Trip Highlights
- Explore the well-preserved Tibetan culture of Upper Mustang.
- Feel the Buddhist Spirituality & Beliefs vai Tiji Festival for 3 days.
- Visit the pre-Buddhist Bon village of Lupra.
- Explore the history of Lo Manthang after exploring the palace of king Lo.
Trip Introduction
Firstly, Mustang Tiji Festival is a fascinating annual three-day festival. Secondly, it consists of Tibetan rituals that celebrate the myth of a son who had to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. Next, the festival is indigenous to Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang. Above all, Tiji Festival is a purification ritual that takes place at the beginning of every harvest season. The history of Tiji Festival goes many centuries back but is embellished by myths and legends rather than recorded facts.
Basically, the word Tiji originates from the word “Ten Che”. It means “hope of Buddhism prevailing in the world for peace” and celebrates the triumph of God over the demon. Moreover, the 3 days ritual is celebrated by various kinds of dancing ceremonies to chase the devil away. It stands on the mythological story of Lo Manthang.
Upper Mustang trekking in Nepal was officially opened in 1992. Particularly limited numbers of trekkers are only allowed each year. Thus to protect and conserve the local Tibetan tradition and the fragile environment. Upper Mustang Trekking unfolds the fabled forbidden kingdom’s vast and arid valleys, eroded canyons, yak caravans.
The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography.
On the 1st day of Mustang Tiji Festival
The monks perform a dance called ‘Tsa Chaam’. This tells the story of the birth of ‘Dorji Sonam’- a reincarnated Buddha to a demon. This demon harassed the kingdom of Mustang and brought in havoc to the country. You can witness the monks enacting the harassment of the said demon on the people of Mustang.
On the 2nd day Mustang Tiji Festival
The monks perform ‘NgaCham’. During this performance, Dorjee Sonam tries to return the demon to the Buddha realm.
On the 3rd and final day
In this day of the festival, the ‘Rha Chham’ dance takes place. On this ceremony, Dorjee Sonam triumphs over the evil demon and banishes him from Mustang. The monk who plays the role of Dorjee Sonam does this by throwing an effigy. This effigy made from Tsampa (barley) represents the demon ‘Ma Tam Ru Ta’. This defeat brings peace and prosperity to the land of Mustang. Every year Tiji festival takes place in the hope of spreading peace throughout the world.
Upper Mustang trail follows the ancient salt caravan route through which the people of Mustang traded Tibetan salt for grain from the lowlands. The goal of the Upper Mustang trek is the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. From the pass Lo La (3950 m) you can see the walled medieval capital in the distance, the white-washed 6-meter tall wall sticking out in sharp contrast to the barren landscape.
If you are willing for the Upper Mustang or Lower Mustang you can enjoy both with itinerary provided by Nepal Lion Tours & Treks
Outline Itinenary
- Day 1:
Arrival at Kathmandu 1300m
- Day 2:
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing.
- Day 3:
Drive to Pokhara/800m (2624ft)
- Day 4:
Fly to Jomsom(2720m) and then drive to Kagbeni (2858m)
- Day 5:
Drive to Ghami (3520m)
- Day 6:
Drive to Lomanthang (3840m) – First day of Tiji festival
- Day 7:
Festive Vibes
- Day 8:
Third Tiji Day
- Day 9:
Drive to Muktinath (3710m)
- Day 10:
Drive back to Pokhara
- Day 11:
Drive back to Kathmandu
- Day 12:
Farewell and departure to the airport
Address
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