FORBIDDEN KINGDOM OF MUSTANG - TIJI FESTIVAL ADVENTURE TOUR
during auspicious Tiji festival at LoManthang
The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang is a remote and mysterious region located in the northwest of Nepal. Bordered by Tibet to the north and the Annapurna region to the south, Mustang is a place of rugged beauty and rich cultural history. It is also one of the last remaining places in Nepal where traditional Tibetan Buddhism is still practiced.
A 4WD Jeep adventure to Mustang is the perfect way to explore this fascinating and little-known region. The journey begins in the city of Kathmandu, where you'll catch a flight to Pokhara, the gateway to Mustang. From there, you'll take a 4WD jeep on a bumpy and exhilarating ride through the high-altitude desert landscape of Mustang. As you make your way deeper into the region, you'll pass through a number of small villages and monasteries, each with its own unique character and culture. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the capital of Mustang, Lo Manthang, a walled city that was once the seat of the Mustang Kingdom.
Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri. You'll also have the chance to visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, such as Thubchen Gompa and Chhoser Gompa, and learn about the rich cultural history of the region. The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang is a truly unique and unforgettable destination that offers a window into the ancient past of Nepal.
A 4WD Jeep adventure is the perfect way to explore this fascinating and little-known region and experience its rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Clean your KARMA
Clean your karma at Mukitanah Temple - the only place on the planet where you can see all the five major elements: fire, sky, water, air, and earth in one place
Places are limited to 20 pilgrims.
9 May - 23 May 2023
DAY 01 (09.05.2023)
ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1400m)
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative at the airport who will transfer you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax and acclimatise to the higher altitude. In the evening, there will be a briefing about the upcoming trip and an opportunity to meet your Tour Leader, guides and fellow travellers.
DAY 02 (10.05.2023)
KATHMANDU (1400m)
After breakfast, you will visit some of the most important cultural and historical sites in Kathmandu, including the ancient Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, where you will witness the Hindu cremation ceremony, and the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world.
DAY 03 (11.05.2023)
KATHMANDU (1400m)
After breakfast, we will visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. We will then explore Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Kathmandu, where we will see ancient temples, palaces and courtyards.
DAY 04 (12.05.2023)
POKHARA (822m)
Welcome to Pokhara, the beautiful city nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range. Your day begins with an exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. As you fly over the Himalayan range, you'll be amazed by the stunning aerial views of the snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Mt. Everest.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be greeted by the serene Phewa Lake. This beautiful lake is surrounded by lush green hills and provides a perfect backdrop for your afternoon excursion. You'll have the opportunity to take a boat ride on the lake, or simply relax on the lakeside and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Later in the day, you will embark on a hike to the World Peace Pagoda, a beautiful white stupa situated atop a hill overlooking the lake. As you climb the hill, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the city of Pokhara. The World Peace Pagoda is a symbol of peace and harmony and is a must-visit attraction in Pokhara.
In the evening, you'll have some time to prepare and pack for your next day's adventure, as you'll be heading to the beautiful and remote region of Mustang.
DAY 05 (13.05.2023)
KALOPANI (2500m)
Get ready for a thrilling off-road adventure as you make your way to Kalopani. You will be driven by a 4WD on a 100 km blacktop road, followed by a 60 km off-road journey. During your drive, you'll be mesmerised by the awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
As you enter the Kali Gandaki valley, you'll witness the deepest gorge in the world, with the towering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri on either side. The road will wind through picturesque villages and lush forests, giving you a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local people.
DAY 06 (14.05.2023)
KAGBENI (2840m)
Today, you will drive from Kalopani to Kagbeni, a scenic journey of 2-3 hours. On the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop and explore the ancient Mukitinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
At the Mukitinath Temple, you will have the chance to clean your karma by taking a dip in the 108 waterspouts, believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu to save humanity from the miseries of life. The temple complex also houses a Buddhist monastery, adding to the spiritual significance of the site. The views of the snow-capped peaks surrounding the temple are awe-inspiring, and you'll feel a sense of peace and serenity as you explore the temple and its surroundings. This is a unique opportunity to experience the fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism and immerse yourself in the spiritual practices of the region.
As you enter the region of Mustang, you'll be transported to a different world altogether. The landscape is barren, with stunning rock formations and deep canyons. The Tibetan-style villages and ancient monasteries add to the mystical aura of the region.
DAY 07 (15.05.2023)
TSARANG (3570m)
Get ready for a unique experience as you enter the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang. For this day, you will be provided with a special permit, which will allow you to explore Upper Mustang, a remote region that was closed to foreigners until 1992.
You'll hop into a jeep and embark on a thrilling journey through the rugged terrain, crossing rivers and navigating narrow canyons. As you make your way to Tsarang, you'll be awestruck by the panoramic views of the Himalayan range and the unique landscape of Mustang.
In Tsarang, you'll spend the night at a guesthouse, where you'll get to experience the traditional lifestyle and hospitality of the local people. The town is home to the Tsarang Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Mustang, which you'll have the opportunity to explore.
DAY 08 (16.06.2023)
LO-MANTHANG (3840m)
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you make your way to Lo-Manthang, the capital of the Mustang region. You will be driven for about 1.5 hours on a rugged terrain, crossing the Kali Gandaki river and navigating through narrow canyons.
Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel, where you can relax and acclimatize to the high altitude. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings, which is a hub of ancient Buddhist culture and architecture. You'll be amazed by the towering mud-brick walls, the intricate carvings, and the beautiful palaces and temples.
But the highlight of the day is the first day of the Tiji festival, which is a unique cultural event that takes place in Lo-Manthang. The Tiji festival is a three-day event that celebrates the victory of good over evil and is based on the myth of Dorje Jono, a deity who battled against demons to save the people of Mustang.
On the first day of the festival, you'll be taken to the main square of Lo-Manthang, where you'll witness a colorful procession of monks and dancers, who will perform traditional dances and rituals to drive away the demons. The music, costumes, and dances are a feast for the senses and provide a glimpse into the ancient Buddhist culture of the region.
As you watch the festival unfold, you'll be mesmerised by the energy and enthusiasm of the locals, who celebrate the festival with great fervor and devotion. The Tiji festival is a unique opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of the Mustang region and is a must-see event for anyone visiting Nepal.
DAY 09 (17.06.2023)
LO-MANTHANG (3840m)
Get ready for another exciting day in Lo-Manthang as you explore the Choser Cave and participate in the second day of the Tiji festival.
In the morning, you'll be driven to the Choser Cave, which is located about 20 km northwest of Lo-Manthang. The Choser Cave is a sacred site for the people of Mustang and is believed to be where Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated during his travels to Mustang.
As you explore the cave, you'll be amazed by the natural formations and the beautiful murals and carvings that adorn the walls. You'll also learn about the cave's spiritual significance and the rituals and ceremonies that take place here.
After the cave visit, you'll head back to Lo-Manthang for the second day of the Tiji festival. The second day is the main day of the festival and is marked by a large procession of monks, dancers, and musicians, who perform elaborate dances and rituals to honor Dorje Jono, the deity who defeated the demons.
The highlight of the day is the Tiji dance, which is performed by masked dancers who represent various deities and demons. The dance is a colorful and mesmerizing display of art and culture and is accompanied by traditional music and chants.
As you watch the Tiji dance, you'll be transported to a different world, where ancient myths and legends come alive. You'll also have the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their customs and traditions.
The second day of the Tiji festival is a unique cultural experience that you'll cherish for a lifetime. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Mustang region and create memories that will last forever.
DAY 10 (18.06.2023)
MARPHA (2720m)
Get ready for another exciting day as you are driven to Marpha, a picturesque village in the Mustang region of Nepal. On the way, you'll stop at the Chungsi Cave, a sacred site for Buddhists, which is located about 10 km from Marpha. The cave is believed to have been visited by Guru Rinpoche, who meditated here during his travels to Mustang. As you explore the cave, you'll be amazed by the beautiful natural formations and the peaceful atmosphere.
After the cave visit, you'll head to Marpha, which is known for its apple orchards and quaint, traditional houses. You'll stay overnight at a guesthouse and enjoy the local hospitality and cuisine.
DAY 11 (19.06.2023)
TATOPANI (1190m)
In the morning, you'll be driven to Tatopani, which is located in the Kali Gandaki valley, about 6-7 hours from Marpha. Tatopani is famous for its hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties and are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
After checking into your hotel, you'll have the opportunity to soak and rejuvenate in the hot springs, which are surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views of the Himalayas.
DAY 12 (20.06.2023)
POKHARA (822m)
Today, you'll be driven back to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city that is known for its stunning mountain views and adventure activities. Upon reaching Pokhara, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the lake views and delicious food at one of the many restaurants in the city. There are many things to do and see in Pokhara. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try paragliding or zip-lining to get a bird's eye view of the city and surrounding mountains. For a more relaxed day, you can take a boat ride on Phewa Lake and visit the Tal Barahi Temple, which is located on an island in the lake. You can also take a walk along the lakeside promenade and browse through the many shops and boutiques selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening, you can head to one of the rooftop bars in the city to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset over the mountains.
DAY 13 (21.06.2023)
POKHARA (822m)
In the morning, you'll have the opportunity to do some sightseeing around Pokhara. You'll be taken to visit Devi's Falls, a beautiful waterfall that is named after a tragic incident that occurred here, and the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, which is believed to be one of the longest caves in Nepal and is home to a beautiful Shiva lingam.
Afterward, you'll visit the Tibetan Refugee Village, where you can learn about the rich culture and traditions of the Tibetan people and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs.
DAY 14 (22.06.2023)
KATHMANDU (1400m)
Today, you'll fly back to Kathmandu and stay at Hotel Moonlight, located in the heart of Thamel, a vibrant neighborhood that is known for its colorful streets, shops, and restaurants.
Thamel is a bustling hub of activity, with a variety of things to do and see. You can wander through the narrow streets and alleys, where you'll find an array of shops selling handicrafts, textiles, and local artwork. There are also several boutiques and designer stores, offering unique and fashionable clothing and accessories.
If you're interested in trying local cuisine, Thamel has plenty of restaurants serving traditional Nepali food, as well as international cuisine. You can indulge in a variety of dishes, from spicy curries and momos to pizza and burgers.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are several cafes and bars where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the local vibe. You can sip on a cup of chai tea or a fresh fruit smoothie while watching the bustling streets of Thamel go by.
In the evening, Thamel comes to life with music, dance, and cultural performances. You can catch a traditional Nepali dance show or listen to live music at one of the many bars or clubs in the area.
Overall, Thamel is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood with something for everyone, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore it on your own before heading back home.
DAY 15 (23.06.2023)
KATHMANDU (1400m)
On your last day in Nepal, you'll transfer to the airport for your final departure home. As you board the flight, you'll feel refreshed, renewed, and full of lasting memories and new friendships for life. Your trip to Nepal will be an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
