Best Time for Tiji Festival Trek
The best time to go on this Tiji Festival Trek route is completely predetermined by the Tiji Festival, which is held according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. Most of the time it usually falls somewhere in May month, although the specific date many change every year. So, if you aim to experience the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang in addition to trekking, you have no other choice but plan everything depending on this.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the best season to visit Mustang, if you want to experience the Tiji festival. Even though the date of the festival shift, most of the time it lands in May which and at late spring season before monsoon starts.
And spring season in Upper Mustang is also very different than other part of Nepal. Since it is located behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain, there is very less rain and most of the areas are dry. This ensures sunny days with moderate temperature suitable for trekking.
Autumn (September to November)
But for those who don’t have that much interest in cultural experience and are only interested in making their trekking adventure an unforgettable one, autumn from September through November, is the best choice with crystal clear visibility of the surrounding scenery.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is entirely different. The months of December to February are very cold with biting wind blowing, and most of the teahouses remain closed in this season.
Monsoon (June to August)
While June to August is monsoon season elsewhere but not in Upper Mustang because of the rain shadow effect at Mustang which means that it is still walkable during those months, but it’s never really anyone’s favorite time to visit.
Tiji Festival 2027 Dates
The Tiji Festival 2027 will take place from June 1 to June 3, in the historical walled city of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang Valley. It is one of the major festivals of the entire Mustang region, which include masked dances, Buddhist rituals, music and centuries old Himalayan culture and traditions.
Date for Tiji Festival of 2027
- Date: June 1, 2027
- Date: June 2,2027
- Date June 3, 2027
- Location: Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal
- Duration: 3 Days
Tiji Festival dates change every year because the festival is based on the Tibetan Lunar calendar, not the fixed one. For 2027 it will happen in early June, which is quite convenient for combining the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang.
During these 3 days, monks dances and perform various rituals symbolizing the victory of good over evil forces. The third day is very special as it reaches its climax part where Dorje Jono finally defeats the deamon Man Tam Ru. The first two days are like build up for this moment through a series of rituals dances and music.
Tiji Festival Trek Difficulty
Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang is considered a moderate level trek. Nothing to worry about since most trekkers will easily make it through as long as their physical conditions is perfect. But, for some people this trek may be challenging because of the altitude and long walking hours during the day.
Walk time per day will range between five to seven hours. Sometimes the walk will exceed this duration, especially when you travel through some of the isolated and difficult parts of the trail.
Maximum altitude of the trek is 3,840 meters above sea level at Lo Manthang which is enough to get you some serious altitude sickness. So, you need to trek while maintaining your body condition.
Terrain of Upper Mustang is extremely varied compared to what trekkers anticipate before the trek. Prepare yourself for rocky trails and windy plateaus, sometimes traversing steep ascents and descents between villages.
If your plans for the Tiji Festival Trek 2027 include taking part in this festival, we strongly advise that you make your bookings as soon as possible. This is because there is usually intense competition for accommodation during the celebration period.
With Epic Trek Nepal organizing your Tiji Festival Trek 2027, your schedule will definitely revolve around June 1 to June 3, 2027, Tiji Festival dates.
Permit for the Tiji Festival Trek
The Tiji Festival takes place in Lo Manthang, right in the heart of Nepal’s restricted Upper Mustang region. Trekkers entering this area needs a Restricted Area Permit, and it has to be arranged through a registered trekking agency, you can’t just grab this permit yourself and head off independently.
This Tiji Festival Trek itinerary also goes through Annapurna region, which required an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. It usually cost NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) per person.
Who arranges the Upper Mustang Permit?
You don’t need to visit government offices yourself to arrange the necessary permits. Once you book with Epic Trek Nepal, we take care of collecting the passport information and photographs needed for the permits, and we sort out all the paperwork on your behalf.
Is a Guide Required for the Tiji Festival Trek?
Yes. A licensed guide is required for this restricted-area trek, and there are certain group requirements that need to be met too. That’s why we arrange the whole thing as a guided trip rather than something you’d do independently.
Tiji Festival Trek Permit Cost and Regulation
Permit fees and trekking regulation can change, so it is important to check the latest requirement before the trek. The cost may also depend on the duration and route of your Upper Mustang Trek.
Before every departure, Epic Trek Nepal verifies the current permit requirements and fees and explains what is included in your trekking package. This ensures that you know the expected costs and documentation requirements before beginning your Tiji Festival Trek.
Accommodation During the Tiji Festival Trek
Tiji Festival package accommodation is mainly in local teahouse or lodges. The accommodation is usually basic but clean and comfortable, with twin sharing beds and other necessary items. Private rooms available only in Lo Manthang but they are very limited and can fill up fast.
Though you will sleep in a comfortable room, the night can get chilly at higher elevation, so bring good quality sleeping bags with layered clothes.
The bathroom is shared for most of the teahouses but there may be some attached bathrooms in selected lodges. Hot showers are also available with some small fee but there is no guarantee that you will have hot shower every day.
Electricity is available in most of the villages, though charging facilities can be limited and sometimes cost a little extra. To avoid this, we recommend you carry power banks.
Food and Drinking water
The food on the Tiji Festival Trek package is a combination of regular trekking food option and local food option. The majority of teahouses offer dal bhat, noodles, rice, pastas, soup, potatoes and eggs. However, dal bhat is usually the preferred option and we will also be eating dhal bhat for most of the time since it is very filling and quite common along every trekking route.
During your travel through Upper Mustang, you will be able to try out Tibetan and Thakali food options, such as bread and noodle soups that are typical of Tibet. For breakfast, there is porridge, eggs, bread, pancakes, tea, and coffee.
There is an also abundance of vegetarian food available. In case you have some kind of allergy or certain food restrictions, please inform us beforehand to avoid any problems.
As for the drinking water, it is possible to purchase both bottled and boiled water at the teahouses. It would be better to carry your own bottle and use some water filter/purification tablets. Hydration becomes extremely important as you go up the altitude.
Travel Insurance for the Tiji Festival Trek
Travel insurance is strongly recommended because the trek involves a lot of high altitude and remote areas where there are not many healthcare and transportation facilities available.
Just ensure that you select an insurance plan that is for high altitude trekking since there are some travel insurances that usually doesn’t cover high altitude activities without your knowledge. The insurance plan should cover any medical treatments, evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and any delays in the process.
One thing you should not exclude in the insurance is the Helicopter evacuation. In case you face an emergency situation due to any kind of altitude sickness or injuries during the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang, the only option is helicopter evacuation which might cost a lot if you don’t have heli evacuation plan.
Before starting the trek make sure to carry the copy of the insurance document and your emergency contact information with you. We Epic Trek Nepal helps with trekking arrangement and emergency coordination, but travel insurance is your personal concern. So, we advise you to purchase an appropriate insurance before coming to Nepal.
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