Tiji is the one week of the year when Lo Manthang's square below the palace fills with monks in silk robes and painted masks, drums and long horns, and people from every village of Lo in their finest chubas and turquoise. The dances retell how the deity Dorje Jono defeated a demon who brought drought, and they run for three days in the third Tibetan month, usually mid to late May. Watching them after a week's walk through Mustang's canyons is one of the great experiences of Himalayan travel.
This departure walks in more gently than our standard Upper Mustang trek, with shorter first days and nights in Chhusang, Samar and Ghiling, so you reach Lo Manthang a day before the festival in good shape and with a spot secured for the opening rituals. After the third day of dances, we drive back to Jomsom in one long jeep day rather than walking out, which saves permit days and time. Lodges and flights are booked months ahead for Tiji, so dates are fixed once the monastery confirms the calendar.
Highlights
- All three days of Tiji masked dances in Lo Manthang's palace square
- Gentle walk-in via Chhusang, Samar, Ghiling, Ghami and Tsarang
- Nyi La (about 4,010 m) with views to Annapurna and Nilgiri
- Lo Manthang's gompas at the busiest, most colourful week of the year
- Mani wall of Ghami and Tsarang's monastery and dzong
- Jeep return to Jomsom to save permit days
Elevation profile
4,010 mWhere you sleepHigh point of the daySleeping altitude rises more than 500 m above 3,000 mCheck acclimatisation
Day by day
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DAY1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, meet the group and trek leader for a briefing on the route, festival etiquette and photography rules, and a kit check. May days in Mustang are warm in the sun but nights drop below freezing, and the afternoon wind is fierce, so a windproof shell, warm sleeping bag and buff are essential.
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DAY2
Fly to Pokhara
Short morning flight to Pokhara and a free afternoon by Phewa Lake. Pack duffels for porters and leave spare luggage at the hotel. Early dinner before the dawn flight to Jomsom.
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DAY3
Fly to Jomsom, walk to Kagbeni
Fly through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom (2,720 m) and walk north along the riverbed to Kagbeni (2,810 m), arriving before the afternoon wind. Visit Kag Chode monastery, whose monks belong to the same Sakya tradition as those who dance at Tiji, and walk the old village lanes.
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DAY4
Kagbeni to Chhusang, short first day
Cross the checkpoint into Upper Mustang and walk via Tangbe's white houses and orchards to Chhusang (2,980 m), where the Narshing Khola meets the Kali Gandaki below red, cave-dotted cliffs. Stopping here instead of Chele makes the first day shorter. In the afternoon, walk 30 minutes up the side valley to Tetang, a village of tall houses joined by tunnels.
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DAY5
Chhusang to Samar via Chele
Cross the Kali Gandaki near its rock tunnel and climb to Chele (3,050 m), then continue steeply with views over the canyon to the Taklam La (about 3,624 m) and on to Samar (3,660 m), a village of poplars and stone corrals used by horse caravans. The climb of about 700 m is the biggest of the trek so far; go slowly and drink plenty.
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DAY6
Samar to Ghiling over two passes
Wind around side valleys past a cave shrine to Guru Rinpoche, cross the Dajori La (about 3,735 m) and drop to Syangboche, then climb to the Yamda La (about 3,850 m) and descend to Ghiling (3,570 m), whose red gompa and barley fields sit in a sheltered bowl. Ghiling is quieter than Syangboche and makes a good night before the Nyi La.
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DAY7
Ghiling to Ghami via the Nyi La
A steady climb to the Nyi La (about 4,010 m), the highest point of the route, with views south to Annapurna and Nilgiri and north into Lo. Descend to Ghami (3,520 m). By now villagers are heading north for Tiji too, and you may share the trail with families on horseback dressed for the festival.
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DAY8
Ghami to Tsarang
Walk beside Ghami's long mani wall and over the Tsarang La (about 3,870 m) to Tsarang (3,560 m). Visit the Sakya monastery and the old royal dzong in the afternoon; monks here sometimes travel to Lo Manthang to assist with the festival preparations.
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DAY9
Tsarang to Lo Manthang, festival eve
Cross the canyon and the Lo La (about 3,950 m) for the first view of the walled city, then walk in through the main gate. Lo Manthang will be busy with families arriving and stalls setting up. Your guide shows you the square and agrees a good viewing area; in the evening, rest and prepare warm layers for long hours seated outdoors.
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DAY10
Tiji day one: Tsa Chham
The festival opens in the afternoon with Tsa Chham. Monks of Chhoede Gompa process into the square with horns and drums, a great thangka is often displayed on the palace wall and the first slow, solemn dances introduce the story of Dorje Jono. In the morning before the dances, visit Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa while most people are preparing.
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DAY11
Tiji day two: Nga Chham
Morning walk to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar across the fields, then back for Nga Chham in the afternoon, when Dorje Jono's struggle with the demon intensifies through a long sequence of masked dances. Members of the former royal family usually attend, and the crowd is at its largest. Our guide explains each dance as it unfolds.
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DAY12
Tiji day three: Rha Chham
On the final day the demon is symbolically destroyed, usually represented by a dough effigy, and the monks lead a procession out of the walls where the evil is cast away. The atmosphere afterwards is celebratory, with music and gatherings across town. Spend the evening with the crew; tomorrow is an early start.
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DAY13
Jeep from Lo Manthang to Jomsom
Leave at dawn by jeep, driving south through Tsarang and Ghami, over the pass near the Nyi La and down via Samar, Chele, Chhusang and Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,720 m). Roads are busy the day after Tiji, so we book jeeps well ahead. Arrive in the afternoon for a hot shower and a farewell dinner with the trekking crew.
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DAY14
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara
Morning flight back to Pokhara and a free afternoon by the lake. This day also absorbs any delay to the Jomsom flight, which is common in late May as pre-monsoon cloud begins to build.
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DAY15
Fly to Kathmandu and depart
Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or extend your stay in Nepal. Book international departures for the afternoon or later.
Route map
- 1Kathmandu 1,400 m
- 2Pokhara 822 m
- 3Kagbeni 2,810 m
- 4Chhusang 2,980 m
- 5Ghami 3,520 m
- 6Tsarang 3,560 m
- 7Lo Manthang 3,840 m
- 8Jomsom 2,720 m
Included
- 14 nights: 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges on trek, 4 nights in Lo Manthang
- All meals on trek (days 3–13), breakfast in cities
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu and Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara flights
- Upper Mustang restricted area permit (days 4–13) and ACAP permit
- Licensed English-speaking trek leader and porters
- Jeep Lo Manthang–Jomsom
- Gompa entry fees in Lo Manthang and Tsarang
- Donation to Chhoede Gompa on behalf of the group
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, duffel bag, airport transfers and taxes
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa fee
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara other than listed
- Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation
- Single room supplement (limited availability during Tiji)
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers and charging where charged
- Extra nights caused by flight delays
- Tips for guide and porters
Popular add-ons
- Royal Mustang Resort for the 4 Lo Manthang nightsOn request, subject to availability
- Chhoser caves by jeep on the morning of day 11≈ US$ 70 per jeep
- Helicopter Lo Manthang–Pokhara after the festival (charter)≈ US$ 3,500 per helicopter
Good to know
- Price is per person on twin sharing in a group of 4 or more, with family lodges in Lo Manthang; Royal Mustang Resort is a supplement during Tiji, subject to availability.
- Tiji dates follow the Tibetan calendar (14–16 May in 2026). We fix departures once the monastery confirms the year's dates; check current status before you travel.
- Upper Mustang permits cost US$ 50 per person per day since late 2025, here 10 days; a licensed guide and at least two foreign trekkers are required.
- Rooms, jeeps and Jomsom flights are in short supply around Tiji; book 4–6 months ahead and accept shared rooms in simple lodges.
- Festival etiquette: stay out of the dance ground, never use flash, ask before photographing people and dress modestly.
Trip details
- Starts
- Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport)
- Ends
- Kathmandu
- Stay
- 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges on the trek, lodge or Royal Mustang Resort in Lo Manthang
- Transport
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Jomsom flights, jeep Lo Manthang–Jomsom
- Walking days
- 10
- Styles
- Trekking, Festivals, Culture tours, Photography
- January avoid
- February avoid
- March avoid
- April avoid
- May best
- June avoid
- July avoid
- August avoid
- September avoid
- October avoid
- November avoid
- December avoid
Hotels on this trip
Questions about this trip
When is the Tiji festival trek?
Our Tiji trek departs about 10 days before the festival so that you reach Lo Manthang the evening before the first dance. Tiji falls in the third Tibetan month, usually in May; in 2026 it was 14–16 May. Exact dates for later years are confirmed by the monastery. Check current status before you travel.
How much does the Tiji festival trek cost?
Our 15-day Tiji festival trek starts at US$ 1,890 (₹1,58,000) per person in a group of four or more, including flights from Kathmandu, Upper Mustang permits for 10 days, guide, porters, lodges and meals on trek. Festival demand raises lodge and jeep prices. Check current status before you travel.
Is the Tiji trek harder than the normal Upper Mustang trek?
No, it is slightly easier. We use shorter first days, with nights in Chhusang, Samar and Ghiling, and return by jeep instead of walking out. The highest point is the Nyi La at about 4,010 m. The challenge is cold nights and long hours sitting outdoors at the festival.
Can I join the Tiji festival without trekking?
Yes. Our Upper Mustang jeep tour can be timed for Tiji, or you can fly by helicopter for a day visit, though a single day sees only part of the festival. Jeeps and helicopters are in high demand that week, so book early. All options need the Upper Mustang permit.
Where do we stay during Tiji in Lo Manthang?
In family lodges outside the walls, booked months in advance, with simple twin rooms and heated dining rooms. Royal Mustang Resort, the most comfortable option, is available as a supplement if rooms remain. During Tiji every bed in town is taken, so flexibility and shared rooms are part of the experience.
Can I photograph the Tiji masked dances?
Yes, photography of the dances is generally allowed from the crowd, but never use flash, do not enter the dance ground and avoid blocking locals' view. Ask before photographing individuals close up. Some rituals inside gompas may be closed to cameras; follow your guide's advice and any monastery instructions.
What should I pack for Tiji in May?
Layers for big temperature swings: sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for the day, down jacket, hat and gloves for the evenings, a windproof shell, a buff for dust, a sleeping bag rated to −10 °C and a small foam pad or cushion for sitting in the square during the dances.
Do Indians need a special permit for Tiji?
There is no separate festival permit, but Indian nationals need the Upper Mustang restricted area permit and ACAP permit like other foreigners, issued through a registered agency, with a licensed guide and at least two people. Bring a passport or voter ID. Check current status before you travel.
What does the Tiji festival celebrate?
Tiji retells the legend of Dorje Jono, a deity who defeated his demon father, a creature who brought drought and misfortune to Lo. Over three days monks perform masked dances that end with the demon's symbolic destruction, renewing hope for rain, good harvests and the triumph of the Buddhist teachings.
