Overview
Lucky for you, this trip coincides with the end of the dry season and thus overlaps with the Tiji Festival, a spring-renewal party that ushers in the monsoons while celebrating the triumph of good over evil in a ritual locals call “the chasing of the demons.” Tiji comes from the words ten che, meaning the “hope of the dharma prevailing in all worlds,” the message Guru Rinpoche carried through this region over a thousand years ago. Tiji consists of three-day of Tibetan rituals. The Tiji centers around a myth, which tells of a deity named Dorje Jono who must battle against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. Tiji comes from the word “ten che” meaning the hope of Buddha Dharma prevailing in all worlds and is effectively a spring renewal festival. The trek to Mustang is a spectacular walk through Himalayan terrain that contrasts wildly with the lush fertile hills and valleys located to the south of the main Himalayan chain. Mustang is a barren landscape with only a few small green fields dotting a lunar landscape, but boasts a remarkable spiritual heritage. Tiji Festival Trek combines through Mustang’s fascinating villages, alongside Buddhist shrines and temples and in the shadows of the Himalayas most iconic mountains, before arriving at the fabled walled city of Lo Manthang for 3 days of dancing at the Tenchi Festival. The terrain is rough and the altitude can be hard going but you will be in the safe hands of Himalayan expert Adventure Connexion and his team of sherpas. Expect mainly camping (fully supported) with a few lodges and hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara for good measure. During the Tiji Festival Trekking, the town square fills with characters clad as demons in flamboyant robes and hideous masks dancing about, slashing at the air with their swords and intoning spells over onlookers. Spend the day steeped in the sights, sounds, and movements of this once-in-a-lifetime cultural marvel.
Highlights of this trip
Trek in the shadows of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna along the Kali Ghandaki River enroute to Mustang
Pass through white-washed mountain villages, alongside colourful Buddhist shrines and temples
Following 5 days of trekking, reach Lo Manthang, the fabled walled city of Mustang
Spend 3 days in Lo Manthang at the Tije Festival – a vibrant Buddhist celebration with dancing and traditional music
Itinerary
25 April 2016: Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1340m. Overnight at Hotel
26 April 2016: Day 2: Full day Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley 1340m. Overnight at Hotel
27 April 2016: Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 820m/ 25 minutes by flights / 4 to 5 hours by Car
28 April 2016: Day 4: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom 2720m and trek to Kagbeni 2800m/3-4 hours
29 April 2016: Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Tsaile 3100m/5-6 hours. Overnight at Lodge
30 April 2016: Day 6: Trek from Tsaile to Ghiling 3570m/6-7 hours via Chuksi Cave. Overnight at Lodge
01 May 2016: Day 7: Trek from Ghiling to Drakmar 3450m/5-6 hours. Overnight at Lodge
02 May 2016: Day 8: Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang 3840m/7-8 hours via Ghar Gompa and Marang-La Pass.
Tenchi Festival Start
03 May 2016: Day 9: First day bserve Tenji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m. Overnight at Lodge
04 May 2016: Day 10: Second day observe Tenji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m. Overnight at Lodge
05 May 2016: Day 11: Final observe Tenji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m. Overnight at Lodge
Tenchi Festival End
06 May 2016: Day 12: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Tsarang 3560m/3-4 hours. Overnight at Lodge
07 May 2016: Day 13: Trek from Tsarang to Syangmochen 3500m/6-7 hours. Overnight at Lodge
08 May 2016: Day 14: Trek from Syangmochen to Chhusang 2980m/5-6 hours. Overnight at Lodge
09 May 2016: Day 15: Trek from Chhusang to Jomsom 2720m/6-7 hours. Overnight at Lodge
10 May 2016: Day 16: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara 820m and rest. Overnight at hotel
11 May 2016: Day 17: Fly back Pokhara to Kathmandu 1340m/6-7 hours. Overnight at Hotel
12 May 2016: Day 18: Final departure from Kathmandu
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