The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a really adventurous journey to take you deep into the vibrant culture and tradition. This is a 3-day festival celebrated in Lomanthang for centuries, preserving the ancient culture of Mustang. And this is the symbol of victory over destructive demons and protecting the region. As it’s celebrated just before the harvest season, it will symbolize the betterment of a good harvest and wisdom for good production.
On 3 different days, the monks will perform three different dance forms. Day 1 starts at the courtyard of the Royal Palace and ends after the final ceremony in an open area. During the Tiji Festival Trek, visitors can witness locals and foreigners alike enjoying the beauty of this event. There are various reasons why you should do the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek.
Upcoming Tiji Festival Trek Dates 2026 and 2027
2026 Mustang Tiji Festival Date: May 14th, 15th, and 16th
2027 Mustang Tiji Festival Date: 1st, 2nd, 3rd June
The Tiji Festival Trek Itinerary 2026
10th May, 2026, Day 1: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2810M)
11st May, 2026, Day 2: Kagbeni to Chaile (3050M)
12th May, 2026, Day 3: Chaile to Syangbochen (3850M)
13rd May, 2026, Day 4: Syangbochen to Tsarang (3560M)
14th May, 2026, Day 5: Tsarang to Lomanthang (3810M) and observe day 1 of the Tiji Festival
15th May, 2026, Day 6: Observe the second day of the Tiji Festival
16th May, 2026, Day 7: Observe the third day of the Tiji Festival
17th May, 2026, Day 9: Lomanthang to Dhakmar (3820M)
18th May, 2026, Day 10: Dhakmar to Syangbochen
19th May, 2026, Day 11: Samar to Chhusang (2980M)via Chunsi Cave
20th May, 2026, Day 12: Chhusang to Jomsom (2720M)
21st June, 2026, Day 13: Fly or Drive back to Pokhara (850M)
This itinerary can be customized according to your time. Also, can add different places in the itinerary such as Yara and Ghara village with the ancient and historical Luri Gumba. To reach Chhusang via Tange, and can trek to Muktinath. Muktinath is a religious place for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
Reasons to Observe the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek In 2026
As Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a unique celebration in the Walled City Lo Manthang. Taking this trip can be a lifetime experience because these are the features that will make this festival special. So that trekking to Mustang for the Tiji Festival is once in a lifetime journey for all nature and culture lovers. The features are as listed
1: Explore and observe the natural and cultural beauty of the Mustang Valley.
2: Explore the ancient monasteries.
3: Understanding of Himalayan Buddhism.
4: Visit the desert of Nepal.
5: Fly between the two worlds’ highest peaks
6: Be with the local people and their everyday lifestyle
7: Opportunity to visit ancient and historical caves.
8: Combine the festival with the Upper Mustang Trek
9: Support Cultural Preservation
10: A beautiful journey for the photographers and videographers.
1: Explore and observe the nature and culture of Mustang
Mustang has two different parts, the Lower Mustang and the Upper Mustang. The lower part is greenery and a bit of jungle with villages. On the other hand, the upper part is more dry land and not fewer trees and plants. That is why doing the Mustang Trek is the perfect combination of the beauty of the lower and the attraction of the upper part.
In the lower part, mostly Thakali and Marphali communities, and in the upper part, the Gurung and Lama people are living. They have their own way of celebrating their culture, tradition, and daily rituals. Tiji Festival is also one of the oldest celebrations that takes place in the upper part of Mustang. The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek commemorates both the natural and cultural diversity of the region.
2: Explore the ancient monasteries
Mustang, especially the Upper Mustang, is renowned for its ancient and historical monasteries in each village. When trekkers enter the Upper Mustang, they will see, feel, and touch the theme of Buddhism and the Buddhist religion. There are many Stupas, chortens, Mani Walls, Wall Paintings, and Monasteries that can be found and seen in each village and even on walking trails.
The monasteries are centuries old and preserve the Buddhist religion, culture, and traditions. Visit those monasteries that will give you the truth and the best information and knowledge about Buddhism and its history.
3: Understanding the Himalayan Buddhism.
Traveling to Mustang is gaining more knowledge and understanding about the Buddhist religion in the Himalayas of Nepal. Because every village has a monastery and every house has a praying place for Buddha and various Buddhist gods and goddesses. Along the way, almost like at every intersection, there is some kind of infrastructure representing Buddhism.
The attractive Stupas with red, black, and white paint and gorgeous paintings of the Buddhist God and Goddess. Tiji Festival Trek will give an opportunity to observe all the elements of Mustang.
4: Visit the desert of Nepal.
Upper Mustang is known as the desert of Nepal. So trekking to Upper Mustang means visiting the desert of Nepal. This is a completely different landscape from other trekking routes like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Kanchenjunga, Dolpo, etc. Therefore, if you want to explore and visit the desert of Nepal, then grab this opportunity.
The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is the perfect combination of exploring nature, culture, and the tradition of the Mustang region.
5: Fly or drive between the two world’s highest peaks (Annapurna and Dhaulagiri)
To get to Mustang, need to go through the world’s highest peaks, Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Whatever way you choose, you must go through these mountain peaks (drive or fly)
If you want to drive, you can drive what whatever destination you want because there is a road to the Chinese border. If you take a flight, you will land at Jomsom airport,t and then your trek starts.
Another option to get to Mustang by do the Annapurna Circuit Trek. While doing the ACT, you have to cross Thorong La 5416m and get to Muktinath. From there, you have to take the way to Upper Mustang.
6: Know More about the Local People’s Daily Lifestyle.
Tiji Festival Trek is a good chance to be and observe local people and their daily life. Because this celebration will showcase their traditional rituals. Local people from all around the Mustang will gather there to celebrate this festival; thus, this is a great time to be with local people.
7: Visit an ancient and historical cave
Mustang is known as the district of caves and monasteries in Nepal. There is at least one monastery in every village in the Upper part of Mustang. Similarly, there are caves that are related to the history and traditions of Mustang.
When you do the Tiji Festival Trek, you can observe, explore, and visit those caves that are open to tourists. And there are many monasteries that are not allowed to be visited because it is dangerous to be there.
In Conclusion,
Mustang, the land which is listed in the world travel magazine as one of the most visited places in 2024. It is because of the beauty of nature, the harmony of culture, and the peace and kindness of religion. So why don’t you plan your lifetime trip to Mustang, Nepal? Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is one of the cultural and traditional celebrations in Upper Mustang. Here are the best reasons why you should do the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek in Nepal.
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