Upper Mustang Tiji Festival by 4W Jeep Tour

From May 24 to 26, the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang comes alive with the vibrant Tiji Festival, a three-day celebration filled with mesmerizing dances, rich traditions, and thrilling folklore. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, the festival marks the victory of good over evil, inspired by the legend of Dorje Jono, who defeated a demon threatening Mustang’s precious water supply.

Now, you can witness this spectacular event on the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour 2025, traveling through Nepal’s breathtaking Annapurna region in a 4WD jeep—though the legendary 5-story palace of Lo Manthang remains closed for now.

Immerse yourself in the colors, chants, and rituals as masked monks perform sacred dances to drive away evil spirits. Don’t miss this unforgettable cultural adventure in the hidden kingdom of Mustang.

Attractions of the Trek 

• Enjoy the beautiful sights of Pokhara Valley with its lakes and mountain views

• Taste fresh local apples, apple pie, and apple wine in Jomsom, especially in Marpha

• Travel through the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, surrounded by towering cliffs

• See stunning Himalayan peaks like Annapurna I, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri

• Walk through forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees and spot unique wildlife

• Visit the sacred Muktinath temple, passing through charming villages like Jomsom and Kagbeni

• Meet the Bon and Lobha people of Upper Mustang and learn about their culture

• Explore the dramatic desert landscapes, ancient caves, and historic monasteries of Mustang

• Discover Tibetan Buddhism at Champa Khakang, Namgyal Gompa, and Tsechen Shedrubling Monastery School

• Experience the mysterious Kingdom of Lo Manthang and see its famous whitewashed five-story King’s Palace (currently closed for entry)

• Join the exciting three-day Tiji Festival, a colorful celebration of dance, music, and tradition in Upper Mustang

The 12-Day Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Jeep Tour starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After exploring Pokhara’s top attractions like Phewa Lake, Devi’s Fall, World Peace Pagoda, Mahendra Cave, Bindabasini Temple, and Sarangkot you’ll fly to Jomsom, a charming village nestled along the Kali Gandaki River. From here, your adventure truly begins as you travel comfortably in a private jeep, avoiding steep hikes while soaking in breathtaking views.

A major highlight is the visit to Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site reached via Kagbeni. After immersing yourself in its spiritual atmosphere, the journey continues through Chhusang, Ghiling, and Ghami before reaching Tsarang. Then, you’ll head to Lo Manthang, the ancient walled city, where you’ll spend three magical days witnessing the vibrant Tiji Festival which is a spectacular celebration of dance, music, and tradition.

After the festival, you’ll drive back to Jomsom and catch a picturesque flight to Pokhara, then onward to Kathmandu. Your adventure concludes with a tour of Kathmandu’s iconic sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Temple, leaving you with unforgettable memories of culture, nature, and adventure.

Best Cultural & Religious Experience in Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is like a mini-Tibet, where ancient Tibetan culture and traditions thrive. The people follow Tibetan Buddhism, and the region is filled with centuries-old monasteries, chortens (stupas), and prayer flags. Unlike other parts of Nepal, Mustang celebrates unique Tibetan festivals, such as the famous Tiji Festival is a three-day ritual with masked dances and prayers to ward off evil spirits.

Exploring thousand-year-old monasteries like Lo Gekar (older than Samye in Tibet) and the royal palace of Lo Manthang gives a glimpse into Mustang’s spiritual past. The locals’ way of life, their traditional dress, and their devotion to Buddhism make this journey a deep cultural and religious experience.

Fees, Permits, and Facilities for Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Since 1992, Upper Mustang has been open to foreigners but remains a restricted area, requiring a special permit from Nepal Immigration and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The permit costs 500 per person for 10 days,with an extra 500 per person for 10 days,with an extra 50 per day for longer stays. Solo travelers must join a group to get the permit, and a passport copy is mandatory.

While trekking was once the main way to explore Mustang, jeep tours are now becoming more popular due to comfort and convenience. The region has checkpoints with official "Mustang Border" signs, ensuring only permitted visitors enter.

For Nepali citizens, the permit is much cheaper (around Rs. 2,000–3,000), making it an affordable adventure. Facilities like basic guesthouses, food stops, and fuel stations are available along the route, though services are simpler compared to other tourist areas in Nepal.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Difficulty

This jeep tour is easy to moderate in difficulty. Since you'll travel mostly by jeep, there's minimal walking involved. While no special skills are needed, being in decent physical shape helps for short hikes to monasteries, caves, and festival sites. The routes are non-technical, and the altitude (though high) rarely causes sickness as you gradually adjust. Most days involve light exploration mixed with cultural experiences, making it an accessible yet adventurous way to discover Mustang's hidden wonders during the vibrant Tiji Festival.

Altitude Sickness & Prevention During Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

While Upper Mustang's highest point (3,900m) rarely causes severe altitude sickness, it's still important to stay cautious. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Stay hydrated (drink 3-4L water daily) and avoid alcohol.

• Eat well (carbs help) and ascend slowly and let your body adjust.

• Carry Diamox (consult a doctor) as a preventive medicine.

• Walk slowly, no rushing at high altitudes.

• Listen to your body if you feel dizzy or nauseous, descend immediately and inform your guide.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Packing List (2025)

Essential Clothing

• Warm jacket, fleece/sweater, thermal innerwear (nights are cold)
• Long pants (trekking/hiking-friendly)
• Comfortable T-shirts & quick-dry clothes
•  Warm hat, gloves, and scarf

Footwear

• Sturdy hiking boots/shoes (for short walks)
• Comfortable sandals/shoes (for jeep rides)

Sun & Weather Protection

• Sunglasses (UV-protected)
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & lip balm
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap
• Rain poncho/light waterproof jacket

Gear & Accessories

• Daypack (20-30L for daily essentials)
• Reusable water bottle (2L) or hydration bladder
• Solar power bank (charging options are limited)
• Headlamp/flashlight (extra batteries)
• Micro spikes (if crossing high passes in cold months)

Personal Items

• Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, biodegradable soap, wet wipes)
• Quick-dry towel
• Light sleeping bag (if staying in basic teahouses)

Health & Safety

• Basic first aid kit (bandages, painkillers, Diamox for altitude)
• Prescription medicines (if any)
• Hand sanitizer & masks (optional)

Documents & Money

• Valid ID & permits (Upper Mustang permit, ACAP)
• Cash (NPR in small notes—ATMs unavailable)
• Copies of passport/visa (if foreigner)

Extras

• Camera/phone with extra memory cards
• Notebook & pen (for journaling)
• Portable oxygen can (optional for high altitude)