Upper Mustang Tiji festival has its origin in Tibetan Buddhism, specifically in the Upper Mustang “Lo Manthang” region, which was once a part of the Tibetan Empire. The three-day annual Tiji festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. This three days Tiji festival is based on the myth of Dorje Dono (also known as Vajrakila), a deity revered in Tibetan Buddhism. The Tiji Festival is a three-day annual festival celebrated only in Lomanthang, the capital city of Upper Mustang, Nepal. The three days of the Tiji festival celebration in 2025 start on May 24th and end on May 26th, 2025.
” Lo-Manthang is a small walled city with about 160 houses, a palace, and a Monastery. Truly a fascinating place to foster the local culture and immerse yourself in the way of life. "Lost in the endless sands. Where will your next adventure take you"
How the Tiji Festival Celebrated
The Tiji festival is celebrated over three days with various programs each day. Global Eco Trails focuses only on small group treks and tours for your personal experience. If your group has more than six people, please let us know, and we will try to manage it with two guides. Embarking on a small private group tour ensures your flexibility in itinerary, privacy, and an exclusive cultural experience with stunning Upper Mustang landscapes. A private group tour ensures a connection with locals and immersion in the traditions and festival vibes.
Feature Trips: 10 Days Jeep Tour
The inauguration of the Tiji festival officially starts at noon on the first day. The courtyard is filled with local participants and foreigners, waiting for the performance. When the sound of double-reed horns, drums, and Tibetan horns begins, the festival commences! The festival starts from the Monastery and heads to the plaza for seating under the huge thanka paintings, after which the mask dance portraying the victory of Dorje Jono over evil is performed.
Tiji Festival Second Day Celebration
On the second day of the festival, monks perform the “Nga Cham” dance, performed by female monks. Dorje Jono tries to bring the demon back to the Tibetan Buddhist realm. All the female monks are well-decorated with jewels and traditional dresses.
Tiji Festival Third Day
The last day of the festival commences by gathering all villagers in one tiny square to banish the demon. The three-day Tiji festival begins with ceremonial music followed by the mask dance “Rha Chaam”.
When the Tiji Festival Celebrate in 2025 and 2026?
The Tiji festival dates for 2025 is already fixed. The annual Tiji festival for 2025 will be celebrated on May 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2025. The Tiji festival for 2026 is not confirmed yet, please keep update with us.
Tiji Festival Photography and Camera Fees:
The cost of photography and camera fees is collected daily. This is a new rule imposed by local communities since the 2024 Tiji festival. The local festival committee collects a photography fee per person per day and charges for seating.
Per Camera per day fees: USD 25
Booking a seat per chair: USD 30
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trip Cost and Itinerary for 2025 and 2026
The Upper Mustang Tiji festival package trip costs between USD 2200 to USD 3500. The cost depends on the number of people, mode of transport, level of guide, standard of hotel accommodation, and more. However, we provide standard accommodation with a full board meals plan, a professional guide, a professional driver, and a 4-wheel Jeep with air conditioning, fuel, and parking fees included in our 12-day Upper Mustang tour. Please see below for the complete itinerary.
All our itineraries are meticulously planned, focusing on scenic viewpoints, local villages, and cultural sites. This is a complete private Jeep tour starting from Kathmandu and ending in Kathmandu. We also include visits to Yara, Ghara, and Luri Gumba in our itinerary. If you have any suggestions about our planned itinerary to suit your requirements, please let us know.
Trekking to the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang-14 days
Upper Mustang Trek Permit and Fees
Upper Mustang lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, requiring special permits. Solo and individual travelers are not allowed to go. Every traveler should book through a government-licensed trek company.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit | $500 USD for the first 10 days and $50 USD per day thereafter. |
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card | $20 USD per trekker for a single entry. |
Annapurna Conservation Entry Permit | $27 USD per person for a single entry. |
Upper Mustang is an arid river valley with high mountains, dunes, cave dwellings, and monasteries of Guru Padmashambava. If you love breathtaking landscape, fascinated by Buddhism, cave dwelling, and interested in Traditional Tibetan Culture, then surely Upper Mustang is the place you must visit at least once in a lifetime. Please contact our experts for more details of the Tiji festivals.