Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour

Overview of Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour

The new dates for the Tiji Festival 2025 are now available. Tiji is a three-day festival that will be held on May 24, 25, and 26 in Upper Mustang.

The Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour is an interesting three-day event that happens every year. It started in Tibet in the 17th century and is based on a story about a son who had to save the Mustang from being destroyed.

Based on the Tibetan lunar calendar, the Tiji event usually takes place in the town of Lo Manthang in the month of May. Most of the time, the three-day festival is a fight between good and evil, with monks in colorful clothes chanting and dancing.

Ama Pal, the first king of Lo and an independent ruler, and Ngorchen Dorje Chang, the holy being who brought Buddhism to Mustang, started the religious holiday. Tenchi’s Vajrakilaya ritual was started during the rule of Lowo Khenchen, who was the son of Lo Tsangchen’s third separate king, Tashi Goen.

The Monks of Chode Monastery and the village chiefs or mediators from each village work together to put on this event. The event ran for a long time without any problems. It is an old story about how the devils were chased away from the holy land of Lo Manthang. The festival celebrates the end of the dry season and is a time for people to pray for a good crop.

This tour gives you the chance to go on an exciting Jeep trip to the world’s deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki. You will also learn more about Tibetan culture, traditions, food, and their unique way of life.

Also Read: Upper Mustang Trek Story | My Epic Trekking Tale

The historical context of the Tiji Festival

According to an old story, a god named Dorje Jono fought against his own father to protect the land of Mustang. His dad was a devil who made people sick and took away their water. So, Dorjo Jono hit his monster father, sending him flying away from Mustang. The festival honors this tale by dancing and chanting prayers in honor of his victory. Dorje Jono is also called Dorje Phurba, Vajrakila, and Vajrakumar. He is a god in Vajrayana Buddhism, which has been practiced in India and Nepal for a long time.

But the Tiji Festival didn’t start in Upper Mustang until the 1600s. Mustang King Samdup Rabten asked Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga Sinam to come to Lo Manthang. He stayed at the Choedhe Monastery in Lo Manthang and did the special Vajrakila practice for the good of all living things and to get rid of all the bad things in Mustang. Since then, every year, the monks at Chhode Monastery have done this sacred dance. The Choedhe Monastery, which is part of the Sakya school of Buddhism, is in charge of putting on the dances for the Tiji event.

Michel Peissel was the first person from the West to see the Tiji event in 1964. He said, “The scenes I saw were so strange and unexpected that I didn’t dare believe my eyes, and I still have trouble believing that what I saw that day really happened.” During the event, you will lose yourself in the sounds of the ritual and feel happy.

Rituals and ceremonies involved

The Tiji Festival is a captivating event spanning multiple days, rich in rituals and ceremonies that showcase its deeply religious and cultural significance.

The festival commences with an intricate opening ceremony, where Buddhist monks from the local monasteries assemble to perform prayers and rituals. This ceremonial start sets the stage for the festival and seeks divine blessings for its successful continuation.

A series of pujas (ritual offerings) takes place throughout the festival. Devotees present offerings like grains, fruits, flowers, and butter lamps to revered Buddhist deities and important religious figures.

The Tiji Festival’s main attraction lies in its enchanting masked dances, also known as “Chhasing.” Dressed in vibrant costumes and adorned with intricate masks, monks grace the monastery courtyards with these traditional performances. Each dance portrays a distinct narrative, often depicting the triumph of good over evil or showcasing pivotal episodes from Buddhist mythology.

Monks partake in continuous chanting of Buddhist scriptures and recitation of mantras during the festival. The rhythmic recitation of sacred texts is believed to cleanse the environment, generate positive vibrations, and invoke profound spiritual blessings.

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Essential Information - Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour

Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Route Map

As you get to Kathmandu, start adventurous drives that will take you to different places of cultural and natural importance. Every stop along the way is different, from the busy city of Pokhara to the quiet town of Tatopani with its hot springs. The best part of the trip is getting to Lo Manthang, an old walled city where the Tiji Festival takes place over three days.

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you watch the beautiful covered dances, take part in religious ceremonies, and interact with the local people. The tour ends with a beautiful drive back to Kathmandu, which gives you time to think about the amazing trip and the rich cultural history you’ve seen. The Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour is a truly unforgettable trip that combines cultural exploration, beautiful natural scenery, and the excitement of a lively religious holiday.

Is the Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour difficult?

The level of difficulty for a Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour can vary based on multiple factors, including the chosen route, the condition of the roads, and your personal comfort level with off-road travel. These tours are generally designed to accommodate a diverse range of participants, even those with limited experience in off-road driving.

The Mustang region’s rugged terrain often involves traversing bumpy and uneven roads, navigating river crossings, and encountering steep ascents and descents. These elements can introduce a sense of excitement and challenge to the tour.

In addition, weather conditions such as rain or snow can impact road conditions and accessibility. It is advisable to monitor weather forecasts and plan your tour accordingly, as adverse weather may lead to road closures or delays.

Tiji Festival Tour Permit and Fees

Travel to the Mustang area of Nepal has been open to visitors from other countries since 1992; nonetheless, travel there is heavily restricted and needs special permission. The region has emerged as a popular location for trekkers, although these days travelers are choosing more and more vehicle trips to the area. Despite the fact that it is one of the restricted regions with the greatest access in Nepal.

Entry into the Upper Mustang region requires permission, which may be obtained at the offices of Nepal Immigration and ACAP. The permit costs $500 per person and is valid for 10 days (but not nights), with an extra $50 per day payable for any days beyond the initial 10. In order to receive a permit, solo travelers must join a group and provide a copy of the original page of their passport.

Other Essential Travel Info

Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Preparation

Make sure you bring warm clothes because the weather in the area can get cold, especially at night. To deal with the changing weather, it’s best to dress in layers.

If you want to explore Upper Mustang by Jeep, you need to make sure you have a reliable, well-maintained vehicle. It’s best to check with your tour company about the transportation plans.

To avoid any problems during the festival season, it’s best to do a lot of study and reserve your accommodations ahead of time. There are guesthouses and tented camps to choose from, but supply may be restricted.

Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Weather and Best Season

The Mustang Tiji Festival is a traditional event that happens when spring starts. This time of year gives the area bright colors and a lively mood with cultural dances and religious ceremonies. Spring’s clear skies make it easy to see everything, so shooters can take beautiful pictures of the grand Himalayan peaks, deep valleys, and unique rock formations.

In the spring, the weather in Upper Mustang is mild and pleasant. The days are warm, with temperatures between about 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). But it’s important to remember that temperatures can drop a lot at night and at higher elevations. So, it’s important to bring layers of clothing that are warm to stay cozy.

Tiji Festival Jeep Tour Accommodation

During the Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, there are different places to stay at various points along the path. From simple teahouses to comfortable guesthouses, these choices are good for people with different tastes and budgets.

Even though the rooms aren’t as nice as those in cities, they are still comfortable enough for hikers and festival-goers. It is best to book your chosen lodging ahead of time, especially during the busy Tiji Festival when there is a lot of demand.