8-Day Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Trek

Trip at a Glance

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Moderate
Destination: Mustang region
Activities: Jeep Tour
Accommodation: Lodge/Hotels
Meals: Full-board on tour
Transportation: Private vehicle/Plane
Maximum altitude: Lo-Manthang (3840m)
Group size: 2 travelers min.
Best Season: Feb-Jun, Sep-Nov

The Tiji Festival is a spectacular three-day Buddhist celebration held annually in Upper Mustang, Nepal, commemorating the victory of Dorje Jono over a demon that threatened the kingdom. The festival features dramatic masked dances, sacred chants, ancient rituals, and vibrant cultural performances by monks, accompanied by traditional music and colorful local attire. This culturally significant festival helps preserve the unique identity of Upper Mustang and usually takes place in May.

Upper Mustang, once the independent Kingdom of Lo, is a restricted and culturally preserved region near the Tibetan Plateau. It is renowned for its Tibetan Buddhist heritage, ancient monasteries, the traditional walled city of Lo Manthang, and breathtaking semi-arid trans-Himalayan landscapes. Non-Nepali visitors require a special permit and must travel with a registered trekking agency.

Why Choose Marron Treks?
Marron Treks, Nepal, has specially designed this 8-day Jeep trek for travelers who want to experience the Tiji Festival but have limited vacation time. Normally, the Upper Mustang trek takes 11 days however, with road access now available, we can organize 6-days trips from Kathmandu to Kathmandu without compromising the experience.

Altitude Information:
Upper Mustang averages 3,000–4,000 meters, with the highest point at Lo Manthang (3,840m). Nearby sites like Ghar Gompa reach up to 3,950m.

Tiji Festival Dates 2026: 14, 15 & 16 May 2026

Highlights of the Jeep Tour
• Witness the authentic Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang
• Scenic drive through dramatic Himalayan landscapes
• Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna Range (8091m), Fishtail (6993m), Nilgiri (7061m)
• Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries & Hindu temples
• Enjoy natural hot springs (Tatopani)
• Comfortable travel by 4WD Jeep—no strenuous trekking
• A once-in-a-lifetime cultural and Himalayan adventure

Itinerary

Day 01/May 11, 2026: Arrive Kathmandu (1400)
Day 02/May 12, 2026: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m/25 min) & drive to Jomsom (2743m/5-6 hrs)
Day 03/May 13, 2026: Drive from Jomsom to Lo Manthang (3840m/6-7 hrs)
Day 04/May 14, 2026: In Lo Manthang (3840m) – attend Tiji Festival
Day 05/May 15, 2026: Drive from Lo Manthang to Kalapani or Tatopani (1190m/7–8 hrs)
Day 06/May 16, 2026: Drive back to Pokhara (822m/4-5 hrs)
Day 07/May 17, 2026: Visit Sarangkot (1600m) & fly to Kathmandu (1400m/25 min)
Day 08/May 18, 2026: Final Departure

9-Day Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Trek
Day 01/May 11, 2026: Arrive Kathmandu (1400)
Day 02/May 12, 2026: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m/25 min) & drive to Jomsom (2743m/5-6 hrs)
Day 03/May 13, 2026: Drive from Jomsom to Lo Manthang (3840m/6-7 hrs)
Day 04/May 14, 2026: In Lo Manthang (3840m) – attend Tiji Festival
Day 05/May 15, 2026: In Lo Manthang (3840m) – attend Tiji Festival
Day 06/May 16, 2026: Drive from Lo Manthang to Kalapani or Tatopani (1190m/7–8 hrs)
Day 07/May 17, 2026: Drive back to Pokhara (822m/4-5 hrs)
Day 08/May 18, 2026: Visit Sarangkot (1600m) & fly to Kathmandu (1400m/25 min)
Day 09/May 19, 2026: Final Departure

10-Day Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Trek
Day 01/May 11, 2026: Arrive Kathmandu (1400)
Day 02/May 12, 2026: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m/25 min) & drive to Jomsom (2743m/5-6 hrs)
Day 03/May 13, 2026: Drive from Jomsom to Lo Manthang (3840m/6-7 hrs)
Day 04/May 14, 2026: In Lo Manthang (3840m) – attend Tiji Festival
Day 05/May 15, 2026: In Lo Manthang (3840m) – attend Tiji Festival
Day 06/May 16, 2026: In Lo Manthang (3840m) – attend Tiji Festival
Day 07/May 17, 2026: Drive from Lo Manthang to Kalapani or Tatopani (1190m/7–8 hrs)
Day 08/May 18, 2026: Drive back to Pokhara (822m/4-5 hrs)
Day 09/May 19, 2026: Visit Sarangkot (1600m) & fly to Kathmandu (1400m/25 min)
Day 10/May 20, 2026: Final Departure

Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet and transfer to the hotel. Free time to walk around the nearby area.

Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Pokhara. Upon arrival, drive by Jeep to Jomsom (6–7 hrs).

Mountain Lodge

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Lo Manthang (Mustang) (6–7 hrs), enjoying beautiful landscapes along the way.

Mountain Lodge

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Full day at the Tiji Festival and local cultural exploration of Lo Manthang. (If time permits, we highly recommend extending your stay in Lo Manthang for an even richer experience.)

Mountain Lodge

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast, drive back to Kalapani or Tatopani (7–8 hrs).

Mountain Lodge

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Pokhara. Transfer to the hotel. Free time to rest, walk, and shop in Lakeside.

Mountain Lodge

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Early morning drive to Sarangkot for sunrise and stunning Himalayan views. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Transfer to the airport and fly back to Kathmandu. In the evening is farewell dinner at Nepali Authentic Restaurant.

Hotel

Breakfast/Dinner

After breakfast, free time for shopping and packing. Transfer to the airport 3 hours before departure for your international flight.

Breakfast

Tour Packing List

Medicines List

What is included?

Airport pick-up and drop services.
Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu & Pokhara with breakfast on Twin-Share Basis.
Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu flight with guide.
All accommodation during Mustang jeep tour with Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at local lodges.
Marron Treks duffel bags.
A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
Jeep with a permit, petrol, driver's expenses.
Experienced Government licensed Tour Guide & Assistant Guide including their food, accommodation, salary & insurance.
Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area & Special Upper Mustang Permit (US$ 500 per person).
Farewell dinner with a live Nepalese cultural program.
All government and local taxes.

What is not included?

International airfare
Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Personal travel insurance.
Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
Other expenses of personal nature (laundry, battery recharge, hot shower, alcoholic drinks & beverages, tips)