suitable for overland tours due to its strength and off-road capabilities

A few essential travel documents are essential for the Mustang Tiji Fesitval Tour. These permits are required to ensure responsible tourism in this restricted Himalayan region.

1. Nepal Visa on Arrival
All international travelers (except nationals of a few countries) can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at designated land border entry points. The process is generally quick and requires a valid passport, and payment in cash (USD is widely accepted). Visas are issued for various durations depending on your travel plans.

2. Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang lies in a specially protected zone of Nepal, close to the Tibetan border. It is considered a Restricted Area, and access is tightly regulated to preserve the region’s unique Tibetan-influenced culture, ancient cave systems, and fragile landscapes.

Travelers are required to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) before entering Upper Mustang. This permit is only issued through licensed Nepali trekking or tour agencies, and independent travel is not allowed in this region. The permit is valid for a fixed number of days, and extensions beyond that period are subject to strict conditions.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
In addition to the RAP, travelers must also hold an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This is required because Upper Mustang falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, a protected zone known for its biodiversity, high mountain deserts, and dramatic scenery.

The ACAP supports conservation and sustainable tourism in the region. It’s valid for an extended period, making it ideal even for those combining Mustang with other areas in the Annapurna region.

We Handle All Permits for You

Once your booking is confirmed, we take care of all necessary paperwork on your behalf. All we require is a scanned copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo. You won’t need to stand in queues or visit government offices, we’ll ensure your permits are ready before your Mustang Tiji Festival Tour begins.

For more information, Check Nepal Immigration Information

Since the roads beyond Jomsom opened, much of Upper Mustang can now be reached by 4WD vehicles. The region is still wild and rugged, shaped by wind, rivers, and seasonal weather, which keeps the journey adventurous and exciting.

From Pokhara to Kagbeni, the roads are mostly paved at first, turning into gravel as you follow the Kali Gandaki River. After Kagbeni, you enter the restricted Upper Mustang area. Roads here are narrower, dustier, and rougher, with some unpaved sections, dry river crossings, and areas prone to small landslides, especially between Ghami, Charang, and Lo Manthang. Most roads are manageable and allow for a smooth drive overall.

The ride can be bumpy at times, but we use well-maintained 4WD vehicles and skilled drivers who know the terrain. The slower pace gives you time to enjoy the dramatic cliffs, old chortens, and wide open landscapes of Mustang.

Road conditions in Upper Mustang can be unpredictable, but they are part of the adventure and make this overland tour an unforgettable experience.

Clothing

• Warm down jacket (preferably packable)
• Fleece or thermal mid-layer
• Lightweight waterproof/windproof shell jacket
• Comfortable trekking pants/travel trousers
• Long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection)
• Breathable base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)
• Warm hat/beanie & sun hat
• Neck gaiter or scarf (also useful against dust)
• Light gloves (fleece or wool)
• Comfortable shoes (for walking around towns and short hikes)
• Thick socks and a few lightweight pairs

Toiletries & Health

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• Lip balm with UV protection
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes / face wipes
• Basic personal medications
• Motion sickness tablets (for bumpy roads)

Gear & Accessories

• Daypack (for water, camera, and daily essentials)
• Reusable water bottle (with purification tablets or filter if desired)
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Power bank (charging options may be limited in remote areas)
• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Travel towel (quick-dry)
• Earplugs (for light sleepers)

Optional but Useful

• Camera or smartphone with enough storage
• Travel journal or notebook
• Extra snacks or energy bars
• Dust mask (the roads can get dusty in the Kali Gandaki Valley)
• Small gifts for local children (pens, not candy, if you wish to share)

Lo Manthang or Upper Mustang is a high-altitude region, with villages sitting around 3,800 meters above sea level. While this is lower than many Himalayan trekking routes, altitude can still affect some travelers. Common symptoms include mild headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

To help your body adjust, the tour includes planned acclimatization days and gradual ascents. For example, stops in villages like Kagbeni, Charang, and Lo Manthang give you time to adapt before moving higher. During these days, short walks and light activity allow your body to get used to thinner air without overexertion.

We also recommend staying well-hydrated, avoiding alcohol, eating light meals, and listening to your guide’s advice. Our experienced drivers and guides are trained to recognize altitude-related issues and can adjust the itinerary if needed. By following these precautions, most travelers enjoy the Mustang Tiji Festival Tour without significant altitude problems.

During this Mustang Tiji festival tour, there are some basic things that you must be aware of. Although these are not difficult to adhere to and is mostly about simply being respectful, here are a few pointers.

• Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially in monasteries or festival areas.

• Remove shoes before entering sacred spaces.

• Ask permission before photographing monks, performers, or locals.

• Avoid touching sacred objects, thangkas, or ritual items unless invited.

• Greet locals with a slight bow or folded hands.

• Keep voices calm and avoid loud behavior in monastery courtyards or during ceremonies.

• Follow your guide’s instructions for seating, walking, and viewing dances.

• Respect restricted areas and private rituals.

• Observe the ceremonies with mindfulness and patience.

• Engage with locals politely and show interest in their customs for a more meaningful experience.

Cultural Immersion

The Mustang Tiji Festival Tour offers a deep dive into Tibetan Buddhist traditions and Mustang’s royal heritage. You will witness centuries-old masked dances, rituals, and ceremonies performed by monks in Lo Manthang’s walled city. The festival’s colorful costumes, sacred music, and spiritual storytelling provide a rare opportunity to experience living culture that has remained largely untouched for generations.

Scenic Driving Adventure

This is a driving-focused journey that takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara and onward into Upper Mustang. Along the way, you will travel through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, terraced villages, rugged hills, and high desert plateaus. The Mustang Tiji Festival Tour allows you to enjoy dramatic Himalayan landscapes, towering peaks, cliffs, and winding roads while traveling in comfortable 4WD vehicles with experienced drivers.

Village Life and Local Interaction

During the Mustang Tiji Festival Tour, you will visit remote villages such as Kagbeni, Charang, and Lo Manthang. Walk through cobblestone streets, observe traditional mud-brick homes, and interact with locals who maintain age-old customs. This is a chance to see how Mustang residents live, celebrate, and preserve their unique culture.

Spiritual Experience

The Mustang Tiji Festival Tour is not just a cultural journey; it is also a spiritual experience. The rituals and dances are designed to purify the land, drive away negativity, and invite blessings. Visitors seeking meaning, reflection, or a connection to ancient Himalayan traditions will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Photography Opportunities

The Mustang Tiji Festival Tour is perfect for photography enthusiasts. From dramatic desert landscapes and snow-capped peaks to vibrant festival costumes and ancient monasteries, there are endless opportunities to capture unforgettable images. Every turn on the roads of Upper Mustang brings a new scene to photograph.

Comfortable Accommodation and Travel

The tour balances adventure with comfort. Travelers stay in well-maintained lodges and guesthouses along the route. Each day’s drive begins around 9:00 am, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without rushing. 4WD vehicles ensure safe and comfortable travel, even on narrow and rugged roads.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The Mustang Tiji Festival Tour reaches elevations up to 3,800 meters. The itinerary includes acclimatization days and gradual ascents to minimize altitude sickness. Our guides and drivers monitor your well-being, and light walking options help your body adjust while allowing you to explore the surroundings.