Tiji Festival Tour 2026 – Celebrate in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang
Join the Tiji Festival Overland Tour to Upper Mustang from May 14–16, 2026
Tiji Festival Tour 2026 offers a rare chance to witness one of the most sacred and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist festivals in Nepal’s restricted region of Upper Mustang. Held annually in Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the ancient Mustang Kingdom, the Tiji Festival is a three-day spiritual celebration rooted in mythology, tradition, and ritual dances performed by monks from the Choedhe Monastery.
Why Join the Tiji Festival Tour in 2026?
The Tiji Festival (short for "Tenpa Chirim") is celebrated every May and in 2026, it falls on 14th, 15th, and 16th May. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, where Dorje Jono (a deity believed to be an incarnation of Lord Buddha) defeats his demon father Man Tam Ru, who caused destruction and suffering in the region.
What to Expect During the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour?
- Tsa Chham – Day 1 of celebration: Depicts the harassment of the demon.
- Nga Chham – Day 2 of celebration: Shows the birth of Dorje Jono.
- Ritual Conquest – Day 3 of celebration: Attempts to banish the demon back to the Buddha realm.
These sacred dances are performed in elaborate costumes and masks, drawing both locals and international travelers to experience this extraordinary event.
Comfortable Overland Travel with Himalayan Mentor
This Tiji Festival tour is a luxury overland trip by private 4WD jeep, led by an experienced Himalayan Mentor guide. The route covers diverse landscapes, from arid valleys to dramatic mountain backdrops, while stopping at scenic villages to learn about Tibetan culture, art, and nomadic lifestyles.
You will not only witness the most important festival in Upper Mustang, but also immerse yourself in the local way of life, making this more than just a tour, it’s a cultural and spiritual journey.
Book Your Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2026 Now
Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to travel to one of Nepal’s most restricted and mystical regions. Limited permits available for Upper Mustang, so early booking is recommended.
Tiji Festival Overland Tour Highlights
- Fully Guided 2-Week Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang
- Explore Himalayan landscapes with views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri
- Learn about Tibetan Buddhism and the culture of the Lowa community
- Witness the complete Tiji Festival ceremony in Lo Manthang
- Visit traditional Mustangi villages and centuries-old monasteries
- Choose between private or group joining options
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival tour itinerary
07 May 2026, Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
Arrival in Kathmandu airport of Nepal, meet Himalayan Mentor’s representative and drive to the hotel.
08 May 2026, Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu, Permit day
Morning we will provide brief about the tour in details. Then our representative will take your passports to obtain the permit to Upper Mustang region this day. If you want to enjoy visiting historical sites around Kathmandu valley, we will arrange upon your request.
09 May 2026, Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by a car (6 hours)
After breakfast drive to Pokhara by a private car with your guide. You will drive through beautiful mountains, hamlets and bank of rivers.
10 May 2026, Day 04: Drive from Pokhara - Beni - Tatopani (1268 m).
We will drive through beautiful scenery and mountain views to reach Beni. After the lunch break, we will continue drive towards Tatopani, where you can relish yourself in a natural hot springs.
11 May 2026, Day 05: Drive from Tatopani to Kagbeni (2800m) & Visit Muktinath Temple
We will drive after the breakfast to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a beautiful village in the Lower Mustang with a great history. Then we will drive to Muktinath temple for a short visit. Then drive back to Kagbeni for overnight stay.
12 May 2026, Day 06: Drive from Kagbeni to Ghami (3510m) via Syngboche Pass (4200m)
Today we will enter to restricted area of Upper Mustang. We will drive through many small villages through a spectacular valley of rocky outcrops and cliffs where we will find the ancient Chungsi cave monastery. After the monastery visit continue drive to beautiful village of Ghami.
13 May 2026, Day 07: Drive from Ghami to Lo Manthang (3840m)
Leaving Ghami we will pass the longest Mani Wall in the world stretching out as far as you can see of carved stones. We will also pass sets of ancient clay Buddhist stupa that look as old as the hills around them. Continue drive enjoying the red cliffs of Dhakmar. Then to Tsarang that is home to the most beautiful monastery and palace. The 8th century Ghar Gompa is a major attraction of Tsarang. Then drive to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang.
14 May 2026, Day 08: First day of Tiji Festival
Today, we observe the first day of the fascinating Tiji festival. The first day of this festival is full of colorful dances by the monks depicting the harassment of Ma Tam Ru Ta in a dance called "Tsa Chham".
15 May 2026, Day 09: Second day of Tiji Festival
On the second day of the Tiji festival - the performers enact the birth of Dorjee Zon as the demon's son.
16 May 2026, Day 10: Third Day of Tiji Festival
The last day of Tiji festival depicts the attempt to return the demon to Lord Buddha's realm. With the death of the demon the festival ends.
17 May 2026, Day 11: Drive from Lo Manthang - Jomsom (2743m)
We'll take a drive via Kagbeni to Jomsom and get a chance to enjoy the last views of amazing landscapes, architecture and culture.
18 May 2026, Day 12: Drive from Jomsom (2743m) to Pokhara (820m)
After breakfast drive to Pokhara through beautiful mountain villages like; Marpha, Ghasa, Tatopani, Beni etc. Evening enjoy a relaxing time in Pokhara around the Lakeside.
19 May 2026, Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m).
Drive to Kathmandu along the Trishuli River and roadside towns for about 6-7 hrs
20 May 2026, Day 14: Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for final departure. Trip concludes.
Note: The Tiji festival dates for 2026 are 14th, 15th and 16th of May. If you want to book a last minute tour, please feel free to let us know!
