Situated in the lap of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang is one of Nepal's mysterious and culturally rich destinations. Also known as the "Forbidden Kingdom," this place is a secret world soaked in deep-rooted, ancient Tibetan Buddhist tradition. And the Tiji Festival trek 2025 is a better time to experience the spiritual depth. The Tiji festival is an annual celebration in remote areas of Upper Mustang. This three-day-long celebration is an opportunity to participate in rich cultural events. Our Mustang Tiji festival trek gives you more than just a trekking experience along with a chance to immerse yourself in the culture and explore hidden Himalayan gems.
Here's everything you need to know about the Tiji Festival 2025.
What Is the Tiji Festival Celebrated for?
"Tiji" is a short form of the Tibetan term Tenchi" or "Tenpa Chirim, which means "Prayer for the World." The Tiji Festival is an annual three-day ritual practiced by the Lobas of Upper Mustang. It represents the victory of good over evil and the re-establishment of balance. The event is focused on the story of Dorje Jono (also known as Dorje Shunu or Vajrakila), a deity who battles and defeats his demon father in order to save Mustang from destruction and drought in the land. At this festival, monks act out this ancient myth and other messages of faith through masked dances, chanting, and storytelling in a powerful visual performance. The Tiji festival is not just a celebration but also a spiritual cleansing ceremony for peace, prosperity, and harmony.
When is the Tiji Festival 2025?
Tiji Festival 2025 Dates: May 24 to May 26
Tiji Festival 2025 Location: Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang.
The dates for the Tiji celebration are set according to the Tibetan lunar calendar and differ slightly each year. Mustang is the last Tibetan kingdom, and the Tiji Festival in Mustang is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the authentic Tibetan Buddhist rituals , which have remained untouched for hundreds of years.
What Happens During the Tiji Festival?
The Tiji festival is full of performances by monks from Chhoede Monastery. This eye-pleasing performance is full of sacred dances, chants, and rituals in colorful dresses and masks.
Here's a breakdown of the three-day Tiji festival celebration:
Day 1: The Summoning
The first day of the Tiji celebration starts with a prayer ceremony. The Cham dance performed by monks that represents summoning divine power is a pleasure to your eyes. You can feel the air full of Tibetan music played on cymbals, horns, and drums. These sacred rituals and prayers are performed to depict the story of Dorje Jono and his epic battle against evil.
Day 2 : The Battle
On the second day of the Tiji festival, elaborative rituals and Cham dances are performed. The show combines the elements of drama, dance, and ritual purification. Spectators sitting around in traditional and vibrant costumes create a cultural atmosphere. Every movement is highly choreographed, and the performance is filled with symbolism, acting as both performance and ritual purification for the land and its people.
Day 3 : The Victory
On the final day, the festival ends with a series of dramatic and powerful rituals. The demon is symbolically killed. The performance of climatic scenes from the mythological story of Dorje Jono symbolizes the end of evil and the victory of good.
How to Reach Upper Mustang for Tiji Festival 2025
Reaching the Upper Mustang requires a combination of flights and trekking.
Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Drive from Pokhara to Jomsom
Trek from Jomsom to Lo Manthang (typically 7 to 10 days, depending on route and pace)
Special Permits Required:
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Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit ($500 for 10 days)
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
With our carefully planned Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek (insert link), you can easily get a day-to-day itinerary.
Where to Stay in Lo Manthang During Tiji Festival 2025
During the Tiji festival season, local teahouses and guesthouses fill up quickly with local pilgrims, monks, and tourists. It is best to book accommodations in advance. Basic tea houses and guesthouses are available with modest facilities. Many trekking agencies offer guided Tiji Festival tours with accommodations, permits, and logistics taken care of. Many trekking agencies offer guided Tiji Festival tours with accommodations, permits, and logistics taken care of.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Tiji Festival 2025
Here are just a few reasons why you should Travel for Tiji Festival to Upper Mustang:
Spiritual Energy
This is a great chance to participate in a religious ritual as pilgrims from around the world come together during this festival.
Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in an authentic Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Rare Opportunity
Since it only happens once a year, attending the Tiji Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tiji Festival 2025 is not just an event but a rare chance to connect with people, explore ancient traditions, and walk through landscapes that feel straight out of a dream. So, start planning, lace up your boots, and get ready to experience a story that unfolds through dance, devotion, and the majestic silence of the mountains. If you are looking for a Mustang trek or Upper Mustang Trek, then this festive season is the best time to explore a living Buddhist kingdom, witness centuries-old traditions, and trek through some of the most surreal landscapes.
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