The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a really adventurous journey to makes you go deep into the vibrant culture and tradition. This is a 3-day festival celebrated in Lomanthang for centuries and preserving this 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 good harvest and wises 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, a visitor can witness many locals and foreigners enjoying the beauty of this event. There are various reasons why you should do the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek.
1: Explore and observe the nature and culture of Mustang
Mustang has two different parts, the Lower 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 many trees and plants. That is why doing 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 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 the 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 the Buddhism and Buddhist religion. There are many Stupas, Chhorten, Mani Walls, Wall Paintings, and Monasteries can find and see 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 getting 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 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 than 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.
Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is the perfect combination of exploring nature, culture, and tradition of the Mustang region.
5: Fly or drive between two world’s highest peaks (Annapurna and Dhaulagiri)
To get to Mustang, need to go through between, 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 and then your trek start.
Another option to get in Mustang by do the Annapurna Circuit Trek. While doing ACT, 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 Caves
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 the Mustang. Similarly, there are caves that are related to the history and traditions of the Mustang.
When you do the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek, you can observe, explore, and visit those caves that are open to tourists. And there are many monasteries which are not allowed to be visited because that is dangerous to be there.
Upcoming Tiji Festival Trek Dates 2024/ 2025
2024 Mustang Tiji Festival Date May 5th, 6th, and 7th
2025 Mustang Tiji Festival Date May 24th, 26th, and 27th
The Tiji Festival Trek Itinerary 2024
May 1, 2024, Day 1: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2810M)
May 2, 2024, Day 2: Kagbeni to Chaile (3050M)
May 3, 2024, Day 3: Chaile to Syangbochen (3850M)
May 4, 2024, Day 4: Syangbochen to Tsarang (3560M)
May 5, 2024, Day 5: Tsarang to Lomanthang (3810M) and observe day 1 of the Tiji Festival
May 6, 2024, Day 6: Observe the second day of the Tiji Festival
May 7, 2024, Day 7: Observe the third day of the Tiji Festival
May 8, 2024, Day 9: Lomanthang to Dhakmar (3820M)
May 9, 2024, Day 10: Dhakmar to Syangbochen
May 10, 2024, Day 11: Samar to Chhusang (2980M)via Chunsi Cave
May 11, 2024, Day 12: Chhusang to Jomsom (2720M)
May 12, 2024, Day 13: Fly or Drive back to Pokhara (850M)
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, harmony of culture, and 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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