Mustang Tiji Festival Trek Highlights
- The scenic drive to Pokhara delivers picturesque views, beautiful landscapes, gorges, and farming terraces along with a glimpse of snow-clad mountains at the backdrop.
- Pokhara (820 m), the second biggest city also very popularly known as the second home of the tourists is the land of extravagant beauty that triggers excitement despite its 8-hour drive.
- The beautiful Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the Himalayas mounting at the backdrop create an atmosphere of peace and delight.
- Flying in a small plane to Jomsom Airport 2720 m is simply phenomenal. Walking on the ancient trail along the Kali Gandaki gorge that dates back to 80 million years old with stunning barren, untouched landscape and getting to an antique settlement of Kagbeni is more than anything else.
- The region has historical significance, with its ancient trade routes and connections to Tibetan Buddhism. Exploring these aspects adds depth to the trek.
- With the dramatic backdrop of snow-white Nilgiri, you enter the land of ammonites. With the dramatic setting of the landscape and through the wind-eroded hills you witness thousands of natural caves now used for varied purposes.
- The colorful landscapes, very primeval house architecture, and the smiling people are simply unique. Tsarang, the land of Chortens is remarkable.
- The 14th-century walled city of Lo Manthang holds loads of history and legends.
- The 2000-year-old cave of Chhosar gives you the history of prehistoric human settlements.
- Visit ancient monasteries and caves, some of which are carved into the cliffs. The architecture and art in these monasteries are fascinating, and they offer a glimpse into the region's rich history.
- Witnessing the Tiji Festival is another quest to comprehend the culture of Mustang with all the colorful dancing and playing of instruments.
- The sight of masked dancers, vibrant costumes, and the local community coming together is truly spectacular.
- Ghar Gompa, the first-ever monastery built by Padmasambhava around the 7th century is mesmerizing, and visiting this monastery is a lifetime opportunity.
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek Overview
The ancient kingdom of Mustang which was opened to the outside world only in 1992 is one of the most astonishing valleys in entire Nepal. This ancient city hides behind the soaring snowy range of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek takes you into the mystical valleys, something anyone shouldn't miss. A journey to Mustang is a journey of remarkable contrasts with vast and barren Tibetan landscapes and very untouched culture.
Furthermore, the fascinations are century-old cliff-hanging monasteries, cultured settlements with lush rice fields, and timeless traditions. The magical Mustang, a forbidden kingdom and a source to the world's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki is simply phenomenal.
Moreover, Mustang also gives you ample account of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. "Guru Rimpoche" is what people across the world call Guru Padmasambhava. Besides, people across Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and India venerate Guru Rimpoche as the 'Second Buddha'.
MUSTANG, THE ANCIENT KINGDOM - THE LOST TIBETAN KINGDOM
The Symbolic Mustang Tiji Festival:
The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek delivers you the most enchanting and highly revered festival called "Tiji festival". The Tiji Festival, “prayer for world peace” usually takes place in the month of May based on the Tibetan calendar. Additionally, It is an annual event of the native that commends and honors their legendary victory over evil.
Consequently, the people of Lo celebrate this three-day religious ceremony basically to strengthen the hope of the people of Lo. Besides, the native has faith in the legends of a deity who would incarnate on that particular day bringing an end to all the evils and suffering. However, to mark this, monks in their colorful costumes and masks dance to the soothing rhythm which is simply magical and very symbolic.
To witness this festival travelers from around the world visit Mustang in the month of May. On this particular day tourists both Local and international gather at Lo - Manthang with much curiosity and excitement. Some, especially with a limited time frame even do a JEEP SAFARI TRIP to celebrate Mustang Tiji Festival.
When is the best time to trek to Upper Mustang?
The best time to trek to Upper Mustang in Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These seasons offer favorable weather conditions, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making them ideal for trekking.
- Spring (March to May) is considered the best time to trek in the Upper Mustang due to the pleasant weather and the blooming of rhododendrons and other wildflowers. The temperature during this season ranges from mild to warm, and the trails are vibrant with beautiful flora.
- Autumn (September to November) is also an excellent time for trekking in Upper Mustang. The weather is generally stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures. The visibility is excellent during this time, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.
Both spring and autumn seasons attract a significant number of trekkers to Upper Mustang, so you can expect some crowds on the popular routes. However, the region is less crowded compared to other popular trekking areas like the Everest or Annapurna regions.
- monsoon season (June to August): It's worth mentioning that Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, so it receives much less rainfall compared to other parts of Nepal. As a result, trekking in the Upper Mustang is very favorable during the monsoon season.
- However, Winter (December to February) is not the best time to trek in the Upper Mustang due to the harsh weather conditions, extremely cold temperatures, and the possibility of heavy snowfall. The region experiences frigid temperatures and many guesthouses and tea houses may be closed during this time.