Tiji Road Trip is an 11-day trip that ignites Tibetan Buddhism’s enthusiasm and the Upper Mustang’s unforgettable beauty and rugged landscape. Tiji festival is the main festival of the Upper Mustang. The festival is celebrated for three days, with dance performances conducted in front of the Tashi Gepel Palace of the Lo-Manthang in the Upper Mustang. This colorful celebration is to commemorate the victory of Dorjee Sonnu over the demon Man Tam Ru and spreads the message of good over evil.
The Tiji Road Trip will take you through the unforgettable Sky Caves in the Upper Mustang, the thousand-year-old monasteries, and the visuals of Mt. Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri. Observing the Kaligandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, and walking beside the mesmerizing Kaligandaki river makes your journey worthwhile. Yet, it is not only the captivating scenery you will encounter on this trip. The holy Muktinath temple is also a must-visit site on your road trip. And, your procession from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom by flight and on a drive will give you both aerial and on-the-go experience of how scenic these places are.
Upper Mustang is an exceptionally well-preserved area and is, to date, quite restricted. That must be why its rich and authentic culture is as alive as it used to be many years ago. Everywhere you go, everywhere you see, the visuals and the beauty of Upper Mustang are unbeatable, especially when you drive through your way. The view of Upper Mustang comes closer to your eye like this, and the Tiji festival will make your road trip more exciting. After this natural and cultural trip on the road, you will understand why the Upper Mustang is called the Mountain Desert of Nepal.
- Explore the rugged, brown, and ancient landscape of the Upper Mustang in 4WD.
- Tour the beautiful city of Pokhara
- Observe the magnificent Himalayan views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Nilgiri, and Mt. Dhaulagiri
Trip Departure
We book solo and group your holiday lifetime memorable with people from all over the world. As far as your trip has been confirmed we garnered for all group departures dates even though there we only a single person sign for trekking. We want to note that before departure we always confirm how many members are recently in your group before the final sigh up.
Difficulty Level
The road conditions from Kathmandu to Pokhara are well paved. From Pokhara, you can expect the road to be uneven. The majority of the road to Lower Mustang road trip is well paved but you can expect some rugged, rocky, and steep terrains. Make sure you use a sturdy vehicle with excellent suspension and high clearance. We provide a four-wheel vehicle and a professional offroad driver. Even though we travel for a few days you will gain significant elevation.
Important Notes
Your safety is always our first priority while traveling with Ama Adventure. Stay flexible if needed;
- Your trip leader has the authority to change all itineraries based on local conditions and judgments of your leader.
- We also have the right to modify the itinerary due to medical considerations, unexpected weather conditions, Natural Disasters, etc.
- Your leader and crew always try to make your trip comfortable to ensure that the trip runs according to plan.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport, we will be welcomed by a representative of Ama Adventure. Check into a hotel and then explore the surrounding area.
Today you will fly to Pokhra it will take 30m. During the day explore pokhara before heading towards the upper mustang to celebrate most unique festival Tiji.
We will escort you to Pokhara Airport early in the morning to fly to Jomsom in half an hour. You rest in this beautiful village in a lodge or a guesthouse. Or you can tour the barren hills, the contrasting snow-capped mountains, and the Kali Gandaki river before driving to Muktinath. Then, take blessings from Lord Vishnu in the Muktinath Temple. If interested, you can walk below the 108 stone taps to do more soul cleansing. Then, you drive back to Kagbeni and rest for the day.
The next day after breakfast, you will be driving through Syangboche as you pass the beautiful view of Mt. Nilgiri to your south. The Chungsi cave is an exciting cave you can find on a cliff side where the cave walls are painted, and it also has statues and relics. Take a stop at the Chhuksang town and Dhakmar before heading to Ghami. Stay there overnight.
The following morning, you will get on a drive across the Ghami river crossing the Charang La pass. As you get closer to Charang, you will also see the view of Mt. Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Bhrikuti. The view of Ghar Gompa, the Mui La, and the Marang La Pass showcases the red cliffs on your journey as you reach Lo-Manthang, the walled city of Lo. You can rest at a lodge there before heading out the next day for the main event of the road trip.
We reach the highlight of the road trip, the Tiji festival. But before you experience the colorful festival, head out to explore Namgyal Gompa, which is on top of an isolated ridge. Thinggar is also an attractive village with the Mustang King’s palace for the summer. Then, head to the Tashi Gepel Palace in the afternoon to watch and join the Tiji festivals with the locals. A hand-made Thangka painting is hung from the southern wall of the palace. Then, with the company of the traditional copper horns, a drum, and a cymbal, the dance performance begins in front of the Royal courtyard for two hours. The masks and the performers’ costumes are in red, blue, and yellow, miming the color of the prayer flags. This performance is called the “Tso Chham,” which performs the storyline of Dorjee Sonnu over Man Tam Ru, representing the victory of good over evil. Then head back to your lodge for an overnight stay.
The following days begin in the afternoon with another dance performance called the “Na-Cham,” depicting the story of Dorjee Sonnu trying to bring the demon back to the Buddha Land. The costume is colorful, accompanied by traditional instruments, a drum, and a cymbal. The event ends when a straw figure representing Man Tam Ru is slayed in front of everyone using a religious dagger. Then after the dance performance ends, you can head back to your lodge and rest.
It is the final day of the festival when the masked dance named the “Rha Chaam” is performed. On this last day, a dough figure is made to represent Man Tam Ru and is slayed with a religious dagger to depict the final win of good over evil. Finally, all the performers gather in front of the central courtyard and dance together. It happens before leading a procession of the Royal Family to Solang. After that, you go back to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Now that the colorful and exciting festival is over, it is time to head back to Jomsom through a drive. You will follow the route back to Kagbeni and then to Jomsom through the village of Ranipauwa. Then, you can take some rest in Jomsom and stay overnight.
The following day, you will fly back to Kathmandu by taking transit from Pokhara. You will return from the city of calmness to the capital city. An Ama Adventure representative will pick you up and return you to your hotel.
A representative of Ama Adventure will take you off at the airport or your place of departure.
Price Includes
Round Trip Transporation By Jeep ( by Jeep Package 6N/7D)
Accommodation on 3 meals as per itinerary
Certified Mountain Leader/Guide
Leader/Guide costs include their salary, insurance, food and accommodation
First Aid Kit
Not Includes
Trip cancelations cost
Travel Insurance .
Personal items.
Food outside of designated meals.
Travel and rescue insurance.
Tip for Leader/Guide and Driver.
Snacks during Tour
Information
Important Notes
Your safety is always our first priority while traveling with Ama Adventure, Stay flexible if needed;
- Your trip leader has the authority to change all itineraries based on local conditions and judgments of your leader’s.
- We also have the right to modify the itinerary due to medical considerations, unexpected weather conditions, Natural Disasters etc.
- Your leader and crew always tries to make your trip comfortable to ensure that the trip runs according to plan.
Gear List For Trekking
Before leave for the trip please double check your gear;
1.Heavy/Medium down jacket
2. Synthetic Hiking T-shirt.
3. Synthetic long underwear top and button.
4. Wollen Hat.
5. Gloves.
6. Day pack.
7. Hiking Boots Waterproof.
8. Shocks.
9. Water Bottle.
10. Headlamp.
11. Quick dry Towel.
12. Personal Medicine and Toiletries.
13. Sleeping Bag.
14. Zip lock Bag for Toilet papers and other necessary items such as the passport and others.
15. Hand sanitizer
Other Optional Items
Trekking Poles
Camera
Basic Medicine (Pepto, Bismol, Advil, Imodium)
Bandana for dust and wind
Energy Bars
Documents and Logistics
Flight Information
4 Passport size photo for Tims and permit
Medical Insurance Card or policy
Valid Passport
Cash for souvenirs, Incidental cost and tipping for staff