Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

The best time for the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is tied directly to the Tiji Festival dates in Lo Manthang, since this trek is built around witnessing the celebration.

The Tiji Festival follows the Tibetan lunar calendar, so its dates shift slightly each year, but it always falls in spring, typically May. The 2027 dates were confirmed for June 1–3, while upcoming confirmed dates include May 21–23, 2028. Since dates are set by monastery astrological calculations and confirmed only months in advance, it's best to check the current year's exact schedule before booking.

Outside the festival window, spring (March to May) overall remains the most favorable season for this trek, offering stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for exploring Upper Mustang's dry, high-altitude terrain.

Since Upper Mustang lies in a rain-shadow region, summer (June to August) is also relatively dry and trekkable compared to the rest of Nepal, though it's typically avoided unless timed with a later festival date. Winter (December to February) brings freezing temperatures and possible road/trail closures, while autumn (September to November) is generally too far from the festival window to align with this specific trek's purpose.

Note: Since the Tiji Festival date changes yearly, I'd recommend double-checking the confirmed dates for the specific year you're publishing this for, so the content stays accurate.

Yes, solo trekking is available on the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek, but there are important rules you should know.

Since March 2026, the Department of Immigration has allowed solo foreign trekkers to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang. Before this change, a minimum of two trekkers was required to obtain the permit. As a result, many solo travelers either joined a group or paid for a second "ghost permit" to meet the permit requirement. This rule was removed to make restricted-area trekking more accessible following requests from TAAN and Other Trekking organizations.

However, Upper Mustang remains a restricted area, so the following rules still apply:

• A licensed trekking guide is mandatory.

• The trek must be arranged through a registered Nepali trekking agency.

• Solo travelers can obtain a Restricted Area Permit in their own name.

• Independent unguided trekking is not permitted.

• One licensed guide can accompany a maximum of seven trekkers.

In short, you can join the Tiji Festival Trek as a solo traveler, but you must trek with a licensed guide and obtain your permits through a registered trekking agency, as required by Nepal Government regulations for restricted areas.

The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek follows the same path as the regular Upper Mustang Trek, taking you through traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and the walled city of Lo-Manthang. The main difference is that the trek is planned around the three-day Tiji Festival, one of the most important cultural celebrations in Lo-Manthang. During the festival, you can witness traditional masked dances, Buddhist rituals, prayers, and local celebrations held around the monasteries and palace area.

The festival also gives you more time to experience the local culture and daily life of Lo-Manthang. You can explore the old city, visit nearby monasteries, and observe how local communities take part in the celebrations. While the regular Upper Mustang Trek focuses mainly on the landscapes, villages, monasteries, and history of the region, the Tiji Festival Trek is centered around this cultural event.

The route, walking conditions, and high-altitude nature of the trek remain similar to the regular Upper Mustang Trek. However, the timing is different because the trip needs to match the festival dates, and accommodation in Lo-Manthang can be more limited during this busy period. This makes the Tiji Festival Trek a way to explore Upper Mustang while also experiencing an important part of its Tibetan Buddhist culture.

The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek covers approximately 125 to 130 km (78 to 80 miles), requiring approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking per day for 12 days. The trek starts in Jomsom, leads to Lo-Manthang, and ends back in Jomsom.

During the Tiji Festival Trek, accommodation in Lo-Manthang can be more limited because many travelers visit the area for the festival. It is therefore advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to stay in Lo-Manthang during the festival days.

While accommodation is basic, staying in Lo-Manthang during the Tiji Festival gives you the chance to experience the local setting and be close to the festival activities. It’s worth noting that Upper Mustang accommodation costs are relatively high due to factors such as low population density, expensive transportation, and the region’s isolation.

The tea houses feature clean and comfortable rooms with basic facilities. Each tea house has a central communal area with a large stove that provides heat and a warm atmosphere.

Bedrooms in these tea houses are usually unheated and furnished with twin beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. But during extremely cold temperatures, a blanket may not suffice, so it’s advisable to bring a sleeping bag (a 3-season bag is adequate).

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll find a variety of hotels ranging from standard to luxurious five-star options.

The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is considered moderately challenging, falling between the easy and more strenuous treks in Nepal. While it doesn’t include technical sections, it encompasses long days of hiking on rugged and rocky terrain with steep ascents and descents.

With the highest point of the trek exceeding 4,000 meters, there is an increased risk of altitude sickness. Therefore, a good level of fitness and determination are required to complete this trek.

It’s advisable to start preparation training at least two to three months before the trek, focusing on cardiovascular exercises and strength endurance training.

Recommended exercises include running, cycling, swimming, or hiking, along with workouts targeting leg strength and core muscles.

Additionally, mental preparation is crucial due to challenges such as unpredictable weather, remote terrain, and limited amenities. Strong determination and perseverance are necessary to overcome these challenges and complete the trek.

Permit Fees Summary:

To visit Upper Mustang, every foreign traveler must obtain two permits:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Upper Mustang is a restricted region of Nepal, and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is mandatory for all foreign trekkers.

Updated Permit Rules

• On 19 November 2025, the Government of Nepal changed the RAP fee structure from the previous flat rate of USD 500 for the first 10 days to a daily fee system. The permit now costs USD 50 per person per day inside the restricted area.

• On 22 March 2026, Nepal removed the requirement for a minimum of two trekkers in restricted areas. Solo travelers can now obtain an Upper Mustang permit through a registered trekking agency.

• A licensed trekking guide remains mandatory, even for solo trekkers.

This rule is especially beneficial for the short time trekkers. Instead of paying a fat fee of USD 500, a trekker visiting Upper Mustang for 4 days can now pay USD 200. The day count starts from Kagbeni not Jomsom.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Since Upper Mustang lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, trekkers must also obtain an ACAP permit.

• Foreign Nationals: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30)

Important Notes

• A TIMS card is not required for the Upper Mustang Trek.

• Permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.

• Trekkers should carry their permits throughout the journey, as they may be checked at various checkpoints along the route.

Phone and internet connectivity in Upper Mustang is generally poor. Wi-Fi availability in tea houses is limited, and when available, it’s often provided through expensive satellite connections that are unreliable. Additionally, there are fees associated with using this Wi-Fi service.

Local SIM cards and packages can be obtained at the airport or from several vendors in Kathmandu or Pokhara. While data connections work well in cities, they are limited and slow once you leave the coverage area. Both NTC and NCELL may offer some data connection in Upper Mustang, but expect it to be limited and slow.

In the Upper Mustang region, electricity availability varies due to its remote location. Settlements at lower altitudes like Samar, Ghiling, Syangboche, and Ghami have electricity, but it’s not always reliable.

Most towns, particularly at high elevations, rely on solar power as a backup for the needs of trekkers. However, power cuts are common, and electricity may not be available at higher elevations.

Solar panels are used to generate electricity in some places like Kagbeni and Lo-Manthang, but they can be unreliable during bad weather. So, it is best to bring a solar power bank to charge your devices.

Further, tea houses typically allocate specific time for power usage, usually in the evening, where you can charge your electronic devices at a small cost. Using solar banks can be a cost-effective and reliable solution for charging your devices during the Mustang trek.

Moreover, the tea houses in the Upper Mustang region provide two or three plug outlets with supporting plug types C, D, or M. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Therefore, it’s important to bring a universal adapter and voltage converter if necessary.

In the Upper Mustang trekking region, despite its arid nature and limited water sources, safe drinking water is readily available at every tea house.

They offer boiled water for a nominal fee of about USD 1 to 2 per liter, ensuring its safety for consumption. Boiled water is also used for making drinks like tea and coffee, as well as for cooking.

Additionally, mineral bottled water is an option, albeit at a higher cost, especially at higher elevations where prices can reach up to USD 3 per liter. However, to minimize expenses and environmental impact, many trekkers opt to refill their water bottles at teahouses.

Furthermore, in the villages, communal water taps are available, but it’s essential to purify or boil the water before drinking. Therefore, carrying a water purification system or tablets is advisable. Whether you’re relying on boiled water or natural resources, bringing your refillable water bottle ensures you have access to safe drinking water throughout the trek.

Along the Upper Mustang trail, you’ll discover a diverse range of delicious food options, a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and a bit of Western cuisine.

For breakfast, you can enjoy a variety of items including oats, cornflakes, muesli with milk, oats porridge, toasted bread, french toast, various egg dishes (omelet, boiled, and scrambled) pancakes, and Tibetan bread.

Dal Bhat, a hearty meal consisting of steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickle, and papad, is a common lunch and dinner option, providing ample energy for trekking. Non-vegetarian alternatives like chicken curry or yak meat are also available.

The trekking trail of Upper Mustang is not commercialized, so you’ll often savor fresh, locally-grown organic vegetables.

In addition to Dal Bhat, there are Western options like pizza, sandwiches, momo (dumplings), pasta, spaghetti, mashed potato, fried rice, fried vegetables, veg salad, etc.

Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, local drinks, and juices are easily available at the tea houses along the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek route. Various soup items including fresh vegetable soup, chicken soup, garlic soup, and tomato soup are also offered.

While there’s plenty to enjoy, it’s wise to carry snacks like chocolates, nuts, dry fruits, energy bars, and other nutritional foodstuffs during the Upper Mustang trek.

Only a few tea houses along the trekking route have attached bathrooms, while the majority have communal toilets or bathrooms.

Most of these facilities feature squat-style toilets with manual flushing systems. It is advisable to carry toilet paper and pocket soap as they may not be provided in every tea house. In places like Muktinath and Jomsom, some tea houses may offer Western-style toilets and some tea houses might have attached bathrooms where hot showers are available.

However, in the majority of hotels and tea houses, showers are located in separate rooms, usually adjacent to the toilet area. While cold water showers are typically free, there is usually a charge of USD 2 to 5 for a hot shower, depending on availability.

Solar-heated showers are common but may not consistently provide hot showers, while gas showers are available at a higher cost. The price of hot showers varies among tea houses and trekking altitudes in the Upper Mustang region.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are plenty of legitimate places for currency exchange, with better rates typically available in Kathmandu. Both cities have several ATMs for cash withdrawals.

However, along the Upper Mustang trail, there are limited ATMs and banks. While places like Jomsom and Muktinath have some banks and ATMs, they might not be as reliable as those in cities.

On the Upper Mustang trail, transactions are in cash using Nepali Rupees (NPR). It’s advisable to withdraw enough money needed for the trekking before starting.

Furthermore, remember to carry a small denomination note as change may not always be readily available, especially in remote places.

Getting the right travel insurance for your Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is essential. Note that not all policies cover trekking at high altitudes. So, ensure your policy covers trekking up to 4,500 meters. The highest point of the trek, Pa Pass at 4,210 meters, must be within this insurance coverage.

Moreover, your travel insurance must cover all medical, travel, and trekking issues, especially since accidents can happen unexpectedly on the trail.

Your policies must include coverage for high-altitude, emergency evacuation by helicopter, medical expenses if you get sick or hurt, compensation for trip cancellations or delays, protection against losing or having your baggage stolen, and help with returning home if needed.

Before starting the Upper Mustang trek, you’ll need to arrange flight tickets to Nepal, pay for your visa, get a local SIM card, buy trekking gear and equipment, and purchase travel insurance. All these services are not included in your Mustang Tiji Festival Trek package cost.

Any additional food or drinks beyond what’s included in your trekking package will cost you extra during the trek. Similarly, if you opt for extra amenities at tea houses like hot showers, Wi-Fi, or charging for electronic devices, you’ll need to pay extra.

After completing the trek, it is customary to provide tips to guides and porters as a gratitude. If you plan to buy souvenirs to take home, you’ll need to budget extra for this.