People believe that the celebration of the Tiji festival began in the 15th century. During the three-day masked dance, the beating of drums and Buddhist chants fills the air. Also, during the festival, they display an ancient Thangka painting of Guru Rimpoche Padmasambhava. Tiji festival is celebrated in the memory of this event, based on this myth in the main square of Lo Manthang for three days. Over the festival time monks dressed in elaborate costumes and masks perform dances and rituals that are supposed to drive away evil spirits. The early history of Lo Monthang is embellished in myth and legend rather than the recorded fact. Mustang has maintained its status as a separate principality until 1951.
The king of Lo Monthang still retains his title and he has been given the honorary rank of Colonel in the Nepal army. 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. The festival is not only popular among the Nepali people but also with lots of foreigners who want to have the experience of local culture and tradition accompanying trekking in high Himalayan Region of Nepal.
Tiji Festival Trek Highlights
- You will be a live participant in the whole proceeding of the festival.
- You get to dance and sing the traditional music which has a great influence on Tibetan Buddhism.
- You will traverse through many ridges, walk through boulders and cross different boulders to reach Upper Mustang.
- You will get to explore the historical palaces, its courtyard, and the alleys of Upper Mustang during the festival.
- You can walk in the dry, arid surrounding on the trans-Himalayan Tibetan border.
Price Includes:
- Airport pick up and Drop by private car/van/bus.
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis.
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara with bed and breakfast basis.
- Kathmandu Sightseeing by Private guide and private transportation
- Your standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works and conservation entry permits.
- Special Trekking Permit US$ 500 per person for 10 days (the above price includes 10 days valid trekking permit from Kagbeni to Kagbeni. If you would wish to stay more than 10 days in restricted area, you are subjected to extra charge for extra days (US$ 50 per day / per person).
- Annapurna conservation fee
- Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara flight fare.
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by flight.
- All accommodations in lodges/tea houses
- An experienced Government licensed guide and porters (1 porter for 2 peoples).
- Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance for the Guide and Porter.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Fare well dinner with typical Nepali restaurant
- All government taxes.
Price doesn't Include:
- Lunch and Dinner whilst in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
- All kind drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks).
- Personal Equipment.
- All entrance fees in Kathmandu cultural tour.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Any kind of personal expense.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
- Tips for trekking staff, driver (Tipping is expected).
- Any donation to the Monastery.
- Upper Mustang Monastery Entrance fees.