Upper Mustang Teji Festival Trek: A Cultural and Scenic Adventure
The Upper Mustang region in Nepal, known for its remote and pristine landscapes, offers a unique cultural experience deeply rooted in ancient Tibetan traditions. One of the most fascinating events in this region is the Teji Festival, celebrated annually with great enthusiasm and zeal. This festival, marking the victory of good over evil, takes place in the famed walled city of Lo Manthang, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the rich heritage of Mustang.
The Teji Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
The Teji Festival, observed annually in August, is a significant cultural event for the residents of Mustang. This vibrant festival coincides with the end of the harvest season, making it a time for celebration and community bonding. The festival is characterized by colorful masks, traditional music, and dance, with highlights including:
Masked Dances: These performances, meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, are a central attraction of the festival. The dancers, adorned in elaborate costumes, enact tales of good triumphing over evil.
Religious Ceremonies: The festival includes various religious rituals, such as offerings to deities, chanting of prayers, and blessings for the community.
Local Music and Cuisine: Attendees can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, alongside sampling local foods and drinks, providing a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
Cultural Processions: The streets come alive with colorful processions featuring musicians, dancers, and decorated horses, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Community Celebrations: The festival is a time for families and friends to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
The Teji Festival Special Trek: An Immersive Experience
The Teji Festival Special Trek is a meticulously planned trekking tour designed to coincide with the Teji Festival. This trek provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Upper Mustang while immersing in the vibrant cultural festivities. Highlights of the trek include:
Cultural Immersion: Experience the authentic Tibetan culture and lifestyle of the Mustang region. The festival offers a unique chance to witness local traditions firsthand.
Scenic Beauty: Trek through the stunning landscapes of Upper Mustang, characterized by ancient monasteries, caves, and the dramatic Kaligandaki gorge.
Historic Sites: Visit the thousand-year-old monasteries and temples that dot the region, gaining insight into the area's rich history and spiritual heritage.
Comprehensive Itinerary: The trek includes tours through Kathmandu, Jomsom, and Pokhara, ensuring a well-rounded experience of Nepal’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
Trip Details and Departure
Ama Adventure offers both solo and group bookings for the Teji Festival Special Trek. Once a trip is confirmed, it is guaranteed to depart even with a single participant. Before departure, the total number of group members will be confirmed, ensuring a cohesive and enjoyable trekking experience.
Difficulty Level
The Teji Festival Special Trek is suitable for individuals with average physical fitness. While no special training is required, trekkers should be prepared for the challenges of high-altitude trekking. The trek is designed to gradually ascend to higher altitudes, allowing participants to acclimatize effectively. Weather conditions can change significantly due to altitude variation, so trekkers should be prepared for varying climates.
Important Notes
Safety First: Your safety is our utmost priority. Flexibility is key, and your trip leader has the authority to alter the itinerary based on local conditions and their judgment.
Itinerary Modifications: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary due to medical considerations, unexpected weather conditions, natural disasters, etc.
Comfort and Flexibility: Our leaders and crew strive to make your trip comfortable and ensure it runs smoothly. However, we request that participants remain flexible and adaptable to any necessary changes.
Conclusion
The Upper Mustang Teji Festival Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the unique cultural and natural beauty of this remote region. Whether you are an avid trekker or a cultural enthusiast, this trek promises an unforgettable adventure, filled with rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and warm community celebrations. Join us to explore the hidden gems of Mustang and celebrate the Teji Festival in the heart of Nepal.
Itinerary
After arrival, a representative of Ama Adventure will pick you up from the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. It begins from Swayambhunath, a popular pilgrimage site for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. The sightseeing continues to the Pashupatinath Temple, the famous pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees. The day ends in the Boudhanath Stupa as you circle around the stupa and see the devotees engaging in similar activities and roaming around in the evening. Then you’ll be dropped back at your hotel.
After breakfast, we drive our way to Pokhara. This city is known as the ‘City of Lakes’ so your journey will be relaxing. On your way through Prithvi Highway, you will see the Trishuli River, the greenery under the wide sky, and the farmland. Once you reach Pokhara, you can explore the city, take a walk around the calming Phewa Lake and witness the beautiful view and reflection of Mt. Machhapurchre on the lake. Then, you can head back to your hotel for the night.
Early morning you will fly to Jomsom. You rest in this beautiful town Jomsom and then start your trek to Kagbeni. You will walk along the banks of the Kaligandaki river and see the Nilgiri and Tukuche peaks when you look back at your trail. This area is windy, so taking a windproof jacket is advised. Pass the flat-roofed traditional houses with terraces made of paving stones with unforgettable surroundings and stay here overnight.
Before heading towards check your restricted permits before heading to Tsale. You walk above the Kali Gandaki River valley and its bank and get closer to the drier side of the trek. You can see the Gompa Kang, the monastery of the oldest sect of Tibetan Buddhists, and some caves on the river’s west bank. Tangbe will fascinate you with its narrow alleys, whitewashed Thakali settlement accompanied by buckwheat, barley, and applied orchard fields. The Nilgiri Peak to the south will settle your heart as you cross the Kali Gandaki River and finally reach Tsaile for an overnight stay.
The following day, trek from Tsaile via the Chuksi Cave to Ghiling. You are on your way to the colorful village with many poplar trees. Not just that, you will witness the Hand-made Buddhist Chortens on the way. As you reach closer to Drakmar, you will see more Buddhist stupas and views of Mt. Annapurna, Bharkuti Himal, and Mt. Nilgiri. The locals of Mustang will be busy in their plantation process you can catch a glimpse of on yit our way.
The next day, observe the Drakmar valley from the crest on your climb through the steep and tunneled landscape. As you move further, you will see the Mui La and the mesmerizing red cliffs on the way. You will also reach the Marang La Pass, the highest point on your journey to Upper Mustang. Then, crossing beside the Tsarang Khola, pass the Ghar Gompa built by Guru Rinpoche and head to Lo-Manthang. This walled city of Lo showcases the glorious view of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Nilgiri, and Mt. Tilicho will be a surprise along the barren brown mountains spread far across. Then, you rest at a lodge for the night.
Teji Festival begins today. You will head to the Tashi Gephel Palace and watch the colorful festival unfold. The southern wall of the Palace unfurls a large Thangka painting with the image of Padmasambhava as the traditional copper horns are played. The colorful masked dance called the “Tso Chham” showcases the storyline of the victory of good, depicting Dorjee Sonnu over the evil of the demon Man Tam Ru. Enjoy the performance that goes on for two hours in the the courtyard of the palace square, and then head back to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Tiji Festival begins today. You will head to the Tashi Gephel Palace and watch the colorful festival unfold. The southern wall of the Palace unfurls a large Thangka painting with the image of Padmasambhava as the traditional copper horns are played. The colorful masked dance called the “Tso Chham” showcases the storyline of the victory of good, depicting Dorjee Sonnu over the evil of the demon Man Tam Ru. Enjoy the performance that goes on for two hours in the courtyard of the palace square, and then head back to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Then, the second day of the festival begins with the same rituals as the day before, and then the performance called the “Na-Cham” shows how Dorjee Sonnu tried to take the demon back to the Buddha Land. This day’s dance performance ends with the slaying of a straw figure representing the demon. The dancer’s costumes, attires, instruments, and masks are red, blue, and yellow with the backdrop of the beautiful snow peaks. Enjoy the extravagant festival’s second day and return to the lodge for an overnight stay.
The festival’s final day is celebrated with yet another dance performance that depicts the final victory of Dorjee Sonnu over Man Tam Ru. One more figure is created using dough to slay with a religious dagger. This dance is called the “Rha Chaam.” The way to end this celebration is when all the performers join the square and start dancing with the sound of shooting guns in the background. Then the masked dancers lead a procession with the Royal Family to Solang. You head back to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Then you head back from Lo-Manthang to Drakmar. There are various Gompas on the way, like Jhumpa, Chhoeda, and Thupchen. You can see the beautiful red cliffs on the course or walk to Tingkhar village northwest of o-Manthang. As you leave the beautiful Royal Palace of Lo-Manthang behind, you will reach Marang La pass again through Ghar Gompa, where you can explore the cave paintings. Once you get the Drakmar village, you can take a rest for the day.
The following day, trek from Tsaile via the Chuksi Cave to Ghiling. You are on your way to the colorful village with many poplar trees. Not just that, you will witness the Hand-made Buddhist Chortens on the way. As you reach closer to Drakmar, you will see more Buddhist stupas and views of Mt. Annapurna, Bharkuti Himal, and Mt. Nilgiri. The locals of Mustang will be busy in their plantation process you can catch a glimpse of on yit our way.
Now, you will be walking down to Ghling and seeing the views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt Nilgiri, and Mt. Dhaulagiri in the early morning. The nearing fields and plateaus of Ghling and the colorful village will also entice your journey with the hand-made Buddhist Chortens. You can once more see the village life here of Drakmar to Ghling before you finally take a rest for the night here.
The next day, we walked from Ghiling to Chhuksang village. There are many hamlets on the way before you reach the town. On your way, the Himalayan views will accompany you and make you feel as if you are walking next to it. The alternative route is to visit the Chungsi cave with carved figures of many Gods. The Padmasambhava is one essential figurine there. Or else, you can wander around in the Chhuksang village and stay the night there.
From Chhuksang, you are going on an upright journey through the small track within the bushes. You will see the beautiful Mt. Dhaulagiri on your way to the holy Muktinath temple. Then, you can take blessings from Lord Vishnu. It is a sacred temple for both Buddhist and Hindu devotees, and you will also witness the Tthorong La mountain pass since the temple lies at the foot of it. Then, you can take a rest at a teahouse there.
Now, the following day you will be heading from Muktinath to Jomsom as you pass the beautiful scenario through the bank of the Kaligandaki river. Muktinath is a windy area, but your journey will be entertaining even as you walk through Kagbeni. The mountain scene and the landscape in the backdrop are unbelievable. Once you reach Jomsom, you can rest or look around the town before you stay overnight.
You will fly to Pokhara early in the morning. You will see the Kaligandaki gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain range. The natural garden surrounds you as you arrive in Pokhara. You can rest for the day or take a walk in the land of the calm.
Now, you drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara after breakfast. You can rest here or go sightseeing or shopping around the neighborhood. It is a great place to buy souvenirs from here. In the evening, Ama Adventure organized dinner to celebrate the success of our trip and overnight at Kathmandu.
Today is the final day of our trip. Ama Adventure representative drops you at the airport, wishes you a safe journey, and hopes to see you on the next adventure.
Price Includes
All ground Transportation
Accommodation in Kathmandu Pokhara and during trekking
Professional Guide and Assistant Guide/Trainee Guide
All meals during your trip (Breakfast/Lunch and Dinner
Well come and farewell Dinner
Staff cost including food accommodation, salary, insurance
National park permit and all paper works
Medical Kits
Not Includes
Trip cancelations cost
International flight
Personal items
Food outside of included in package
Travel and Rescue insurance
Tip for Guide and other staff
Snacks during trekking
Information
More to Extension your Holiday
Chitwan National park
Extra night in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Other adventures activities Rafting, Paragliding etc
Tour to Lumbini
Gear List For Trekking
Before leave for the trip please double check your gear;
1. Cloth for Kathmandu.
2. Heavy /Medium down jacket (- 20 degree).
3. Insulation.
4. Fleece Jacket-1
5. Synthetic Hiking T-shirt - 4.
6. Synthetic long underwear top and button.
7. Wollen Hat.
8. Synthetic Hat.
9. Gloves.
10. Hiking Boots Waterproof.
11. Nylon - wool blend shocks - 4 pairs.
12. Sandals/sneakers.
13. Day pack.
14. Water Bottle.
15. Headlamp.
16. Quick dry Towel.
17. Personal Medicine and Toiletries.
18. Sleeping Bag (- 20 degree).
19. Ziplock Bag for Toilet papers and other necessary items such as the passport and others.
20. Hand sanitizer
21. Wet Wipes
Other Optional Items
1. Guide Book.
2. Trekking Poles.
3. Camera.
4. Basic Medicine (Pepto, Bismol, Advil, Imodium).
5. Bandana for dust and wind.
6. Energy Bars.
7. Yaktrax especially for fall and early spring season
8. Outlet Adopter
Documents and Logistics
1. Flight Information
2. Photocopy of Passport
3. Passport size photo for Tims and permit(4)
4. Medical Insurance Card
5. Valid Passport
6. Cash for souvenirs, Incidental cost, and tips for staff.
7. Outlet Adopter
The moderate trek takes you to the elevation of 300m above sea level anyone can accomplish with a basic physical fitness level. The 2 two weeks longer trek led through the subtropical forest that allows your body to observe enough oxygen and sufficient days to acclimate.
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