Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek - 18 days

Why the Tiji Festival?

Cultural Heritage: The Tiji Festival celebrates the cultural and religious heritage of the Mustang region, which has an unparalleled culmination of Tibetan and Nepali influences. It reveals the customs, beliefs, and practices of the local inhabitants to conserve its heritage for future generations.

Legendary Import: The festival is based on the myth of Dorje Jono, a youthful god who was alleged to have fought against evil spirits to save his mother and would thus restore peace to the kingdom. The tale is emblematic of the triumph of good over evil and, thus, calls to mind compassion, virtue, and society.

Spiritual Renewal: A celebration and a time for spiritual reflection-renewal is what the Tiji Festival does; the blessings made through prayers, offerings, and rituals of the festival were believed to glorify the community as one for prosperity, health, and protection from evil forces. 

Community Cohesion: The festival, thus, forms the fabric of the local community, and unites them in a common identity. Families and friends flock together to celebrate, share rituals, and relish traditional food and music, building social ties, and reinforcing cultural values. 

Bright Cultural Expressions: The Tiji Festival is a spectacle of vibrant masked dances, music, and flamboyant costumes. The performances entertain but also relay tales about the culture and history of the place, providing rich artistic expression that neither alienates a local nor a visiting audience.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Indeed, the Tiji Festival brings people from around the globe to it, where it is possible for them to share cultural experiences with the local community. Tourists will learn more about their way of life from the country's traditions and even boost their local economies from the money they spend - thus aiding the sustainable development of the region.

Nature link: Spring is the time when the festivities are held, and the whole of nature undergoes renewal at that specific time. This point of attachment to the environment comes through the practices and celebrations themselves, showing the harmony between the community and the natural world.

Permits and Regulations

Permits for Trekking: If you wish to trek in Upper Mustang, you need two trekking permits:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This is for trekking in the Annapurna region.

Mustang Special Permit: This is also for Mustang region and it is issued by the Department of Immigration, Nepal. In general, it is costlier and requires a minimum group size of two.

Charges: The fees for these permits can always change; you need to check the latest fees and regulations before your trip.

Best Time for Tiji Festival

May would be the ideal season to attend the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang since the weather is moderate, the cultural mood is active, and the landscape is beautifully enhanced by nature. If you are going to visit this festival, it is wise to make arrangements much earlier; many visitors throng this place during the festival, making it difficult to find a place to stay.

Packing List

When packing for a trekking journey to Upper Mustang during the Tiji Festival, consider bringing along stuff so that the trekking experience and cultural celebrations are comfortably enjoyed. A comprehensive packing list has been put together.

Trekking Clothes

• Moisture-wicking base layers (long-sleeve shirts and thermal tops)

• Insulating mid-layers (fleece jacket or down jacket)

• Lightweight trekking pants (preferably quick-dry)

• Waterproof and windproof jacket (preferably breathable)

• Trekking shorts (for warmer days)

• Warm hat (for cold evenings)

• Sun hat or cap (for sunny days)

Footwear

• Trekking boots (waterproof suggested) should be strong and spacious enough to be comfortable.
• Camp shoes/sandals (for relaxing in the evenings)  

• Warm socks (wool or synthetic, at least 3-4 pairs)  

• Liner socks (optional, for added comfort)

Accessories

• A buff or neck gaiter (to protect from dust and wind) 
• Light gloves (for the cool, brisk a.m. or evening air)
•  Sunglasses (with UV protection) 
• Sunscreen (very high SPF for sun protection) 
• Lip balm (with SPF).

Camping and Trekking Gear

• Bag pack
• Sleeping Gear
• Trekking Poles
• Water Purification
  

Personal Items

• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries
• Snacks
• Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
• Mobile Phones and Power Bank
• Camera

Food and Accommodations

Food: The food mainly involves traditional Nepali meals like:

Dal Bhat - A healthy lentil soup with rice and vegetable components

Momo - Tibetan dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetable filling for a good snack or meal 

Thukpa - Good noodle soup

Tibetan bread - Often eaten with meals

Chiya - Locally Spiced Nepali tea.

Accommodation:  While trekking, the simple tea houses or guesthouses mostly provide simple shared rooms and common bathrooms run by local families. In Lo Manthang, the Upper Mustang capital, you can find lodges and guesthouses that are slightly better. However, for this short period during the Tiji Festival, it is very crowded as many visitors come to these accommodations, hence making pre-bookings necessary. Most teahouses provide common, basic amenities such as electricity, hot showers (except for some), and common facilities that provide a nice homely atmosphere for trekkers.

Strings of local guest houses offer every basic comfort while at the same time allowing the added benefit of engaging the local community in warm hospitality, thus enhancing one's experience in this culturally rich area.