The Tiji Festival is a vibrant three-day celebration held annually in Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang in Nepal. It is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The festival and its name are derived from Tibetan words 'Tempa Chirim', meaning "May Peace Prevail on Earth." The festival commemorates the tales of Dorje Jono (also known as Vajrakila), the Incarnation of Buddha, under the supervision of Guru Padmashambhaba, who defeated the demon and restored peace and prosperity in the kingdom. The Tiji festival not only serves as a spiritual observance, cultural gathering, it also allures the locals and foreigners, witnessing the norms and values of the Lo Manthang, Nepal. This festival is vital in fostering the unique Tibetan Buddhist heritage among Upper Mustang people.
Upper Mustang Wall City
Story of the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang
The Tiji festival is a fascinating three-day traditional Buddhist festival held annually in Lo Manthang, the century-old walled city of Upper Mustang. The Tiji festival dates back to the 17th century, when Mustangi King Samdup Robten invited Sakya Trizin to perform the Vajrakila ritual at the Chhode Monastery at Upper Mustang. Remember-Sakya Trizin is a high-ranking Tibetan Buddhist Leader (Guru). This secret practice aimed to defeat the negative force and ensure peace and prosperity in the kingdom. Over time, it evolved into the Tiji festival.
The festival is based on the myth of Dorje Jono (also known as Vijrakila), a deity who battles against his demon father to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. Through a series of ritual dances, the Chhode Monastery Monks represent the tales and symbolize the victory of good over evil and the restoration of peace, harmony, and prosperity. This historical festival attracts guests around the globe to witness the unique blend of tradition, spirituality, and celebration.
Where, when, and why Tiji Festival Celebrated?
Tiji festival is celebrated in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. According to the Tibetan Lunar calendar, the three-day annual festival is celebrated just before the harvesting season starts. Generally, May to early June. Protecting from evil, establishing peace and harmony in the kingdom of Lo Manthang, is the objective of the Tiji festivals.
How many Days Tiji Festival celebrate?
The Tiji Festival is celebrated for three days with various ceremonies to chase the devil away. The program is organized by Chhode Monastery, which belongs to the Sakya sect of Buddhism.
First day of Tiji Festival
First Day Tiji Festival Lo Manthang
All visitors and locals were prepared to start the festival. Officially, the festival begins at noon when the double-reed horn, drums, and Tibetan horns emanate from Chhode Monastery, the festival commences! The festival started in Chhode Monastery and headed to the plaza under the huge thanka painting, where the Tsa Chaam dance is performed.
Second day of the Tiji Festival
Second Day of Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang
The Nga Cham dance is performed, showcasing the story of Dorje Jono’s efforts to return the demon to the Buddha realm. Female monks are well-decorated in traditional dress for teasing the demon.
Third day of the Tiji Festival
Tiji Festival Closing Ceremony-Triumph of Good Over Evil
The last day of the Tiji festival concludes with ‘Rha Chaam” dance, signifying the final defeat of evil. The closing ceremony commences with music, dance, and gunfire, culminating in a monk throwing an effigy of the demon made of dough.
Lo Manthang: A high-altitude desert
Lo Manthang, a walled city in upper Mustang nestled between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri Mountain in the Kali Gandaki Corridor. Lo Manthang was once a kingdom of Lo and part of Tibet. Loba people have a strong Tibetan culture and linguistic influence. Upper Mustang is known for its arid river valley, traditional monastery, Tibetan culture, barren cliffs, stunning mountain views, traditional mud houses, and deep connection with the Buddhist way of life.
How to go Upper Mustang Trek?
Trip route: Upper Mustang lies in the corner of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Mustang Trek begins from Jomsom after a short flight from Pokhara. One can take a jeep to Kagbeni and start the trek. Follow the traditional villages Charang-Shyangbochen, Ghami, Lo Manthang, Yara-Ghara-Luri Gompa- Muktinath- Jomsom. All the necessary permits should be issued before starting the trek
Permits: Annapurna Conservation Entry Permit (ACAP) and Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) should be obtained through the local trekking company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The Upper Mustang Permit cost 500 USD for first 10 days then after 50 USD per day. A Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) cost 18 USD Per person.
Road Trips Vs Trekking: Due to the road infrastructure, most of the trekking trails have shrunk or been destroyed. Upper Mustang also has road access, yet the road is bumpy and dusty. The construction is going very fast and some part is already black top to Lo Manthang. You will be enjoying a off road drive to Lo-Mangthang very much. To escape from the modern facility, the trekking option is available that offers an opportunity to explore the villages, Chorten and monastery with breathtaking landscapes.
Enjoy the Trekking to Upper Mustang
Best Time to visit Lo Manthang
Upper Mustang is a rain shadow area of Nepal that offers trekking and travel opportunities through Spring, Summer and Autumn. If you are interested in Tibetan Buddhism and fascinated by local culture, then you must visit Upper Mustang in May/June for the Tiji festival. Spring and autumn are the best times to trek in Upper Mustang. The temperature is warm, with clear skies, a dry path, with a breathtaking landscape. July and August is muddy and have poor visibility. The winter season (December to February) is freezing.
Food & accommodation:
Upper Mustang is a tea house trek. All sorts of food are available throughout the trek and tour. Continental, Chinese food, and Nepali traditional food “Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour” are the best meals for the mountain. There are different categories of hotels, Tea house accommodation is available. Please inform your travel company about your accommodation requirements for confirmed booking. From Tea house accommodation to Five-Star Hotel accommodations are available.
Altitude sickness
Lo Manthang is a high-altitude trek that goes above 3,800 m. At higher altitudes, air contains less oxygen. This may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. You should know about the prevention and cure.
Trekking to Lo Manthang Gear list:
Proper gear is essential for a remote trek. The weather is cold and harsh in the mountains. Check here for the trekking gear list.
Tips for Photographers:
If you are a photographer and would like to have a front chair seat for the Tiji festival, please coordinate with a guide to manage it. Having a chair in the front row will cost you 30 USD for the chair and 25 USD for camera fees per day
Conclusion: Tiji festival is the most fascinating festival, rich in cultural significance. The annual Tiji is not only a celebration, it feels like a living story passed down for centuries. The soulful chant, local dress, double horn reed, drums, and chants emanating from the monastery make your trip more spiritual. As Tiji festival is a main religious and cultural festival with different significance. Even though hundreds of visitors gather to experience, the festival area is generally kept clean around the monastery and the performance courtyard. However, with the increase of tourist arrivals, waste management becomes a major concern. Some visitors may not be aware of local customs regarding trash management. Having said that, the local community is very conscious about the environment, and Upper Mustang is already dry and fragile; it is necessary to protect the area.
Tiji festival is a religious, cultural, and historical celebration that occurs only in Lo Manthang of Upper Mustang, Nepal. The Tiji festival is held according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar and falls in May or June. The most interesting historical three-day annual festival features a mask dance. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and all foreigners are required to have a licensed guide and book a tour through a registered local trekking company. A good guide is not just about the trails, they can explain the symbols of the mask dance, Tibetan Buddhism, and share the culture and rituals of the Luba Thakali and Loba Mustangi. Remember us for your lifetime experience!
