Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek — 16 Days

We explore selected Kathmandu Valley heritage sites, introducing the city's temples, stupas and historic squares that form part of the UNESCO listing. The programme may include Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square, depending on timing and access.

Your sightseeing guide explains visiting customs, while the day also allows equipment checks and permit preparation. Confirm the selected sites and entrance-fee coverage in your quotation. Return to the hotel before tomorrow's journey to Pokhara and the approach to Mustang.

We travel to Pokhara by the road or flight option agreed before departure. The drive follows river valleys and hillsides, while the flight shortens the journey between cities.

After reaching the hotel, rest or walk beside Phewa Lake if time allows. Keep your main luggage and daypack ready for tomorrow's early flight to Jomsom. Weather and airline operations can affect the schedule, so confirm the morning arrangements.

An early flight takes us from Pokhara to Jomsom, around 2,720 metres in the Kali Gandaki Valley. After landing, we meet the trekking team and begin the walk towards Lupra.

The trail crosses dry valley ground before following the approach into Lupra, also written Lubra. The village is known for its Bon religious traditions and local monastery. Today brings a substantial increase from Pokhara's elevation, so walk steadily, report symptoms promptly and keep the remaining afternoon gentle after reaching your lodge for the first night.

We travel through Kagbeni, where restricted-area permits are checked, and continue by road towards Samar. From here, the route descends into a canyon towards Chungshi Rangjung Cave before climbing again towards Sangmochen above the valley.

The cave is associated with Guru Rinpoche in Buddhist tradition. Access depends on local arrangements, so follow instructions and ask before photography. The trail includes steep sections, and sleeping height rises considerably. Report symptoms early and discuss the pace before continuing to the lodge.

We continue through Ghiling and Ghami, crossing open ground and passes between valleys. Paths meet sections of road along the way, with repeated climbs despite the small change in overnight elevation.

Mani walls and chortens mark the route, while the red cliffs around Dhakmar appear as we approach the village. Take care on stones and exposed slopes. After reaching the lodge, prepare to leave early tomorrow, when the Ghar Gompa walk must fit the first day of Tiji in Lo Manthang.

We leave Dhakmar early and climb towards Ghar Gompa, also called Lo Gekar. Its religious traditions are linked with Guru Rinpoche. After the visit, continue across the western pass route towards Lo Manthang, with views over Mustang's hills and valleys.

The day's walking and monastery visit must fit the opening Tiji programme. The team confirms the route, departure and ceremony times in advance. On arrival, settle into accommodation and attend the rituals and masked dances. The amount of first-day viewing depends on arrival timing.

We spend the day in Lo Manthang, exploring its lanes and selected monasteries around the Tiji programme. Jampa, Thubchen and Choede are important religious sites, with visits depending on opening times and festival activities.

Monks perform masked dances with ceremonial music as families gather for Tiji. Watch respectfully, leave space for participants and follow photography instructions. Between activities, return to the lodge for meals or rest. Tonight we remain in Lo Manthang before tomorrow's Chosar excursion.

We plan an excursion towards Chosar, also written Chhoser, to see its caves and monasteries. The route, visiting time and turnaround are agreed around the festival, allowing a return to Lo Manthang for final-day activities.

Cave visits may involve steps, ladders and low entrances, with access controlled locally. Horse or jeep options require separate arrangements. After returning, attend the closing rituals according to the religious programme, then prepare for tomorrow's walk towards the eastern valleys.

Leaving Lo Manthang, we follow the eastern route over open ridges before descending towards Dhi, also written Dhee. The trail includes loose ground and exposed sections above the valleys, with changing views of cliffs, cultivated areas and the river below.

After descending, cross the valley and climb towards Yara. The village stands above eroded cliffs and slopes, with fields close to its homes. This is a substantial walking day despite sleeping below Lo Manthang. We spend two nights, allowing tomorrow for Luri Cave Monastery.

We make a return excursion from Yara towards Luri Cave Monastery. The monastery is known for its painted chorten and wall art inside a cave chamber, reached by an uphill approach through the cliffs.

The key holder and access conditions determine the visit, so arrangements are checked beforehand. Move carefully on the approach and respect restrictions around paintings and photography. Afterwards, return to Yara for the night, with time to prepare for tomorrow's walk towards Tange.

We leave Yara and continue through eastern valleys towards Tange, also written Tangge. The route crosses open plateaus and river channels, with climbs and descents between villages and riverbeds.

This is an exposed walking day, so carry enough water and confirm lunch before departure. Weather and stream conditions can affect crossings. Tange has chortens, mani walls and fields around its houses. After reaching the guesthouse, rest and prepare food and water for tomorrow's return stage towards the Kali Gandaki.

We leave Tange early for one of the longest days of the journey. The route climbs towards the Paha area before following ridges and descending towards the lower valley.

Carry a packed lunch and enough water for today, as refreshments cannot be assumed along this exposed trail. Loose stones, steep sections and climbs require care. The team confirms the descent and vehicle meeting point beforehand.

At Chhusang or the agreed pickup near Tetang, join the vehicle for Kagbeni. Check into the lodge, rest after the walk and prepare for tomorrow's Pokhara drive.

We leave Kagbeni by road and follow the Kali Gandaki corridor south towards Pokhara. Dry mountain slopes gradually give way to greener valleys as the journey continues downhill.

Road conditions can make this a long journey, so keep water, medicines and a light layer accessible. Stops depend on progress and access. After reaching your hotel in Pokhara, rest or take a short lakeside walk if time allows.

After breakfast, we travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. We pass river valleys, towns and cultivated hillsides, with stops along the highway as the journey progresses.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel and prepare for international departure. A farewell dinner is included in Kathmandu, arranged around the return journey. Road conditions and traffic can extend travelling time, so the evening programme remains flexible until arrival.

Your sixteen-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek ends today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your flight time, there may be an opportunity for a final walk nearby before leaving the hotel.

Our representative accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.