The Tiji Festival is a vibrant, three-day celebration held annually in the ancient kingdom of Upper Mustang, Nepal.
Steeped in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, this festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, as embodied by the deity Dorje Jono defeating a demon to save the region. Witness masked dances, vibrant costumes, and ancient rituals amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Himalayas.
The festival is not just a spectacle for tourists, it is a deeply spiritual and meaningful event for the local people of Upper Mustang. It is a time for them to connect with their ancestors, celebrate their heritage, and seek blessings for a prosperous future.
Witnessing Tiji Festival in heart of Upper Mustang is an unforgettable experience, offering a rare glimpse into a vibrant culture and a land untouched by time.
Tiji festival in photos
In 1964, French explorer Michel Peissel became the first westerner to witness the vibrant Tiji Festival in the remote kingdom of Mustang. Even 60 years later, his observations of this centuries old Tibetan Buddhist celebration still ring true, capturing essence of this unique cultural event that continues to enthrall visitors today.
The scenes I witnessed were so extraordinary and so unexpected that I dared not believe my eyes and even today I have some trouble in believing in the reality of what I saw that day.
Michel Peissel 1964
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Upper Mustang | Overland itinerary
| Day 01 | Kathmandu to Pokhara | 201 km 125 miles | 7 hrs |
| Day 02 | Pokhara to Kagbeni | 160 km 99 miles | 6 hrs |
| Day 03 | Kagbeni to Lo Manthang | 42 km 26 miles | 4 hrs |
| Day 04 | Lo Manthang |
| Day 05 | Lo Manthang |
| Day 06 | Lo Manthang to Tatopani | 147 km 91 miles | 6 hrs |
| Day 07 | Tatopani to Pokhara | 81 km 50 miles | 3 hrs |
| Day 08 | Pokhara to Kathmandu | 201 km 125 miles | 7 hrs |
Here is what I did on my 4wd tour to Lo Manthang for Tiji:
| Day 01 | Kathmandu to Pokhara |
| Day 02 | Pokhara |
| Day 03 | Pokhara to Kobang to Sekong Lake |
| Day 04 | Sekong Lake |
| Day 05 | Sekong Lake to Chuksang |
| Day 06 | Chuksang to Lo Manthang |
| Day 07 | Lo Manthang |
| Day 08 | Lo Manthang |
| Day 09 | Lo Manthang to Kagbeni |
| Day 10 | Kagbeni to Muktinath to Pokhara |
Tiji festival dates from 2025 is from May 24 to May 26, correct? So we plan to be in the Lomanthang on the 24th or 23rd?
Dates are correct and I highly recommend getting there on the 23rd so that you can watch the entire Tiji festival 🙂