Mountain Trek / Mustang / Nepal

Upper Mustang Tiji Masked Dance Festival Trip

13 days

Easy

USD 2950

Embark on an epic Upper Mustang overland journey during Yartung Festival, where ancient Tibetan culture meets high-altitude adventure—witness thrilling horse races, vibrant monastery rituals, and festive celebrations in the mystical walled city of Lo Manthang, all while traversing Nepal’s breathtaking trans-Himalayan landscapes.

Overview

13 days Total Duration

Kathmandu Trip Start Point

Kathmandu Trip Finish Point

4,350m/14271ft (Dhye) Highest Point

Easy Difficulty Level

Journey to the heart of the Himalayas on the Tiji Festival Tour and discover the mystical realm of Upper Mustang – Nepal’s Last Forbidden Kingdom. Witness the sacred three-day Tiji Festival in the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, where vibrant masked dances and age-old rituals bring Tibetan Buddhist legends to life. This is more than a trip—it’s a rare journey through dramatic Himalayan landscapes, remote villages, and centuries-old monasteries in one of the world’s most restricted and culturally rich regions.

About Yartung Festival

Tiji, short for “Tenpa Chirim,” meaning “the hope of Buddha’s doctrine prevailing in all worlds,” is a deeply significant Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. Rooted in the myth of Dorje Jono, a deity who defeats his demon father to save the kingdom from destruction, the festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of balance.

Celebrated over three days, Tiji involves sacred Cham dances performed by monks in elaborate costumes and masks at the royal courtyard. The rituals include prayers, chants, and symbolic reenactments of the myth, attracting villagers from across Mustang who gather to receive blessings, socialize, and honor their cultural heritage.

Highlights

	Tiji Festival Celebrations: Experience three days of vibrant festivities and sacred masked dances in the ancient courtyards of Lo Manthang, deep in Nepal’s Last Forbidden Kingdom.
	Scenic Overland Adventure: Drive through the breathtaking Kali Gandaki Gorge, high-altitude deserts, and dramatic cliffs in Nepal’s trans-Himalayan rain-shadow region.
	Ancient Tibetan Culture: Explore centuries-old monasteries, chortens, and the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, once a forbidden kingdom.
	Unique Landscapes & Hidden Caves: Discover Mustang’s striking red-rock cliffs, hidden sky caves, and vast windswept plateaus that feel like another world.
	Authentic Himalayan Experience: Stay in traditional teahouses, savor local Tibetan-influenced cuisine, and immerse yourself in the unique traditions of the Mustang people.
	Comfortable Stays in Unique Lodges: Enjoy a blend of comfort and tradition, staying in some of the most unique and welcoming lodges, including some run by local monarchs, offering an authentic yet comfortable experience.

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

JanFebMarAprMayJun

JulAugSepOctNovDec

Spring is one of the best times for the Upper Mustang Trek. The weather is pleasant, and the region is in full bloom with colorful flowers. The daytime temperatures are mild, ranging between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the nights can be cool but not excessively cold.

The monsoon season in Upper Mustang experiences less rainfall compared to other regions in Nepal. However, there might still be occasional showers. The landscape becomes greener, and the temperature remains moderate during this time. The average daytime temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The otherwise whitewashed landscapes become colorful with shades of pink, yellow, and green fields. Getting to the region, however, is a big challenge as the roads are obstructed due to floods, landslides, and rockfalls. The chances of flight cancellation between Pokhara and Jomsom are also high.

Fall is another excellent time for the Upper Mustang Trek. The weather is stable, and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. The temperatures are moderate during the day, ranging between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and it gets colder at night.

Winter in Upper Mustang is cold, especially at higher elevations. The temperatures can drop below freezing, and there may be occasional snowfall. The trek is still possible in early winter, but you need to be well-prepared for the cold weather. High passes will be inaccessible due to snow. The average daytime temperature ranges between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).

Group Size	Price per person*
2 -3 pax	USD 3200
4 pax	USD 2800
5 pax	USD 2950
6 - 10 pax	USD 2775

	1 resort, 11 mountain lodges
	12 breakfasts, 11 dinners
	Kathmandu - Pokhara flights (both ways) Reserved 4x4 vehicle Airport transfers

Valid until Dec 31st, 2025

Expat discount is USD 75 on KTM-PKR flights Note: If we go for simpler but comfortable lodges in Kowang (1 night), Ghami (1 night) and Lomanthang (5 nights), the price per person will be: 2 pax- USD 2500 3 pax- USD 2300 4 pax- 2050 5 pax- 2250 6 pax & above- USD 2050

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Itinerary

Day 1 May 20 (Tue)	Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kowang
Day 2 May 21 (Wed)	Kowang - Kagbeni
Day 3 May 22 (Thu)	Kagbeni - Muktinath - Ghami
Day 4 May 23 (Fri)	Ghami - Ghar Gompa - Lomanthang
Day 5 May 24 (Sat)	Lomanthang - Samzong - Lomanthang
Day 6 May 25 (Sun)	Lomanthang (Yarthung festival)
Day 7 May 26 (Mon)	Lomanthang (Yarthung festival)
Day 8 May 27 (Tue)	Lomanthang (Yarthung festival)
Day 9 May 28 (Wed)	Lomanthang - Konchokling - Choser
Day 10 May 29 (Mon)	Choser - Dhi - Yara
Day 11 May 30 (Tue)	Yara - Kagbeni
Day 12 May 31 (Wed)	Kagbeni - Pokhara
Day 13 June 1 (Thu)	Pokhara - Kathmandu

Day 1

May 20 (Tue)

Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kowang

Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 25 mins

Drive from Pokhara to Kowang 4 to 5 hrs

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge Thasang Village

Day 2

May 21 (Wed)

Kowang - Kagbeni

Drive from Kowang to Kagbeni via Marpha and Dhumba lake 3 to 4 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Red House Lodge

Day 3

May 22 (Thu)

Kagbeni - Muktinath - Ghami

Acclimatization drive from Kagbeni to Muktinath 2 to 3 hrs

Drive from Muktinath to Ghami 3 to 3.5 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Mustang

Day 4

May 23 (Fri)

Ghami - Ghar Gompa - Lomanthang

Drive to Dhakmar 1 hr

Hike up to Ghar Gompa via Dhakmar cliffs

Ghar Gompa is he oldest and most prominent monastery of Upper Mustang.

Drive to Lomanthang

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort

Day 5

May 24 (Sat)

Lomanthang - Samzong - Lomanthang

Hike from Lomanthang to Samzong, and back to Lomanthang

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort

Day 6

May 25 (Sun)

Lomanthang (Yarthung festival)

Explore Lomanthang (Tiji festival)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort

Day 7

May 26 (Mon)

Lomanthang (Yarthung festival)

Explore Lomanthang (Tiji festival)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort

Day 8

May 27 (Tue)

Lomanthang (Yarthung festival)

Explore Lomanthang (Tiji festival)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Royal Mustang Resort

Day 9

May 28 (Wed)

Lomanthang - Konchokling - Choser

Drive from Lomanthang to Konchokling 1 hr

Hike up to Konchokling ridge and to Choser 3 to 4 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 10

May 29 (Mon)

Choser - Dhi - Yara

Drive from Choser to Dhi

Hike to Yara and explore Luri Gompa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 11

May 30 (Tue)

Yara - Kagbeni

Drive from Yara to Kagbeni

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Red House Lodge

Day 12

May 31 (Wed)

Kagbeni - Pokhara

Drive from Kagbeni to Pokhara

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort and Spa

Day 13

June 1 (Thu)

Pokhara - Kathmandu

Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu 25 mins

Meals Included: Breakfast

Prices

Group Size	Price per person*
2 -3 pax	USD 3200
4 pax	USD 2800
5 pax	USD 2950
6 - 10 pax	USD 2775

Valid until Dec 31st, 2025

My Own Room

If you’d like your own room in each hotel, please let us know. An additional expense is applicable. Please note that booking a single room is subject to availability.

Includes

	Accommodation Thasang Village Lodge for 2 nights (twin/double sharing basis) Red House Lodge for 2 nights (twin/double sharing basis) Royal Mustang Hotel for 1 night (twin/double sharing basis) Royal Mustang Resort for 5 night (twin/double sharing basis) Mountain lodges for 2 nights (twin/double sharing basis) Temple Tree Resort for 1 night in Pokhara (twin/double sharing basis)
	Transportation Kathmandu - Pokhara flights (both ways) Reserved 4x4 vehicle as per the itinerary All airport transfers
	Food 12 breakfasts 11 dinners
	Crew An experienced guide and assistant guide with medical kit Salary, room, board, insurance and any expenses for all crew members
	Permits Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 per person) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit All monastery and heritage entrance permits
	Misc 13% Government Taxes

Excludes

Lunch during the trip (13 days)
Dinner in Pokhara
Soda, tea/coffee and alcoholic beverages
Additional food
Travel Insurance
Any item not mentioned in Price Includes

My Own Room

If you’d like your own room in each hotel, please let us know. An additional expense is applicable. Please note that booking a single room is subject to availability.

Extra Expenses

Meals: USD 5-10 per meal
Hot beverages: USD 1-3 per drink
Battery charging: USD 1-3 per device
Hot shower: USD 2-5 per shower

Important Details

Accommodation & Logistics

Sharing rooms Accommodation is on twin-sharing basis, which means there will be two people to a room. If you are travelling solo, we can assign a room partner (with someone of the same gender if you so prefer) or if you are travelling with someone you know, you can share the room with them. For families with kids, room allocation depends on your preference and room availability. A separate single room can be arranged for an additional charge – please find details in the Prices section above.

Battery Charging The charging station is usually at the reception area in the dining hall and each device is charged on a timely basis (e.g. USD 1-2 per hour). The rates are higher for more powerful devices (e.g. power bank, camera batteries, etc). A portable battery charger (15,000-20,000mAh) is highly recommended as it will allow you to charge your devices 3-4 times between recharging the battery pack at a teahouse.

Cellular Network For cell service, consider purchasing an international calling plan from your home cell service provider. Not only does this save you the hassle of searching for a local SIM card, but it also works just as effectively as the local networks. If you plan to get a sim card, Nepal Telecom (NTC) network works better in most areas compared to Ncell in most remote areas. Having said that, please bear in mind that the process of buying an NTC sim card is more time-consuming.

Wifi If you have a sim card or roaming service, you can buy an internet data pack. In several remote parts of Nepal, both the cell network and the internet can be patchy. Teahouses have local wifi installed in different parts of the Everest and Annapurna region. Rather than getting a prepaid card that they sell, we recommend purchasing wifi as per your need each night directly from the lodges. Please note that the internet can be very limited and slow.

Hot Showers Hot showers (solar/gas heated) are available for an extra fee. In elevations above 4000 meters, you only have the option of bucket shower.

Toilets Toilets are usually common to a floor and could either be western or squat style. In lower elevations, attached toilet options are available. However, the options get limited to shared toilets as we go higher (above 3000m/9850ft) and may not even have running water. Make sure to bring your own toilet paper and soap.

Transportation

City Flights Flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara operate throughout the day. The planes are bigger than the mountain aircrafts and accommodate 42-80 passengers. Buddha, Shree and Yeti Airlines are some of the common carriers.

Mountain Flights Mountain flights operate only in the mornings and will provide you with a scenic yet exhilarating experience. The mountain planes used in Nepal are Twin Otter with a capacity to accommodate around 18 passengers. Some of the common carriers are Summit, Tara, and Sita Air.

Vehicle We provide reserved private vehicles to drive you around for pick-ups and drop-offs as per the itinerary. The vehicle type (car, jeep, van, etc) will be allocated depending on the number of people and terrain.

Food & Water

Food Lunch and dinner are left out from price includes to give you full flexibility on meals, depending on your appetite and preference. The lodges have a decent selection of food and drink options. For vegetarians and vegans, or if you have any other dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make arrangements.

Water Carrying your own water bottle/ hydration pack is mandatory. It is always best to have a bottle (1.5-2 liters) and a thermal flask (1 liter or smaller) during the trek. You can refill your bottle with boiled or bottled drinking water available at lunch spots and hotels. We highly discourage buying plastic water bottles during the trek for environmental reasons.

Snacks to carry It is recommended to bring snacks (like chocolates, dry fruits, etc) and energy bars to munch on during the trek.

Shops along the way You will come across several well-stocked shops on the trails (especially in the lower elevations) to buy water, snacks and toiletries. There are also shops selling tea and beverages in between lunch stops.

Crew

Guide One lead guide and assistant guides (depending on the number of trekkers) will accompany you on the trek. All our team members are highly experienced in the mountains, with adequate trail knowledge and first-aid training. Feel free to reach out to the team for any kind of queries or emergencies as we leave no stone unturned to give you a great mountain experience.

Porter A porter is someone who carries your luggage. They are generally locals of the region and will accompany you directly on the day of your trek. The maximum weight one porter carries is 25kgs/55lbs.

Money

Extra Costs to Expect Possible expenses, other than meals, could be drinks, laundry, tipping, and shopping. Please make sure you have read the Prices section thoroughly so you know what you might need to pay for while travelling.

Emergency Fund Our trips are planned to the last detail. However, there might be unforeseen circumstances arising from factors beyond our control (like political unrest, strikes, bad weather, natural calamities, bad road conditions, airport closures, flight cancellations, etc). For this reason, please set aside Rs. 20,000 as reserve fund.

Currency You are advised to carry the local currency (Nepali rupees) for the trails, as all the service providers transact in rupees.

ATMS and Credit cards In most areas outside the cities, cash is the more reliable and widely accepted payment method. While you will have the option to pay by card at some hotels and eateries in popular towns, it’s important to note that card transactions can sometimes be unreliable. Additionally, you will be charged an extra 3-4% transaction fee on top of the amount if you choose to pay by card. As for ATMs, you will come across a few in major towns but we recommend you to carry enough cash during the trek.

Tipping A service charge with tips is included by most hotels and eateries in their bills. You are welcome to give some gratuities to the trekking crew if you like their service. A good reference is around USD 10-15 per day for the guides and USD 5-10 per day for the porters. Feel free to tip higher if you love their service. You can tip either in Nepali rupees or US dollars. Generally, you chip in money as a group and tip your guides and porters on the last day of your trek over dinner.

Cancellations and Refund In case of flight delays/cancellations due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will reschedule at no extra cost. However, any extra cost incurred and extra charges because of the changes, including but not limited to transportation, accommodation and food, will be the responsibility of the trekker.

Health & Safety

Altitude sickness

We take altitude sickness very seriously and all our itineraries are designed to go on a slow pace, covering short distances as we go higher. With the increase in every thousand meters, we stay an extra night at the same stop or place with a similar elevation to acclimatize our bodies to the altitude.

During the trek, we will also take precautions by staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol consumption, and going for acclimatization hikes as needed. Our guide will check your vitals with oximeter every evening during the trek so we know how your body is reacting to the changing elevation. If you see any symptoms of AMS or have a headache, please contact our guide immediately. In most cases, mild headaches can be tackled with food, hydration and rest. We don’t recommend diamox (pills for altitude sickness) but you can take it as precaution starting a day or two before the trek if you are coming from sea level.

Trail Safety

Our guide will have a well-equipped first-aid kit at all times. Please go through our equipment and medical checklist for better preparedness as the common problems like foot blisters and knee pain can be tackled with proper packing. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, kindly let us know when booking.

Pack your passport, flight tickets, phone, wallet, camera equipment, cash, and all your valuables in your day pack or waist belt. Please don’t bring or carry expensive items like jewellery etc or a large sum of cash while travelling for security reasons.

Insurance You must obtain travel insurance for the trek. This should cover emergency evacuation (including helicopter rescue) and medical expenses up to 5,500m (18,044ft) above sea level.

Drinking Water Water safety is very crucial as one can easily contract waterborne diseases, and you don’t want that. We recommend drinking only boiled water or using one of steriPEN, LifeStraw, or purification tablets during the trek.

Immunization The immunizations recommended before trekking in Nepal are Hepatitis A, Typhoid fever, and chickenpox. There’s no specific checking but it is for your own safety.

Emergency Contacts If you have any issues or emergencies while trekking, please contact the lead guide or anyone from the team. They will help you contact the nearby hospitals, transport, ambulance, police office, army checkpoints, embassy, and even facilitate rescue operations. We will also send you a list of relevant emergency contacts before the trip.

Checklist

What to pack

Buying and renting gears – Kathmandu has a lot of gear shops. If you happen to miss anything, you can buy them at Thamel before your trek. Items like a sleeping bag can be rented in Kathmandu for about USD 1 a day

What not to carry – Oxygen cylinders, drones and satellite phones without permission, and sharp items like nail clippers and scissors, etc., can be confiscated at the airport.

Outfit

•	Hiking Boots with a good grip
•	Rain gear (for you and your bag)
•	Comfortable hiking pants
•	Quick dry, breathable T-shirts
•	Windproof Jacket
•	Sleepwear
•	Trekking Socks (thick)
•	Underwear
•	Neck buff/ gaiter
•	Sun hat/cap

Warmth

•	Downjacket
•	Thermals (top and bottom)
•	Fleece jacket
•	Sleeping bag
•	Sleeping bag liner
•	Gloves
•	Woolen hat/beanie

Accessories

•	Day bag
•	Duffel bag (for porter)
•	Quick dry towel
•	Extra pair of shoes (preferably, slip-ons)
•	Water bottle or camel bladder (1.5 litres).
•	LifeStraw filter or purification tablets
•	Flask (for hot water)
•	Walking Poles
•	Sunglasses (Polarized, with good UV protection)
•	Locks for your backpack/luggage
•	Waist belt
•	A pair of binoculars
•	Trail snacks and energy bars

Electronics

•	Head lamp (with extra batteries)
•	Camera with charger and extra batteries
•	Phone with charger
•	Power bank
•	Travel adapter (type C, D and M)

Toiletries & Meds

•	Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above)
•	Sanitizer
•	Wet wipes
•	Toiletries (incl toilet papers, soap, etc)
•	Personal first aid kit
•	Rehydration salts/tablets
•	Throat lozenges
•	Prescription Medications
•	Lipbalm (SPF 30 or above)

Documents & Money

•	Passport with visa
•	A copy of Work ID (for expats)
•	A copy of Insurance papers
•	Permits (carried by guide)
•	Flight tickets (carried by guide)
•	Money
•	Credit Card

How to pack

The overall baggage limit is 15kgs (33lbs) per passenger, a policy set by the airlines for mountain flights. Excess weight is allowed at an additional expense. However, we recommend not exceeding this weight limit as it should be sufficient for the trek.

During the trek, porters are assigned to carry your bags. One porter carries the luggage of two trekkers in a big duffel bag that the company provides. The maximum weight carried by one porter is 25kgs (55lbs). This means you will pack two bags for your trek: a day bag for yourself and a softshell duffel that goes inside the porter’s bag.

Duffel Bag

A duffel bag is your pack that goes inside the porter’s bag. You can also go for a backpack as long as it is soft-shelled and easy to squeeze in. Each duffel bag can be no more than 75 liters & 10-12 kg per person or 150 liters & 20-25 kg for two people. Everything that you will not need during the walking hours of the day will go in a duffel bag. Do not put your valuables in it, as well as any items like cameras/laptops with a risk of getting crushed.

Day Bag

A day bag is your backpack that you will carry during the trek. Anything that you will need during the day, like rain gear, a warm layer, a water bottle, sunscreen, basic toiletries, your phone, and camera, money, important documents, a pair of gloves, a hat, and a few snacks, goes in this bag. A 35-50 liters bag & 5-6 kgs is your ideal daypack. It is advised to buy a good quality bag with adjustable waist straps, as good load distribution makes all the difference while trekking.

Sign Up

1. Fill up the Booking Form

Please print and fill up the Booking Form. It’s pretty simple and short, please let us know if we can help you with it.

2. Pay to confirm

We’ll send terms and conditions, along with payment details. To confirm your spot, please pay 50% of the trip cost in advance.

Note: Full payment to be made at least 7 days before trip departure.

A few days before the trip, the lead guide will host a small briefing to discuss logistics and safety matters, and also answer any questions you have.

3. Prepare for mountains

Do some light training and set your gears. Then off to the mountains we go!

•	Free Wi-Fi	•	Room Service	•	Private Bathroom
•	Hot Shower	•	Free Toiletries	•	Towels
•	Slippers	•	Power Socket	•	Daily Housekeeping

•	Restaurant and Bar	•	Garden	•	Laundry
•	Outdoor Seating	•	Mountain Views

•	Free Wi-Fi	•	Room Service	•	Air Conditioning
•	Balcony	•	TV	•	Mini Bar
•	Private Bathroom	•	Hot Shower	•	Free Toiletries
•	Towels	•	Slippers	•	Power Socket
•	Electric Kettle	•	Daily Housekeeping

•	Restaurant and Bar	•	Child-friendly	•	Garden
•	Swimming Pool	•	Plunge Pool	•	Massage
•	Spa	•	Laundry	•	Fire Extinguisher
•	POS Machine	•	Outdoor Seating	•	Mountain Views

Annapurna and Pokhara

Bardia Wildlife

Chitwan Wildlife

Everest

Kathmandu Valley

Langtang

Lowlands

Manaslu

Mustang

Remote

Upper Mustang Tiji Masked Dance Festival Trip

Overview

Highlights

Best time to go

Itinerary

Customize this trip

Take a heli back.

Kathmandu Hotel and Transfers

Prices

My Own Room

Includes

Accommodation

Transportation

Food

Crew

Permits

Misc

Excludes

My Own Room

Extra Expenses

Important Details

Accommodation & Logistics

Transportation

Food & Water

Crew

Money

Health & Safety

Checklist

What to pack

Outfit

Warmth

Accessories

Electronics

Toiletries & Meds

Documents & Money

How to pack

Duffel Bag

Day Bag

Sign Up

1. Fill up the Booking Form

2. Pay to confirm

3. Prepare for mountains