UPPER MUSTANG TREK - TIJI

FESTIVAL SPECIAL
(18 days)

This trek takes you to the once hidden kingdom of Lo and offers you a once
in a lifetime opportunity to witness the ancient and colorful festival of Tiji.

The region of Mustang lies north of the main Himalayan range in the area
known as the trans-Himalaya. Called by the locals Lo, Mustang was only
opened to trekkers in March 1992. The Tibetan influenced area north of
Kagbeni is known as Upper Mustang. A vast high valley, arid and dry, it has a
barren desert-like appearance similar to the Tibetan Plateau and is
characterized by eroded canyons and colorful stratified rock formations.
Mustang was once an important route for crossing the Himalaya between
Tibet and Nepal, and many of the old salt caravans passed through Mustang.
It is this area which we will trek to, discovering the wonders of the
architecture, language, culture and traditions which are almost purely
Tibetan in this once-upon-a-time mystical kingdom.

Once you reach Lo Manthang, you get to witness Tiji Festival one of the most
sacred and colorful festivals in this whole region. The festival features a
three day ritual known as the 'chasing of demons'. Monks donning masks
and colorful costumes enact the story of Dorje Jono who fought against his
demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from falling apart. The festival
is held annually at the onset of Spring season. As Spring season symbolizes
regeneration of life, this festival is also about hope, revival and affirmation of
life.

The festival is held at the walled city of Lo Manthang (3730m), the capital of
Mustang. Lo Manthang is also home to Mustang's former King Jigme Dorjee
Palbar Bista who lost his royal title in 2008 after Nepal became a republic.
But he is still highly regarded and respected by the locals. He and his family
still occupy the royal palace situated at the center of the city square.

TRIP FACTS

Trip length: 18 Days

Grade: Moderate to fairly challenging
Activity: Sightseeing and Trekking
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel & Camping
Trek Type: FOT (Fully Organized Trek or Camping Trek)
Transportation: Flights & private car
Maximum altitude: 3840m (Nyi La)

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Sight seeing at Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara. Evening sight seeing at Pokhara
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni [2780m]
Day 05: Trek to Chele [3050m]
Day 06: Trek to Geling (Via chungse Gompa) [3440m]
Day 07: Trek to Charang [3490m]
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang (via Lho-gekar, Ghar Gompa) [3730m]
Day 09: Lo-Manthang [3730m] – Day hiking - (Start Tiji Festival)
Day 10: Lo-Manthang [3730m] - Tiji Festival
Day 11: Lo-Manthang [3730m] - Tiji Festival Ends
Day 12: Trek to Ghami [3460m)
Day 13: Trek to Samar [3290m]
Day 14: Trek to Chhuksang [2920m]
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom [2710m]
Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 17: Free Day or (optional) Sightseeing at Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan
Day 18: Depart Kathmandu

Contact as at enquiry@explorehimalaya.com for more information

http://www.explorehimalaya.com/mustang-tiji-festival.php