The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is one of the most fascinating and remote regions in Mustang, previously barred from outsiders. It was like a hidden Buddhist kingdom situated amidst towering mountains such as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, both of which lie above 8,000 meters in height. Strict regulations for tourists have helped preserve the area’s ancient traditions. Until 1992, Upper Mustang was classified as a restricted demilitarized zone, which made it one of the best-preserved areas of the world due to its isolation from the outside world.
The majority of the locals still communicate in traditional Tibetan languages. The name “Mustang” actually comes from the Tibetan term, meaning “Plain of Aspiration.” In 1992, foreigners were first allowed access to Upper Mustang, and since then, it has gained popularity as one of the famous trekking spots, drawing year-round visitors.
Highlights of the Trek to Upper Mustang:
Embark on a timeless and awe-inspiring adventure in the Kingdom of Lo. Until recently, this so-called hidden gem remained a Tibetan Buddhist secret land, cut off from outsiders. During the hike, you can look forward to breathtaking landscapes like carved canyons featuring incredible rock formations, deep valleys, medieval settlements, ancient fortresses and palace structures, and mystical cave monasteries dating back centuries. Moreover, the Tibetan Buddhist gompas, mountain peaks, and snowy ridges, symbolizing this phenomenal landmass resembling a thumb stretching from Nepal into the Tibetan Plateau, will take your breath away.
Transportation for reaching Upper Mustang is available in various forms, with the most common being 4WD Jeep trips. As the road is quite poor, jeeps, Boleros, and Land Cruisers are the most convenient means of transportation. Bikers are especially attracted to this trek route. This specially designed itinerary for the Upper Mustang Trek will allow you to explore one of Nepal’s most untouched and unworldly places. We would be more than eager to accommodate any inquiries or personal preferences you have for this or any other trip that interests you.
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Start your sightseeing excursion by meeting your guide and climbing into your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will walk among centuries-old royal palaces, intricate carvings on countless temples, and traditional courtyard-style buildings indicative of the venerable history of ancient Kathmandu.
Your next destination on your journey is Swayambhunath, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath is a sacred stupa situated atop a hill that combines both Buddhist and Hindu cultural influences, offering stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalayan peaks.
The next stop on your tour is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the premier Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Southeast Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, offering a glimpse of the open-air cremation ceremonies and providing an opportunity to experience the spiritual practices surrounding the temple complex.
After an amazing day of cultural experiences, you will head back to your hotel to rest and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
On the third day of the Mustang Trip with the Tiji Festival, our representative will accompany you, and the transportation will lead you to Boudhanath. Enjoy the full day sightseeing tour of Boudhanath Stupa and the area around it, which is guided. Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered to be one of the most sacred temple sites in Kathmandu. The temple is decorated with water, fire, colors, and the unity of the Lamas and the followers, which signify the religion.
You will visit the Boudhanath Stupa and then head out to Kapan Monastery, which is known to be one of the most distinguished monasteries that focus on Tibetan Buddhism. This place has serene gardens and various stupas with inspiring quotes.
Includes: Breakfast, an English-speaking tour guide, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa, or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will drive to Pharping to visit Nydo Tashi Choeling Monastery, located near the Kathmandu Valley, which is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. You can closely observe the lives of monks and nuns in their daily activities here. You head back to Kathmandu after spending a couple of hours at the monastery.
Includes: Breakfast, an English-speaking tour guide, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa, or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Our representative will help you, and transportation will take you to Namobuddha, which is one of the prominent Buddhist religious points, known as ‘Takmo Lu Jin’ or “tigress body generosity” in Tibetan. The Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, established in the year 1976, is perched atop the hill and is quite a draw for devotees. You will visit Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, which is atop the hill. After spending some time there, you will return to Kathmandu.
Includes: Breakfast, an English-speaking tour guide, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa, or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, you will move on to the destination of Bandipur, situated west of Kathmandu. It is a beautiful village, approximately 150 kilometers away from the capital. As you move on, enjoy the beautiful flora in the country, along with the beautiful Trishuli River, which runs through your entire journey. As soon as you arrive in the beautiful village, go for a guided sightseeing tour. After carrying out the sightseeing, head back for a well-deserved rest.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at The Old Inn or a similar hotel in Bandipur.
Today, we will drive to Lumbini, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. The archaeology of the remains that exist there gives us valuable information on the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage sites as early as the 3rd century BC.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Sakya Guest House or a similar hotel in Lumbini.
Today, after having breakfast, we will proceed towards Tilaurakot, where Lord Buddha lived 29 years of his life along the Banganga River. After discovering the wonders of Tilaurakot, you will return to Lumbini to discover the major attractions of the place, including the monastic sectors: the German Monastery, the Chinese Monastery, the Thai Monastery, the International Nuns’ Monastery, and the Golden Temple. The monastic sectors of Lumbini remain a blissful abode thanks to the teachings of Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha’s philosophies remain a great element in understanding the various cultures. After a busy day, you will pay a visit to the Maya Devi Temple.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Sakya Guest House or a similar hotel in Lumbini.
You will make your way to Pokhara, which is located to the Northeast of Lumbini and is a distance of about 210 k.m.’s. Once you have arrived at your destination, you can check into your hotel and rest for some time after the long journey. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to visit the scenic lakeside streets and then go for a leisurely walk along the beautiful Phewa Lake. Here, you will have the opportunity to relax while enjoying the picturesque mountains surrounding Pokhara, one of the most stunning destinations in Nepal.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
The experience begins with an early morning start and a drive to Sarangkot to experience the beauty of sunrise over Pokhara and the first rays of sunlight reflecting off the majestic Himalaya mountain range. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and the surrounding mountain ranges from this spectacular vantage point.
Once you have taken in the spectacular views, you will then return to your hotel in Pokhara for your breakfast. Your day will then continue with a sightseeing tour where you will visit David Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, International Mountain Museum, and the final stop of the day will be World Peace Stupa to take in the breathtaking views of Phewa Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
In the morning, right after breakfast, begin driving to Tatopani, along with the Kali Gandaki River. The trekking trail here is rugged and irregular but relatively straight and flat. On this journey, one gets to enjoy sights of various peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Tatopani.
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel. Then you will proceed to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a medieval-looking town that is located on the junction of two rivers. It is a quaint breezy village along the old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route leading to Tibet in the Upper Mustang area. The Mustang district is also home to one of the oldest monasteries. It contains many secrets.
On this journey, we will visit the village of Marpha, the marketplace of Jomsom, and the Muktinath Temple. Muktinath is a pilgrimage site that is common to Hindus as well as to Buddhists. It is a reflection of how harmonious the religions of the people of Nepal and India are. After this visitation, we shall proceed to Kagbeni, which is an altitude of 2,804 meters.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kagbeni.
For today, our plans include finalizing the permit procedures in Kagbeni, and then moving ahead, visiting monasteries and a monastery school, which teaches them prayers and education. En route, we pass through villages like Chelle, Samar, and Ghiling, and eventually reach Charang.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Charang.
On the fourteenth day of the Mustang Trip with the Tiji Festival tour, you can explore the Chhoser, Garphu, and Kora La area. Chhoser village provides a rare insight into the way of life and activities carried out by the inhabitants of Upper Mustang.
Monasteries like Garphu and Niphu, situated amidst beautiful rock formations and caves with a history of hundreds of years, clinging to the sides of cliffs, are just awe-inspiring. Niphu Monastery: This cave monastery is one of the oldest. Some places like Jhong Cave, Konchok Ling Cave, and Riseling Cave in the Chhoser Valley are also amazing to visit. The place Lo Manthang, a village, is surrounded by arid land and mountains.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
First, you will visit the oldest monastery in the region, Lo-Ghargumpa, to proceed to Lo Manthang. En route, you shall observe Tibetan plateaus, cliffs, and sky caves. Indeed, the desert landscape is awe-inspiring. After lunch, you shall visit the palace of the king to mark the celebration of the Tiji Festival, where you shall be able to witness the religious ceremonies conducted by the Tibetan monks who have traveled across the globe.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
The festival typically starts at 12 in the afternoon, and so in the morning, we will proceed to the Chhoser village, which is just one hour away from Lo Manthang by car. Maybe, just maybe, you will be able to spot blue sheep and other animals on the way. While in Chhoser, you will visit the sky caves and the Buddhist school in the village. After which, you will proceed to Lo Manthang to celebrate the Tiji Festival.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
This is the last day of the Tiji Festival. You will visit the monasteries and Buddhist schools of Lo Manthang and sightsee around the village. In the afternoon, participate in celebrating the final day of the festival along with the locals, mingling with them, and watching the traditional rituals and dances.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
You will drive back to Marpha, retracing your path and passing by the gorgeous villages of Tsarang, Ghami, Ghiling, and then to Samar before arriving at Kagbeni. You will complete the special permit check-out at Kagbeni before returning to Marpha.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Marpha.
After breakfast, you will leave Marpha for Pokhara, and the route you will follow will be the same as the one used earlier to reach Jomsom. The merits of using the same route for the return journey include the ability to stop wherever you would like to see the sights again.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
Visit the Pokhara Shanti Stupa, also called the World Peace Pagoda, in the Pumdi village. It is 115 feet in height and represents the Buddhist culture. It has statues of Gautam Budh. The Mattaponi Ghumba, established during the 1960s and lying 5 km away from Pokhara towards the eastern part of the city, has great religious significance. From here, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the valley.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, an English-speaking guide, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
On this day, you will have a scenic drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara after having breakfast. Once you are in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel for some rest. In the evening, you can take a walk through the busy downtown Thamel area.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
On this day, you are free to enjoy time spent in Kathmandu either at the pace you would like (relaxing at your hotel, going shopping for souvenirs for friends and family) or visiting the attractions of Kathmandu.
If you want to fill in your day with fun activities, you can choose from these optional activities:
Includes: Breakfast, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
