Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2024
Duration : 12 Days | Travel style : Cultural and Festival Tour , Short and Easy Tours , Nepal Private Tours
2070
Starting Price
More Pax, more discount
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 Pax | US$ 2530 |
| 3 Pax | US$ 2350 |
| 4 Pax | US$ 2070 |
Trip Highlights
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Country
Nepal
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Duration
12 Days
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Max Altitude
12467 ft./ 3800 m.
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Accommodation
Hotel and Lodge
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Festival Date
5, 6 and 7 May 2024
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Grade
Easy
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Group Size
Any Private Group
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Type of Jeep
4WD Land Cruiser / Mahindra Scorpio
"The Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour includes an experience of the centuries-old Festival celebrated by the community of Upper Mustang. Traveling in a 4WD Land Cruiser, you will experience the different narrow ridges, barren landscapes, breathtaking mountain views located in region of Mustang”
Tiji festival in Lo-manthang is celebrated according to the Tibetan calendar. Upcoming Tiji festival 2024 dates are announced and will celebrate from 5th, 6th and 7th 2024 in King Place Lo-manthang.
Highlights of the Mustang Tiji Festival:
- Feel the spirituality and faith of Buddhism at the Tiji Festival held in a naturally isolated area.
- Monks preparing colorful Torma (Ritual cake).
- Lifestyle and culture with Tibetan influence.
- Peace among religion at Muktinath. (Famous religious site for both Hindu and Buddhist.)
- Drive through deepest gorges of kaligandaki.
- Lofty Pokhara valley. (Peaceful yet different)
- Candy like organic apples and its product ashy apple brandy.
- Oldest monastery of country and interesting ancient cave civilization.
- Mountains like Nilgiri and Tibetans mountains will be your companion during the trip.
About the TIJI Festival
Locally known as Tenchi (meaning Buddhist prayer for the welfare of entire humanity), the auspicious event of Buddhist people started by Nagwang Kunga Sonam, a Shakya Trizin. A scholar who was brought by King Samdup Rabten of Lo Manthang at end of 14 century in order to cleanse the demons. During purification the monks were residing in Chhode monastery for three days performing Vajrakila practice. Vajrakila practice was introduced by guru Rinpoche in Nepal. Guru Rinpoche/Padmasabhava the great tantric master of 8th century. Since then monks of Chhode monastery performs this religious practice every year containing mask dances and chanting of prayers. This ritual later is known as Tiji Festival.
Normally Tiji festival happens during month of May following the Tibetan lunar calendar with in the town of Lo manthang. The three day celebration is usually battle between good and evil in which it contains chants and dances performed by monks in colorful dresses.
As per historical records Tiji started in the 14th century. Actually for the people residing in Mustang region the prayer is for the seven village of Mustang as Tiji was performed in order to wave the curse of Kyirong Songa. According to locals without Tiji they feel like losing their culture and faith. Before the festival the monks collects some flours and some other goods used for Tiji in order to make colorful Torma (ritual cake).
Since the beginning, Tiji is performed for the protection of religion and welfare of people. The religious dance and prayers are for Lo Manthang in particular and for the rest of the world in general. Being prayer for the entire humanity and world peace, Tiji festival is gaining popularity in the world as well. Every year during May the Mustang region welcomes the visitor from all over the world.
The floors and goods that is being collected is converted into Torma by hand of monks of the monastery. Since 1992 Tiji has attracted many Tourist and Tiji has become one of the important source of income generation for the local residents too.
There are spirits/beings that cause harm to religion and sentient beings. So the Cham (a dance in colorful dress) is a way to negotiate and being and bring them in control and send them to heaven. Well people of Mustang are spread across the region and the Tenchi days brings them all together. The prayers, the chants and the chants binds them all together. They meet and connect with each other, greet and gather together for feast. This is also another reason that Tiji is important for people for Lo Manthang.
The prayer is led by monk who dance in the center known as Vajra master. The master has to be empowered by intense level of Shakya Gongma Rinpoche. He then has to be in solitary retreat for three months and must have through knowledge about the Cham. Without such qualities one cannot be lead monk of Tiji. The role of Vajra master is intimidating as it is a huge responsibility. The instrument used must be able to produce melodious tunes as only then the merits would be fulfilled.
Despite of all people of Lo manthang including the monks believe that Tenchi is in risk as the monks performing dances are decreasing in numbers. The youngsters are not paying attention towards their tradition and culture too.
Fees, Permits and Facilities:-
Since 1992, foreigners have been allowed to visit the Mustang region of Nepal, but tourism is regulated and requires a special permit. The area has become a popular destination for trekkers but now a days jeep tours are gaining more popularity. Despite being one of the most restricted areas in Nepal. To enter Upper Mustang, foreigners must obtain a permit from the office of Nepal immigration and ACAP, and there are official "Mustang" border signs marking the region. The permit costs $500 per person for 10 days not nights, and additional days are charged $50 per day. Solo travelers must join a group to obtain a permit, and the original passport copy is required.
Itinerary
You can always customize this itinerary as per your preference.
1
Day
30th April 2024: Arrival in Kathmandu
You will be welcomed by representative of Global Holidays Adventure at the international terminal at Kathmandu. We then will move to the hotel by private vehicle. Later in the evening we will conduct a small briefing of the trip.
Hotel (Breakfast Included)
| Private Vehicle
2
Day
1st May 2024: Fly /Drive to Pokhara (25 min / 6 hrs.)
Early morning, you will fly to Pokhara from domestic terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport. Our office representative will pick you from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. You will have a half day sightseeing around Pokhara city.
Day Highlights:
- Enjoy top view of capital city Kathmandu and 2nd largest city Pokhara with great Himalayas from the flight.
- Visit Pokhara, most visited tourist destination and gateway to various adventurous trekking routes.
- Visit World Peace Pagoda Stupa.
- Visit Devi’s fall and Mahendra Cave.
- Visit International Mountain Museum.
- Enjoy the evening around Phewa lakeside.
- Boating (Additional Activity).
(You can also take jeep drive in order to reach Pokhara which will take you around 6 hours via Prithivi high way with plenty of amazing view points.)
Hotel (Breakfast Included) | Private Vehicle
3
Day
2nd May 2024: Drive to Tatopani – (5 hours ) 110 Km.
We start our day with good breakfast and amazing sunshine. Driving along the winding road while enjoying the view of mountains, local lifestyle, farms, rivers gorges etc. Later in evening you can enjoy and relax at natural hot spring of Tatopani.
Day Highlights:
- Early morning sunrise from the mountains at Sarangkot view point.
- Adventure drive at Kalaigandaki gorges.
- Natural hot spring dip. (if interested).
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) | Private Land Cruiser or Mahindra scorpio
4
Day
3rd May 2024: Jeep Drive to Kagbeni via Muktinath. (Drive 4/5 hours / around 80 kms.)
Early morning pick up from hotel and drive to Kagbeni. Along the way we visit Marpha village, local market of Jomsom and Muktinath Temple. Muntjnath happens to be religious place for both Hindu and Buddhist communities with reflects religious harmony amongst the people of Nepal and Indian. After exploring the places we return to Kagbeni which is at an elevation of 2,804 m.
Day Highlights:
- The grace of Rupse water fall.
- Explore Marpha village, Jomaom town and Kagbeni.
- The amazing view of Nilgiri with which were following from Pokhara.
- Visit Muktinath, one of the sacred place for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims reflecting peace among both religion.
- Interesting burning fire at Jal Devi with some natural gas.
- Buddhist monastery located at Jharkot.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) | Private Land Cruiser or Mahindra scorpio
5
Day
4th May 2024: Drive to Charang. (7 hours 40 km)
Our trip today will start by finishing some formalities of permit checking at Kagbeni. We then will move ahead exploring the monasteries and a school for monks where they gain knowledge of prayers as well as basic. Along the way passing some places and villages like Chelle, Samar, Ghiling etc. we finally reach Charang.
Day Highlights:
- Observe Tibetan Plateau and arid landscape.
- Witness the amazing lifestyle and culture of locals.
- Witness amazing sky caves and redish-orange cliffs.
- Amazing white washed human settlements.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) | Private Land Cruiser or Mahindra scorpio
6
Day
5th May 2024: Drive to Lomanthang and explore first day TIJI Festival. (FESTIVAL START)
You will explore Nepal's oldest monastery Lo-Ghar gumpa and then continue your journey to Lomanthang. You will witness various Tibetan plateaus, cliffs and sky caves along the way. The desert like landscape will surely mesmerize your eyes.
First you will take your lunch then, you will go to the king’s palace to celebrate TIJI festival. You will witness the rituals and dancing of the Tibetan monks from different part of the world. After TIJI festival, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day Highlights:
- Explore Lo Gyagar Ghar Gumba, one of the oldest Gumba from centuries.
- Admire the view of Lomanthang, the forbidden kingdom from the view point.
- Enjoy the amazing view of the walled kingdom of Lo Manthang.
- Explore the king’s Palace.
- Observe the cultural dance of TIJI festival.
- Celebrate TIJI festival with the locals.
- Interact with the locals.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) | Private Land Cruiser or Mahindra scorpio
7
Day
6th May 2024: Celebrate second day TIJI Festival.
The festival will start usually from 12pm so in the morning, we will head towards Chhoser village. It is a short drive of 1 hour from Lomanthang. If you are lucky, you will have a glimpse of Blue sheep and other wildlife too. At Chhoser, you will explore sky cave and Buddhist school of the village. After exploring Chhoser, you will return to Lomanthang for the TIJI celebration. After TIJI, you will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day Highlights:
- Visit Chhoser.
- Explore Shija Jhong Cave.
- Visit Lowo Nyiphug Namdrol Norbuling monastery, monastery made on a cliff.
- Celebrate TIJI festival with the local people.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) | Private Land Cruiser or Mahindra scorpio
8
Day
7th May 2024: Third day TIJI Festival. (FESTIVAL END).
This is the last and final day of TIJI festival. You will explore the monasteries and Buddhist school of Lomanthang. You will have a good sightseeing around the village. After 12 pm, join the local to celebrate the final day of TIJI. Interact with the local and observe the rituals and dance. After celebration, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day Highlights:
- Explore the monasteries of Lomanthang.
- Explore the lifestyle of people.
- Celebrate TIJI festival with the local people.
- Participates the ending ceremony of Tiji Festival.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) | Private Land Cruiser or Mahindra scorpio
9
Day
8th May 2024: Drive back Jomsom. (Drive 5/6 hrs / around 70 kms).
You will drive back to Jomsom retracing the trail. You will pass the same beautiful village of Tsarang, Ghami, Ghiling, Samar and reach Kagbeni. Special permit check out at Kagbeni. Then, we will drive back to Jomsom. After reaching Jomsom, rooms will be assigned. You can explore the market area of Jomsom until dinner.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) | Private Land Cruiser or Mahindra scorpio
10
Day
9th May 2024: Drive back to Pokhara. (7/8 hours – 158 Km).
After breakfast at Jomsom we drive back to Pokhara. We will follow the same route that we used in order to reach Jomsom. The best part of returning via same route is that if any places you would like to see or stop by again you can do it easily.
Hotel (Breakfast Included) | Private Vehicle
11
Day
10th May 2024: Fly / Drive back to Kathmandu. (25 min/200Km - 6 hours).
The 25 minutes flight form Pokhara will bring you back to Kathmandu whereas by road it will take about 6 hours in order to reach kathamndu. Upon reaching Kathmandu you can enjoy your evening at one of the good dinners.
Hotel (Breakfast Included)
| Private Vehicle
12
Day
11th May 2024:Final Departure.
Free for shopping and packing until final departure. Our office representative will drop you to the airport in a private vehicle for your final departure.
Cost Details
"So What you are paying For?"
We would like to explain to you. We are a local company providing world-wide travelers with internationally qualified services. We provide you with the lowest cost possible for fully inclusive trips that have no hidden fees. We guarantee your safety, satisfaction, and long-lasting memories of your experience.
Cost Include
- International & domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on BB (Bed and Breakfast) plan.
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara on twin sharing basis on BB (Bed and Breakfast) plan.
- Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu domestic flight / Drive.
- 4WD Jeep Pokhara to Lo-Mangthang to Pokhara by Toyota Landcruser or Mahindra Scorpio.
- 3 meals a day during the trip (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mention in itinerary.
- Accommodation while trekking in twin sharing basis in guesthouses.
- Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card.
- Upper Mustang Restricated area permit fee.
- Professional government lisence holder English speaking trekking guide.
- Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance for the Guide and driver.
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek. (Refundable after finish the trip)
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- All government and local taxes.
Cost Exclude
- International air fare to/ from Nepal.
- Entry Visa fees - at present $30 for 15 day, US$ 50 for 30 day, and US$ 150 for three month visa on entry into Nepal.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Insurance which covers, medical, emergency evacuation, lost, etc.
- Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water during the trekking.
- All food and beverages other than on the itinerary.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Personal gear and expenses.
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 3 days ritual Tiji festival is going to celebrate 5, 6 and 7 May 2024. This festival is celebrate according to the Tibetan Calender.
Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep tour is designed for thouse travellers who are physically or timely unable to do trekking in Mustang. It is suitable for all kind of people from child to elder.
We use 4X4 Toyota Land Cruser or 4X4 Mahindra Scorpio for our Upper mustang jeep tour. Regarding the drivers they are very experiece for off road driving. Until now they have 100% sefety records.
Yes, Global Holidays Adventure representative will be there to greet you outside of Terminal Hall. He will be displaying Global Holidays Adventure name card with your name on it. After that you will be transferred to pre-chosen Hotel.
You can get the visa at Tribhuwan International Airport after landing, furthermore it will be easier if you fill up the visa form by online (http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa) before taking the flight to Nepal. Entry Visa fees- at present is $ 30 for 15 day, $ 50 for 30 days and $ 150 for three month visa on entry to Nepal.
You should bring following essential documents in the trip:
Valid Passport: must be valid for up to 6 months.
Travel insurance: you need to provide a copy of insurance paper to Global Holidays Adventure before you start the trek.
Flight Tickets.
Emergency contact numbers for T/C's bank, insurance, family contacts.
All types of Hotels from a budget to Luxurious including five star services are available in Kathmandu. Normally, Global Holidays Adventure offers three hotel services in our outline itinerary. We can also accommodate according to your choice.
During in Mustang: You will have teahouse/Lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quit blanket. We can also offer Global Holidays Adventure's sleeping baggage if needed (which needs to be returned after the trip) but it’s always better to have a personal sleeping bag. We usually provide you single and double rooms as well as the occasional dormitory. During the peak season it is quite difficult to manage single room therefore double rooms are preferred in our outline itinerary.
Normally there are common toilet facilities in teahouses and lodges, which are usually neat and clean. Nowadays, some small number of teahouses and lodges offer attached restroom. We will provide you the best option as far as possible in this regard.
Normally there are hot water shower services in various teahouses and lodges. In the absence of such facility, the teahouse/lodges will provide you hot water bucket. The payment for the shower has to be made by yourself and the cost varies with the places.
Most of teahouses cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare Pasta, Tuna Bakes, Noodles, Potatoes, Eggs, Dal-bhat, Bread, Soups, Fresh Vegetable ( variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like Apple Pies, Pancakes and some interesting attempts at Custard. You will find a lot of garlic items on the menu, eat some every day because it assists with acclimatization. In many larger villages you may find some meat on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, coffee, hot lemon as well as soft drinks. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same lodge you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Upper Mustang is rain shadow area where you can go from august to mid December and February to May.
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. Generally, nights are chillingly cold, whereas, the days are warmer. Winter (January and February) will be a bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. There will be a bit of snow during the month of January, February and December. The temperature inside the teahouses/lodges are fairly maintained. You can always sit beside a fire to keep yourself warmer. The temperature could be as high as 20 degree c to 15 degree c low during the day time.
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your guesthouse reception by paying some service charges. Don’t forget to bring your own adapters!!
How is the communication facilities during the trek?
ATM and credit card facilities can be used in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jomsom. Above that, you need cash payments for various service you need.
In Kathmandu, you can allocate $ 10-15 for lunch and dinner. It all depends on your spending habits. $. 15- 20 a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolate and few drinks in Trekking.
Well it totally depends upon you. There is trend of tipping the guide and porters in trekking. Tipping is a good way to acknowledge their works and thank them in a better way, something they would cherish and support their daily lives.
In most places bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, better if you have some for yourself.
In case you suffer from altitude sickness or any other problems, we will offer you the doctor’s prescribed medicines according to the type of problem facing you. We will descend you and incase of extreme cases, you will get rescued by the helicopter.
In case of any casualties, travel insurance will be a boon to recover the incurred expenses. In case of helicopter rescue, the helicopter charge, which is little expensive, can also be recovered by your insurance. So it a good act to check you insurance validity and policy, whether it recovers the rescue charges or not.
Yes, all the staffs of Global Holidays Adventure including guides and porters are insured to recover any kinds of casualties.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to add some more days to the trip. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
Yes, there are many options and choices to extend your holidays before or after your main trip. You can visit our other touring trips to add to the main event. In general, following trips are suggested for your holiday extensions.
- Trisuli River Rafting, Paragliding, bungee and other adventures.
- Chitwan Jungle Safari Package.
- Volunteering in Schools and Villages
On the top menu of our website, under the company there is "Our Legal documents" where all of our legal documents are present. We are officially registered with the followings:
- Office of the Company Registrar, Reg No: 92142/068/69.
- Company VAT No.: 600581666.
- Tourism Industry Division, License No.: 1601.
- Nepal Cottage and Small Industry, Reg No.: 12567/667.
- Nepal Rastra Bank, License No.: 1397.
- Member, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
- Member, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA ).
- Member, Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal.
Additional Information
Best Reasons to choose Upper Mustang jeep tour.
4WD Upper Mustang tour is much more luxury tour in the Himalaya. You will explore the most beautiful landscape, ancient Tibetan culture and thousand years old Buddhist monasteries. Walking all the way to Lo-manthang via classic trekking route takes long time and physically challenges for those travelers who have not previous experience. Jeep tour is much easy and wonderful journey to reach lo-manthang and explore all the corners of Mustang.
This is similar experience of trekking where you can stop your jeep any viewpoints to captures the landscape and admire beauty of Mustang. Undoubtedly, this is one of the adventurous 4WD drive where you will be the part of breathtaking landscape of rain shadow Himalaya.
Jeep tour is suitable for all ages groups.
Upper Mustang jeep tour is suitable for all ages groups. As our previous experience we had experience of traveler as old 84 years. This tour is perfect fit for everyone. For those who are not able to walk in Himalaya or those old citizens can easily join this adventure jeep tour.
Best Experience of culture and religions
Mustang itself is a mini-Tibet where the people are influence with ancient Tibetan culture and traditions. The whole kingdom celebrates the Tibetan festival which are exclusive in other parts of Nepal. Visiting thousand years of ancient monasteries and chorten are also the highlights of Mustang tour.
Why Upper Mustang Jeep Tour with us?
You are planning to go a new destination so, booking with a local tour expert saves your money and time. We are a local tour agency who is operating Mustang Jeep tour for the beginning when the rode was stablished in Mustang. We are much more flexible and provide the best customizes itinerary.
Regarding Jeeps we have our own 4X4 Toyota Land Curser or 4X4 Mahindra Scorpio for our Upper mustang tour. We ensure that our drivers are very experience for off road driving and responsible for your persons belongings. Until now they have 100% safety records.
Best rate and service promise.
We guarantee and promise our best price to our valuable customers who are joining with us for their precious holidays in Nepal. Also, we ensure that we will provide the best services which are available throughout the entire trip. Guest satisfaction is our main motto.
Local knowledge.
Born and grow in Nepal, we are local exports and we know our place’s mysteries and tradition better than anyone else. Our jeep tour to Upper Mustang is handle by our professional guides who are expertise about mustang and Buddhist culture. Specially for Mustang we have selected guides who have studied Buddhism and already spend several years in Monasteries as a monk.
We never offer somethings that we have not experience ourself in advance and never promise which are not possible throughout the trip. Our guides and 4WD drivers are all selected and well-trained.
Safety is our top priority.
Your health and safety are global Holidays Adventure’s prime responsibility. Our wisely designed itinerary ensures the acclimation process in Himalaya. Upper Mustang is not very high elevation areas but in case of emergency cases we provide oxygen canes in our jeeps. Also, our guides are fully trained and experience how to handle the situation in high altitude.
24/7 hrs Services.
We are 24 hours in your service and happier to answer your inquiries in the shortest possible time-either instantly or within a few hours.
Customized your itinerary.
We are approaching our standard itinerary in our page but we are always flexible to organize your trip based on your schedules and requirements. Please write your require plan to our tour specialist before book your trip who will help you to plan a prefect itinerary for you.
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