Overview

Tiji festival is a three day ritual known as “The chasing of the Demons” and it is centered around the Tiji myth. Tiji tells the story of a deity named Dorje Jono who must battle against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. 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.
Tiji is a celebration and reaffirmation of this myth. 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. In 1964 Michel Peissel was the first westerner to observe the Tiji festival. At this time, the Mustang region was still completely closed off to foreigners and he had to obtain special permission from the government of Nepal in order to enter the region. Despite his arrival on the last day of the celebration (he was unaware of the observance of Tiji) the experience left a lasting impression on him. “The scenes I witnessed were so extraordinary and so unexpected that I dared not believe my eyes and even today I have some trouble in believing in the reality of what I saw that day.”

Trek Highlights

Kathmandu city sightseeing.
Scenic flight : Pokhara Jomsom-Pokhara.
Exploring the Kali Gandaki River valley.
Forbidden kingdom of Mustang.
Picturesque views of the Himalayas.
Visiting the capital of Mustang "The Lo Manthang".
Tiji festival : Chasing demon festival of Mustang (27,28,29 of May 2022).

Day 1 :

Day 01- Arrival In Kathmandu.

Welcome to Nepal! Ramdung Expedition representative will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You can take a rest or if you are arriving earlier, can visit around the city. In the evening we will hold a briefing session regarding your trip and get to know your Nepali trekking companion. We’ll be happy to answer any question you may have. O/N Hotel.

Day 2 :

Day 2- Sightseeing Trip / Trek Preparation.

Kathmandu valley is has fantastic UNESCO world heritages all around. Today after the breakfast, you’ll be visiting Boudhanath Stupa (the largest Buddhist shrines in the world), Pashupatinath (the holiest Hindu temple in the world), Durbar Squares (Palaces and fortresses of medieval Kings). The lifestyle of the Nepalese people, holy sadhus and monks, the fascinating history and the awe-inspiring architecture will be the highlight of this day. You can also buy or rent any needed gear or clothing from trekking/mountaineering shops. O/N Hotel (B)

Day 3 :

Day 03- Drive To Pokhara (900m).

Trekking staff will pick you early in the morning and you’ll be driving to Pokhara (the city of lake). Evening time is free to explore the city. O/N Hotel (B)

Day 4 :

Day 04- Morning Flight To Jomsom And Trek To Kagbeni (2800m).

Early morning we are flying Northwest from Pokhara toward the great portal between the snow covered peaks of Annapurna and Daulagiri. You will enjoy the well-raised massifs of more than 8000 meters, and the deepest gorge on this planet. On arrival to Jomsom you will meet the rest of the trekking staff. From Kathmandu you will have a guide with you. We start to trek towards Kagbeni, the main gate to Upper Mustang. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 5 :

Day 05- Trek To Chaile (3050m).

After breakfast, we start our walk up to east bank of Kaligandaki climbing over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tange village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Beyond Tange, we reach Chhusang village in about 1/2 hr, then cross river which continues north climbing up to huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from cliff above, forming a tunnel where Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chaile. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 6 :

Day 06- Trek To Geling (3500 m).

The climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rock. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and with a further descent before coming along a pleasant trail to Samar village. We climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge, which the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800 meters. The route climbs over yet another pass, follows a ridge and then descends to Shyangmochen. From there we gently climb to a pass at 3770meters and descend to Geling Village. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 7 :

Day 07- Trek To Charang (3620m).

The trail climbs up to an beautiful pass “Nyi La” and fall away below blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of Tangmar Chu river, you will arrive to a Mani Wall, perhaps the longest and most spectacular Mani wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m, routes makes a long gentle descent to Charang village. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa are the main attractions to visit and observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings, of seated Buddha's. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 8 :

Day 08- Trek To Lo Manthang (3840m). Tiji Festival Starts At Afternoon

The trail climbs steadily until Lo-Gekar. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than Samye Gompa of Tibet and one of the oldest Gompa of Nepal. After visiting Lo-Gekar continue walk to Lomanthang. The trail until Lo-Manthang is fine with some minor climbing. Finally from the ridge there is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of Lo-Manthang. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 9 :

Day 09- Exploration Day.

Tiji Festival Mask Dance Performance By Monks.

Day 10 :

Day 10- Exploration Day. Tiji festival Final Celebration.

We explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the fours torey building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 11 :

Day 11- Trek To Dhakmar (3800m).

Today we walk to different west terrain trails that offers magnificent views of mountains in south despite few steep downhill trails. Also, visit the world’s oldest Tibetan monastery called “Ghar Gompa” built in around 7th century by bodisatwa monk Padmasambhava. We see canyons and eroded hills in our trail. Dhakmar, itself is a land of red cliffs. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 12 :

Day 12- Trek To Syangboche (3800m).

With Nilgiri mountain visible again, a gradual uphill climbing brings us above Ghami village. The long mani wall is seen at the sight and after crossing two more passes with Annapurna range view we arrive at Ja Myung, a village between Gheling and Syangboche. We visit here gompas and monastery then walk until Syangboche. O/N lodge (BLD)

Day 13 :

Day 13- Trek To Tetang.

Our trail today will be of vigorous walking. We pass Samar and Gaikar village and will be viewing Tilicho and Nilgiri mountain. We rest for lunck and rest in Chaile. We then follow the same route that we came. O/N lodge (BLD)

Day 14 :

Day 14- Trek To Muktinath.

We can view good Tetang village consisting two separate settlements and surrounded by high walls. We’ll be walking three hours steep uphill hike, when we reach the top we will be greeted with stunning views of Throung, Annapurna and Tilicho peak. After this it is easy walk until Muktinath. O/N Hotel (BLD)

Day 15 :

Day 15- Trek To Jomsom.

Today is the final day of the trek. We’ll walk early in the morning to capture the sunrise view over Dhaulagiri. We’ll walk to Kaligandaki which is side trip to Bon Punt monastery in Lubra before reaching to Jomsom. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 16 :

Day 16- Morning flight To Pokhara.

Free day Today 30 minute morning flight takes us from Jomsom back to Pokhara. Once we arrive at Pokhara airport, we drive and check in hotel. You’ll have enough time to explore Pokhara city at your own pace. O/N Hotel (BLD)

Day 17 :

Day 17- Drive Back To Kathmandu (1345m).

You’ll return to Kathmandu from Pokhara by bus/plane. You can spend time resting/buying souvenirs back to home. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner in traditional restaurant with cultural dance performances in celebration of your amazing trip. O/N Hotel (BD)

Day 18 :

Day 18- Trip Ends. Farewell And Departure.

The journey in the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today ! At last approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Ramdung Expedition will drop you to the airport. (B)