Tiji festival - Upper mustang

Tiji Festival overview

Experience the captivating Tiji Festival, a revered annual event spanning three days in the ancient kingdom of Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang. Rooted in Tibetan rituals, this festival symbolizes the triumph of Dorjee Sonnu, the incarnation of Lord Buddha, over the menacing demon, Man Tam Ru, known for wreaking havoc on the land.

Named "Tiji," derived from "Tempa Chirim" meaning "Prayer for World Peace," this festival unfolds in May, captivating spectators with vibrant ceremonial dances performed by monks from the Choedhe Monastery. Witness the enactment of ancient legends, from the expulsion of Ma Tam Ru Ta to the birth of Dorjee Sonnu, all intricately portrayed during the festival's three-day spectacle.

Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of Upper Mustang, Lo-Manthang offers a journey into a hidden world steeped in Tibetan culture and history. The region's isolation has preserved its unique identity, with whitewashed settlements, barley fields, and colorful prayer flags adorning the landscape.

Upper Mustang

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.

Isolated from the outside world, Mustang has preserved its Tibetan roots and pristine natural beauty. Nestled in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif, the region's rugged terrain features a strikingly arid landscape adorned with colorful rock formations. Amidst this barren scenery, clusters of white-washed houses, barley fields, and chortens adorned with prayer flags dot the landscape, adding vibrancy to the surroundings.

Following the ancient salt caravan route, the Upper Mustang trek retraces the footsteps of traders who exchanged Tibetan salt for grains from the lowlands. The ultimate destination of this journey is the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. As you ascend to the Lo La pass at 3950 meters, the walled medieval capital emerges on the horizon, its towering, white-washed walls standing in stark contrast against the rugged landscape.

Experience the allure of Mustang's untouched beauty and immerse yourself in its rich cultural tapestry as you traverse the ancient trails of the Upper Mustang trek. Discover the hidden treasures of Lo and witness the timeless charm of its majestic capital, Lo Manthang.