Mustang is a forbidden Himalayan Kingdom that lies in the Mustang district of Nepal. As a trekking guide, I have been in Mustang many times, and recently I made a beautiful journey to Upper Mustang on the occasion of the Tiji Festival 2025. I have been there once in 2018 as well for the same event with my Clients. And this time was my slow trip to Lomanthang to observe the tiji festival.
This trip was my long-time plan since 2019. I was unable to make it because at first there was the Coronavirus, and then many other factors. 2025 will become the year I am able to execute my long-awaited plan to witness the Mustang Tiji Festival. I am very happy to be at the Walled City of Lomanthang to experience the ancient history and culture of the Upper Mustang Region.
This time, my journey to Upper Mustang is on a Hero X Plus bike, which is one of the cheapest and best off-road bikes. Firstly, we rode from Kathmandu to Beni and it was almost 10 10-hour ride. Along the way, we took many small breaks with some big breaks for lunch and snacks. When we got to Beni, it was almost dark, but the ride to Beni was a bit challenging and fun. Today’s ride was my first ever long ride, so I was a bit tired and felt thrilled.
Second day of our journey to Lomanthang for Mustang Tiji Festival from Beni to Muktinath. It was a bit shorter than the first day and a bit challenging, but more fun with the view of mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. After we reached Ranipauwa Muktinath, we visited the Muktinath Temple. And we spent overnight at Hotel Bamb Barely.
Our day 3 journey was from Muktinath to Lomanthang, it was almost 95KM which was an absolutely great ride. But I was exhausted when we reached Lomamthang, 3800m above sea level. In the evening, we explore the Walled City of Lomanthang.
Today we woke up a bit later than the other days because today we were not traveling anywhere for Day 1 of the Tiji Festival. The festival started around 11 am in the morning and slowly people gathered in front of the Royal Palace. The Monks did their performance according to the story of the Tiji Festival. Overall, day 1 of the celebration ended around 4:30 pm, and then we went back to the Hotel.
The next day, first we rode to Nepal Nepal-China border (Korala Border) it was a very nice ride there. There were other fellow riders, and some jeep drivers and passengers were there. Everyone took some photos at the border and then went back to Lomanthang for the second day of the Tiji Festival. When we were back, our food (Dal Bhat)was ready because we ordered before we left for the Border.
After lunch, we observed the second day of the Mustang Tiji Festival, and today there were more public people and other VIPS than the day 1. Ceremonies went as it was in the story of the Tiji, monks performed turn by turn according to their role and preparation. Around 4 pm, the second day of the festival ended, and everyone went back to their places.
Today was our third day at Lomanthang, and we woke up and visited all three monasteries there. Thubchen Gumba, Jhampa Larkang Monastery(Maitreya Gumpa), Chode Gumba((Dragkar Thegchen Ling Gompa). It was a very special feeling to visit those historical and architectural monasteries in the holiest land of Mustang. And then we went to Royal Palace Square for the final day (Day 3 of the Tiji Festival Celebration)
On the final day, there were many VIP guests and high-ranking lamas also there to observe the festival. Monks did their performances, and festivals ended with a ceremony performed outside the village. And after the ceremony was finished, we rode for an hour and got back to Ghami Village. The next day, we rode to Marpha village, and then another day to Pokhara, and my journey to the Mustang Tiji Festival ended with an amazing experience.
The beauty of riding to the Himalayan Kingdom of Mustang is one of the best rides of my life. It was the first ride, but one of the most memorable and beautiful rides. If you are a rider and haven’t done the Upper Mustang Ride, then don’t forget to do it once in your life.
