Experience the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival 2025 – A Journey into the Forbidden Kingdom

The Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most captivating cultural celebrations, held in the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. This vibrant festival, rich in history and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, is scheduled to take place from May 24 to May 26, 2025. If you're looking for an extraordinary blend of adventure and spirituality, the Tiji Festival 2025 is the perfect experience.Experience the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival 2025 – A Journey into the Forbidden Kingdom

The Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most captivating cultural celebrations, held in the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. This vibrant festival, rich in history and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, is scheduled to take place from May 17 to May 19, 2025. If you're looking for an extraordinary blend of adventure and spirituality, the Tiji Festival 2025 is the perfect experience.

What is the Tiji Festival?

Tiji, meaning “Tenchi” or the “Prayer for World Peace,” is a three-day Tibetan Buddhist festival that commemorates the victory of good over evil. The festival revolves around the legend of Dorje Jono, a deity who fought against demonic forces to protect Mustang’s people from drought and misfortune. The celebration features elaborate mask dances, rituals, and vibrant processions performed by Buddhist monks from the Chode Monastery of Lo Manthang.

Why You Should Experience the Tiji Festival in 2025

1. A Glimpse into Mustang’s Ancient Culture

The Upper Mustang region, once the Kingdom of Lo, has preserved its rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage for centuries. Attending the Tiji Festival provides a rare opportunity to witness Mustang’s unique traditions, music, and rituals firsthand.

2. The Mesmerizing Masked Dances

One of the highlights of the Tiji Festival is the Tsowa (Cham) dance, where monks perform masked ritual dances to enact the victory of Dorje Jono over evil spirits. The vibrant costumes, dramatic movements, and deep spiritual significance make it a truly mesmerizing experience.

3. Scenic Journey through the Forbidden Kingdom

Reaching Lo Manthang itself is an adventure! The trek or jeep ride through the rugged Kali Gandaki Valley offers breathtaking views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the arid, wind-swept landscapes of Mustang. The journey takes you through picturesque Tibetan-style villages, ancient caves, and centuries-old monasteries.

4. A Blend of Adventure and Spirituality

The Tiji Festival is not just a religious celebration; it’s a spiritual retreat that immerses you in Buddhist teachings, meditation, and local hospitality. You’ll experience warm interactions with the Mustang people and witness their devotion to their centuries-old faith.

How to Get to Upper Mustang for Tiji Festival 2025

1. By Flight & Jeep

Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (30 min)

Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom

Drive from Jomsom to Upper Mustang (via Jeep)

2. By Trekking

For adventure lovers, trekking to Lo Manthang is a rewarding experience. The classic Upper Mustang trek takes about 10–12 days from Jomsom, offering an immersive journey through breathtaking landscapes and remote villages.Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (20 min)

 Tiji Festival Itinerary

• Day 01  Arrival in Kathmandu transfer to Hotel (2025/05/17)
• Day 02  Special Permits process and afternoon flight to Pokhara 820m, Flight time 25 minutes (2025/05/18)
• Day 03  Pokhara to Jomsom 2720m by flight and trek to Kagbeni 3-4 hrs. (2025/05/19)
• Day 04  Trek from Kagbeni to Chele 5 hrs. (2025/05/20)
• Day 05  Trek from Chele to Syangboche via Guru Rinburtse Cave 7 hrs. (2025/05/21)
• Day 06  Trek from Shyangbochen to Drakmar 6 hrs. (2025/05/22)
• Day 07  Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang 7 hrs. Via Ghar Gompa. (2025/05/23)
• Day 08  Tiji Festival at Lo-Manthang (2025/05/24)
• Day 09  Tiji Festival (2025/05/25)
• Day 10  Tiji Festival (2025/05/26)
• Day 11  Drive from Lo-Manthang to Jomsom 6-7 hrs. (2025/05/27)
• Day 12  Jomsom to Pokhara 820m 25 minutes by flight. (2025/05/28)
• Day 13  Full day sightseeing in Pokhara. (2025/05/29)
• Day 14  Flight to Kathmandu in the morning and sightseeing in the afternoon. (2025/05/30)
• Day 15  Transfer to airport for Departure. (2025/06/31)

Permits Required for Upper Mustang

Since Upper Mustang is a restricted area, special permits are required:

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 for 10 days)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

These permits help regulate tourism and preserve the fragile cultural and natural heritage of Mustang.