Tiji Festival in Mustang

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23 days

Highlights:

Feel the spiritual atmosphere of Tiji festival in the naturally isolated region.
Discover the culture, tradition and rituals of the ancient Buddhist.
Delve into the breathtaking scenery, historic monasteries, ancient caves, and other archaeological sites.
Mini-Tibetan journey to experience their lifestyle.
Stunning view of Himalayas from its lap.
Flying into Jomsom, famous for apple and its products.
Visit Muktinath: Significant Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Hiking, horse-riding, four wheel drive and visiting the yak herders in
Lo-Manthang.
Journey through Kaligandaki gorge: listed as world’s deepest gorge.
Visit the stunning city of Pokhara (Lakes, caves and Davis water-fall).

Introduction:

Every harvest season begins after the Tiji Festival around Upper-Mustang, an event related to purification from evil. The history of Tiji Festival spans several centuries back, however myths and stories rather than documented facts are used to enrich it. The phrase "hope of Buddhism prevailing in the world for peace" is the root of the word "Tiji," which effectively celebrates the victory of God over the devil. A youngster named Dorje Jono battles his demonic father, who wreaks havoc in the Mustang by causing a water shortage—a resource that is extremely precious in the area—many generations ago. In the end, Dorje Jono triumphs and marking the symbol with variety of dancing events (adorned with colorful dresses and masks) are held during the three-day ritual to ward off the demon. Supported by the presence of late former Royals and village communities of Lo-Manthang.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 feet) and transfer to hotel.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, received by our airport representatives who will warmly greets you and transfer to the hotel on a private vehicle. A tourist standard hotel accommodation in the heart of a city, after getting refreshed from the jet lag. Join in for briefing provided by our guide or group leaders with necessary information regarding the Tije Festival with a nice dinner in the evening.

DAY 2

Visit old town of Kathmandu and Trip preparation.

Explore UNESCO heritage sites: Swyambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square after breakfast. Experience the grandeur of palaces and temples built during the period of Malla era. After lunch, visit Bouddhanath and Pashupatinath.
Both places reflects contrast of two main religions of Buddhism and Hinduism blending with perfect harmony among the Nepalese. Prepare for your next day trip after your visit to these interesting spiritual sites.

DAY 3

Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m/2,953 ft.)

A fascinating and scenic 30 minutes from Kathmandu takes to the picturesque valley of Pokhara. During air-borne views of Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna Himalayas. On arrival in Pokhara transfer to respective hotels by famous Phewa Lake side. Rest of the day at leisure for stroll around the lake side, where all best hotels, shops, and stores are located.

DAY 4

Fly (20 minutes) to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,924ft) & drive (3-4 hours) to Kagbeni (2,810m / 9,219ft) via Muktinath

Early morning, fly to Jomsom from Pokhara Airport. The altitude of Jomsom is 2,743 m. On reaching Jomsom airport after a short scenic flight, our driver receives you. Where exciting drive takes you at Muktinath for interesting tour of the temple premises. Then return to Kagbeni for the overnight. Kagbeni is at elevation of 2,804 m an interesting village of strong Tibetan influence of age-old heritage cultures.

DAY 5

Drive (5 hours) to Tsarang.

At Kagbeni, we will check our special permit and then explore the monasteries and Buddhist school of Kagbeni. Getting ready for a long scenic drive to Ghami village facing views of massif canyon, eroded high cliffs.

As drive leads to cross the Kali Gandaki River, past Chuksang, Chele, Samar, Syangboche, Bhina and Ghiling. Then reaching Ghami for short refreshing stop and continue drive to Tsarang. The lovely village situated at above 3,570 m.

On arrival at Tsarang, transfer to respective nice lodge or guest house and check into your rooms. Dinner in a lovely large dining room with vibrant design of Tibetan Buddhism arts and painting that furnish the dining hall.

DAY 6

Drive (3 hours) to Lo-Manthang and experience the first day of Tiji festival.

After visiting Lo-Ghar Gompa, the oldest monastery of Mustang, we will continue our overland journey to former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang.

Located at 3,840 meters high, on drive overlooking grand scenery of scenic Tibetan plateau, high rock cliffs. A desert like appearance, Upper Mustang is also an extension of Tibetan plateau. On reaching at Lo Manthang, after checking into a nice lodge, guest house. Enjoy the tour and observe the colorful Tiji festival.

DAY 7

Explore at Lo-Manthang and enjoy the second day of Tiji festival.

Early morning drive to Chusar village (1 hour drive) to explore sky cave and Buddhist school around the windblown village. After an exciting morning return back to Lo-Manthang and enjoy the second day of Tiji festival.

DAY 8

Explore around lo-manthang and enjoy the third day of Tiji festival.

Last and final day of Tiji festival, tour of the old monasteries and Buddhist school of Lo-Manthang. Explore the medieval era town of Lo-Manthang and then join the local for Tiji festival celebration of the final day. Observe the rituals and dance of monks and priest in different colorful attire. After celebration, return to the hotel for dinner and last overnight around the former walled kingdom of Lo-Mangtang.

DAY 9

Drive back to Jomsom (Drive 6 hours)

A long and exciting scenic drive back to Jomsom. Special permit check out at Kagbeni village. As drive continues to Jomsom. On reaching Jomsom, transfer to your lodge, guest house. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the streets and market of Jomsom until dinner time.

DAY 10

Early morning fly to Pokhara and then fly to Kathmandu (Fly 20 minutes to Pokhara and 30 minutes to Kathmandu).

Early morning, transfer to Jomsom airport for short scenic flight to Pokhara.
At Pokhara connect to another flight back to Kathmandu. Our representative receives you for short transfer to your respective hotels.

DAY 11

Final departure.

After a last breakfast in Kathmandu, prepare for final departure. Depending upon your time schedule for international flight to respective countries, you’ll be driven to the airport. After a memorable moment at Tiji festival of Lo-Manthang, and then bid farewell to Nepal and staff of Himex Nepal.