Tiji Festival Trekking Tour in Upper Mustang
The Tiji festival trek is one of the most culturally immersive treks in the Himalayas that is equally adventurous. Join our expert team on the Tiji festival trek 2023 departure for a smooth and safe journey to Lo Manthang, the last forbidden kingdom in Nepal.
Tiji festival is a vibrant and culturally rich festival in the remote and mystical kingdom of Upper Mustang, Nepal. The local people celebrate the festival to mark the victory of good over evil, and it is observed with great fervor and enthusiasm. The Tiji festival is celebrated over three days and features colorful dances, masked performances, and a grand display of traditional attire.
The Tiji festival trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the Upper Mustang differently. Even though the center of attraction on this trip is the Tiji festival, remember you will be trekking for multiple days before and after joining the celebration. With vibrant festivals, arid landscapes, and spectacular mountain views, the Tiji trek is an unforgettable journey for any traveler.
The Tiji festival trek is an incredible way to experience the unique culture and spectacular landscapes of the Upper Mustang. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. You will trek through arid landscapes, rocky terrain, and deep gorges from here. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River, known to be one of the deepest gorges in the world.
As you make your way through the rugged terrain of Upper Mustang, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Annapurna (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Nilgiri (7,061 m). The region is characterized by arid and barren landscapes, strikingly contrasting the brown, desert-like hills and the snow-capped mountains.
The major highlight of this trek is the Tiji festival. It is celebrated in the walled city of Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Mustang Kingdom. The town is a maze of narrow streets and mud-walled houses, with the magnificent palace of the King at its center.
During the festival, the locals dress in their finest attire and perform ancient dances and rituals that have been passed down through generations. The festival is particularly famous for its masked dances, depicting good triumph over evil. The dances are performed by monks in elaborate costumes and masks, with each dance representing a different story or legend.U
The major attraction of the Tiji Festival trek
Tiji festival
The Tiji festival is a traditional Tibetan festival that is celebrated in the upper Mustang region of Nepal and parts of Tibet. The festival takes place annually and lasts for three days. During the festival, the region's people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil. The festival is a vibrant and colorful event that is steeped in tradition and religious significance.
The Tiji festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Buddha's incarnation, Dorje Jono, over a demon named Man Tam. The story behind the festival is that Man Tam had created chaos in the world and caused suffering to the people. Lord Dorje Jono defeated the demon and brought peace back to the world. The Tiji festival is celebrated to honor this victory and commemorate the triumph of good over evil.
The celebration of the Tiji festival involves a series of rituals and ceremonies that the local people perform. On the festival's first day, a purification ceremony is held to cleanse the community of any evil spirits. The second day is the festival's primary day, which involves a series of dances and rituals the local community performs.
The dances are performed by masked dancers who represent the various characters from the story of the victory of Lord Dorje Jono over Man Tam. The Tiji festival is a time of grand celebration and rejoicing for the locals. The streets are decorated with colorful flags and banners, and the people wear traditional clothing and masks.
There is a lot of singing, dancing, and feasting. The Tiji festival is a time of great joy and happiness. It is a time for the community to come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and honor Lord Dorje Jono's victory over the demon Man Tam.
Tiji Festival trekking route difficulty
The Upper Mustang trek route is offbeat and steep. The trail to Lo Manthang crosses many passes over 3,500 to 4,000 meters. Upper Mustang is a trans-Himalayan region, so the surroundings and views are barren, dry, and dusty. Expect strong winds, basic tea houses, long walking hours, and steep, uneven paths.
In terms of altitude, this trek is at most 5,000 meters, unlike the famous trekking routes like the Everest base camp and the Manaslu circuit. However, the trodden trail and remoteness of the region make the journey demanding.
Therefore, we recommend that you be in good shape for the Tiji festival trek. You have to trek 6 hours a day at minimum. The meals have an excellent variety, leaning much more towards Tibetan and Nepali dishes. Likewise, facilities like WiFi, hot showers, charging, etc., cost additional money or are unavailable in some places.
Overall, your endurance and mental persistence are essential to keep going.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is a common concern for trekkers in the Upper Mustang, particularly those who must be acclimatized to the region's high altitudes. Altitude sickness is also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitudes and can be dangerous if left untreated.
Here are some symptoms and preventive measures for altitude sickness during the Tiji Festival Trekking:
Symptoms of altitude sickness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
Preventive measures for altitude sickness
- Gradual ascent: It is recommended to ascend gradually to allow your body to adjust to the higher altitudes. Take your time and plan your trek accordingly.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or herbal tea, to prevent dehydration and help your body adjust to the altitude.
- Proper nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with enough carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to fuel your body during the trek.
- Rest: Take regular breaks and allow your body to rest and recover. Avoid over-exerting yourself.
- Acclimatization: Take an acclimatization day to let your body adjust to the higher altitudes. Spend a day at a higher altitude and then descend to a lower altitude to sleep.
- Medication: Consult a doctor or a trekking guide about taking medication, such as Diamox, to help prevent altitude sickness.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body and be aware of any symptoms of altitude sickness. If you experience any symptoms, descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Tiji Festival Trek preparation
Trekking in the Upper Mustang is a unique and unforgettable experience. However, it is essential to be well-prepared to make the most out of your trek.
Below are some tips for trek preparation for Upper Mustang:
Physical fitness
Trekking in the Upper Mustang involves walking several hours daily on rough terrain at high altitudes. Engaging in physical activities such as jogging, hiking, and cycling is recommended to prepare your body for the trek.
Trekking gear
It is essential to have the right gear for the trek. Some essential trekking gear includes sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, waterproof and windproof jackets, gloves, hats, and a backpack. You may also need a sleeping bag, mat, and a trekking pole.
Training
You do not have to do any rigorous training for this trek. Regular walking on steep hills, stairs, and uneven terrain will help you prepare your body.
Travel Insurance
It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuation in case of any mishap during the trek.