Based on 27 reviews
Trip Duration
12 DaysTrip Difficulty
EasyMax Altitude:
3,810m. / 12,500ft.Group Size
2 to 25 PeopleBest Season
Autumn, SpringMeals
Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation
Teahouse/ HotelTransportation
Tourist BusThe Upper Mustang tiji festival jeep tour is a 12-day cultural tour that will take you to one of the most historical and remote parts of Nepal. This trip involves both easy overland travel and the chance to experience the annual Lo Manthang Tiji Festival. The festival is a significant occasion in the Buddhist calendar, and it is a time of great celebration and festivity.
The trip starts in Kathmandu and then on to Pokhara and passes into the Mustang area via Four Wheel Drive jeep. The scenery slowly shifts as you head north, first green hills and river valleys and then the more arid mountain landscape of Upper Mustang. Along the way, you will pass through Tatopani, Jomsom, Muktinath, Kagbeni, Charang and lastly Lo Manthang. Traditional Villages, Monasteries, Mani Walks, and centuries-old cultural traditions give a more intimate glimpse into the life of this unique Himalayan region.
This tour to the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is more than just a sightseeing trip. It is a chance to get to know local culture and witness one of the most significant cultural events of Mustang. The festival celebration in Lo Manthang over a period of three days provides an opportunity to see and experience the sacred practices and community events that have been maintained for generations.
This is a vehicle-based trip rather than a long trekking holiday; Upper Mustang is not ideal for those who prefer extensive hiking. The route ends at Lo Manthang (3,810 m/12,500 ft), with views of high mountain landscapes, but the comfort level is high in the way it is traveled.
This cultural experience, of history, tradition, mountain scenery, and local hospitality, is well planned by 3A Adventure. This Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is perfect for those who want to experience the culture and heritage of the Himalayan region while enjoying the convenience of overland travel.
You will enter Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, today from Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and then transferred to your hotel. Transfer is arranged on a private basis, and you will have a comfortable ride to your accommodation. At the hotel, help with check-in will be provided to facilitate your hotel accommodation without any problems.
The remainder of the day will be free and open for relaxing following the journey. Rest at the hotel or have a stroll around Kathmandu at your own speed. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the environment before the tour. You’ll meet your traveling companions and guides in the evening. This meeting is a good opportunity to discuss the upcoming trip, and to look at the vehicle(s) that will be used on the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour. Overnight accommodation at the hotel in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft).
Activity: 1 hour Arrival and Preparation
Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you will have a short domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After Breakfast, one will proceed to the airport and board the flight to Pokhara Airport. The duration of the flight is around 35-40 minutes, and you can enjoy the beauty of several peaks of the Himalayas. Under optimum weather conditions, you may be able to see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli and other mountains from the plane.
Drivers will pick you up at the Airport upon arrival in Pokhara and drive you to your hotel. Once you’ve arrived, you can unwind and recuperate from the morning journey. Pokhara is a main entry point for trips into Annapurna and Mustang areas, and is a convenient place to stay before moving on to the higher elevations. The rest of the day is available to be spent at the hotel, getting ready for the road trip which is the next day. Overnight hotel stay at Pokhara at elevation 822 m / 2,696 ft.
Activity: 0.7 hours Flight
Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Pokhara)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, you will head from Pokhara to Tatopani in a jeep. The overland trek part of the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour in the Upper Mustang officially starts after breakfast. As you continue on the road, you will travel through different kinds of landscapes and settlements, leaving behind Pokhara. You will encounter villages, small towns, temples, rivers, monasteries, forests, and bridges during the drive. Changes in the landscape offer numerous chances to see local life and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
The drive will take about 6 hours, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery. You can also stop at appropriate places to snap photos of the landscapes and attractions. You will be able to take in the natural hot springs of Tatopani when you arrive at the village. A relaxing bath in the warm water can help refresh you after the day’s road journey. Overnight accommodation at the hotel in Tatopani, at an altitude of (1,200 m / 3,937 ft).
Activity: 6 hours Drive
Max. Altitude: 1,200m/3,937ft. (Tatopani)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Your journey begins from Tatopani, going on to Kagbeni through Jomsom and Muktinath. Following breakfast, the journey goes through the Mustang region, heading north. On the route, you will pass through the traditional village of Marpha, which has a unique character and local atmosphere. From there, it’s a drive to Jomsom, where there’s also time to explore the local market area before continuing.
One of the highlights of the day is visiting Muktinath temple. It is a holy place of religious significance to both the Hindus and the Buddhists, and pilgrims from Nepal and neighbouring countries visit it. Visiting the temple area and the nearby settlement, the trip then heads towards Kagbeni. The village is situated at the gateway to the Upper Mustang and is the traditional setting of the Himalaya. When you arrive, you will be accommodated in your lodge and spend the evening at the elevation of (2,804 m / 9,199 ft). Overnight in Kagbeni.
Activity: 6 hours Drive and Sightseeing
Max. Altitude: 3,800m/12,467ft. (Kagbeni )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Today you will be heading to Charang from Kagbeni as you continue further into the “restricted area” of Mustang. On the road back to the traditional settlements from Kagbeni, after breakfast. As the road winds on, it begins to bear a stronger Tibetan cultural imprint, and one can spot various cultural elements like the villages, prayer structures, and local architecture throughout the day.
During the drive, you will pass through several villages – Chhusang, Chelle, Samar, Syanboche, Ghiling and Ghami. Ghami is especially famous for the houses constructed of white stone that contrast with the landscape.
You will also pass under a bridge over the Kali Gandaki River on the way and then on to Charang. The journey is interesting and rewarding due to the scenery, traditional villages, and mountains. You can relax after the day’s trip in Charang in the teahouse. Overnight stay in Charang at an elevation of (3,560 m / 11,680 ft).
Activity: 6 hours Drive
Max. Altitude: 3,560m/11,680ft. (Charang)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse, Lodge
Today’s you will drive from Charang to Lo Manthang. Then, you will head into the high mountain desert terrain that this remote area has to offer by jeep after you have had breakfast. On the drive, you can get close to the neighboring peaks and see the different landscape that gets increasingly dry and open as you get near Lo Manthang.
As you journey along, you’ll see fantastic Mani walls adorned with prayer flags and scarves. As you get closer to the destination, traditional whitewashed houses, monasteries, and religious buildings start to appear. Once you reach Lo Manthang, you will have lunch and participate in the first day of the Tiji Festival at the king’s palace.
It is an event of significant cultural value which gathers the population, monks and guests. The festival is also an event to see the traditional religious ceremonies and community gatherings in an unusual environment. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang at the height of (3,810 m / 12,500 ft).
Activity: 2 hours Drive and Festival Celebration
Max. Altitude: 3,810m/12,500ft. (Lo Manthang )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse, Lodge
It is the second day of the Tiji festival in Lo Manthang that is dedicated to the experience today. Following breakfast, there are visits to local temples and monasteries around the settlement for part of the morning. These trips offer a glimpse into the ongoing aspects of Buddhist culture, tradition, and religious life in Upper Mustang today.
You will head back to the village for lunch before the activities at the festival. On the second day of the Tiji Festival, the monks, villagers, and pilgrims who have come to participate in the celebration perform various ceremonial activities. The day is also filled with traditional dances and cultural presentations.
As the ceremonies begin, the atmosphere in Lo Manthang becomes vibrant as people from the local community and tourists gather to witness the event. Once the festival is over for the day, you will be able to have dinner and spend the night in Lo Manthang at (3,810 m / 12,500 ft).
Activity: 4 hours Festival Celebration and Exploration
Max. Altitude: 3,810m/12,500ft. (Lo Manthang )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse, Lodge
It is the last day of the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang today. Breakfast will be served and followed by time to visit several local sites of importance before the main celebration. In the morning, the visit to Buddhist schools, bridges, prayer caves, and important monasteries like Namgyal Gompa and Champa Lhakang. Here you can get a better sense of the spiritual beliefs and cultural legacy of the area.
You will be back for lunch before the afternoon festivities start. The festival activities start from around midday, consisting of traditional songs, dances and community gatherings. Everyone is involved and it’s a great way to celebrate a festive atmosphere throughout the settlement. During the celebration, various local foods and drinks are served, enhancing the festivities.
A big evening ceremony is held at the end of the day of the festival. The community marks the end of the celebrations and anticipates the forthcoming year’s event. Overnight stay at Lo Manthang at 3810m / 12500ft.
Activity: 5 hours Festival Celebration and Exploration
Max. Altitude: 3,810m/12,500ft. (Lo Manthang )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse, Lodge
The return journey to Upper Mustang starts with a drive to Jomsom from Lo Manthang today. Following breakfast, it is time to get back on the jeep and head back through the high mountain scenery and traditional communities of the area. The drive is another chance to enjoy the unique landscape and cultural ambiance of Upper Mustang.
You will be passing through villages like Tsarang, Ghami, Ghiling and Samar on your way to Kagbeni. Permit checks are possible in the Annapurna region and in the restricted area of Upper Mustang at Kagbeni. The formalities are completed, and the trip is continued south towards Jomsom. The route runs through the Kali Gandaki Valley and traverses known terrain as previously encountered during the tour. Once you arrive in Jomsom, you can be at ease in the hotel and have a good night’s sleep after a tiring day’s journey. Overnight stay in Jomsom at altitude (2720m / 8924ft).
Activity: 7 hours Drive
Max. Altitude: 3,810m/12,500ft. (Jomsom)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse, Lodge
The day starts with a Four-Wheel Drive jeep ride back to Pokhara from Jomsom. Following breakfast, you head further south through the ever-changing scenery of Mustang and Annapurna country. There are a lot of bumpy and rocky roads in the road, so the car has to go over many bumps and rocks along the road.
As you will be driving through, you will notice the gradual change in the dry mountain atmosphere of Mustang to a greener atmosphere of Pokhara. This trip is about seven to eight hours long, which is a longer travel day. Views of countryside and river valleys will be enjoyed as the road descends towards lower levels. From here you’ll turn back into the car and arrive at Pokhara, where you’ll change and spend the night at your hotel. As the city of Pokhara is comfortable, it is a pleasant break before heading back to Kathmandu.
Activity: 8 hours Drive
Max. Altitude: 2,720m/8,924ft. (Pokhara)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Your journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu will begin from there by tourist bus. Following breakfast, you will head back to Nepal’s capital city. Tourist buses offer a pleasant way of getting from place to place and a chance to see the different scenery along the way.
It takes about 8 hours to reach Kathmandu, which runs along the road between Pokhara and Kathmandu. In transit, you have the opportunity to relax and admire the views of the hills, rivers, settlements and countryside along the way. But when you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day free for relaxation or personal activities.
You can do last-minute shopping in the evening or take time for exploring the surrounding areas. A complimentary dinner is prepared, and you can celebrate the successful completion of the tour and share some memories with your traveling party. Overnight accommodation at the hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft).
Activity: 8 hours Drive
Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
It’s the last day of your Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour. Following breakfast, you will get ready for travel as per your schedule. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time at the hotel before leaving for the airport.
Transfer to take you from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport is arranged. You can take stock of the experiences you’ve had over the last few days on the way from the cultural heritage of Upper Mustang to the colorful Tiji Festival. Once you arrive at the airport, you will be helped during departure, and you will then be able to proceed to your next destination.
This concludes the trip. The tour finishes with a good-bye message and wishes that you will keep the memories of the landscape, the traditional villages, and the festival in your heart long after.
Activity: 1 hour Departure
Max. Altitude: 1,401m/4,596ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Transportation
Food and Accommodation
Guide and Support Staff
Permits and Expenses
Medical and Gear
Others
International Flights and Visa
Food and Accommodation
Travel and Medical Insurance
Other Expenses
The spring season is the best time to participate in the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, around the time of the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang. Weather is fairly calm, easing travel on the roads and improving visibility of the surrounding area. Upper Mustang is in a rain shadow region and receives very little rainfall compared to other regions of Nepal. This is why it is an ideal place to visit in the midst of wet weather in other trekking parts.
Generally, days are nice, and mornings and evenings are cooler at higher altitudes. Lo Manthang (3,810 m / 12,500 ft) is the highest point of the tour during the night. The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour allows the travellers to experience favourable weather conditions along with the cultural atmosphere that is established during the annual festival celebration.
The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour is a moderate adventure. However, compared to the traditional trekking trip, the bulk of the way is done by road in a Four Wheel Drive vehicle, making it accessible to a variety of people. Driving on mountain roads can be tiring, but no strenuous daily hikes are needed. Certain travelers might experience symptoms of flying at higher altitudes, primarily at Lo Manthang (3,810 m / 12,500 ft).
In some areas, the road is bumpy and dusty from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang. The trip can be enjoyed comfortably with basic physical fitness and a positive attitude. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a great alternative for those who prefer to explore this relatively inaccessible area without embarking on a lengthy trekking trip.
Undertaken primarily by jeep, but not to be taken lightly, this is an altitude challenge during the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour. The trail slowly ascends from the lowland to Lo Manthang (3,810 m / 12,500 ft). Some travellers may develop mild symptoms like a headache, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or trouble sleeping at higher altitudes. Some measures can be taken to minimize the risk of problems associated with altitude, including drinking sufficient water, limiting alcohol consumption and giving the body time to acclimate.
Let your guide know right away if any symptoms get uncomfortable or get worse. Most travellers will make the journey without any problems, but it is important to be aware of the trip from start to finish. The slow climb and nighttime accommodation en route allow many visitors to acclimatize themselves on the way to the highest point in the area.
Preparing for the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour makes the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. The trip will require a few days spent on the mountain with time for long driving, temperature fluctuations, and primitive conditions in remote locations. Walking, light exercise, and general physical activity prior to the trip can help with overall comfort while traveling. Warm clothing is essential as it can get cooler in the higher parts of Mustang.
It is also recommended to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. There is no need to be an experienced trekker, but a certain degree of fitness is important for the travel days. For those who wish to participate in the tour to Upper Mustang for the Tiji festival, they should also bring their own medications on board to be carried during the entire tour.
For the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, food and accommodation are provided at hotels and local lodges located along the way. Tourists have better facilities and services in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In Upper Mustang, lodging is normally arranged in the nearby lodges or teahouses which are equipped with fundamental yet friendly rooms. Depending on the area, the meals typically feature different types of Nepali, Tibetan, and common international cuisines.
The food choices offered may be more restricted than in larger cities as the trip proceeds into more rural areas. Along the way, hot food is provided, ensuring that one is energized throughout the day for everyday activities. Throughout the Mustang region, there is hospitality as well, which infuses the area with its culture and helps to allow the visitor to gain a better appreciation of life in the mountains.
One of the major components of the Jeep Tour to Upper Mustang is transportation. This trip starts from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then four jeep rides through the Mustang region. They are ideal on mountain roads and can take the travellers to far-away settlements that would take several days to get to on foot. The road varies in quality along the route; some stretches are rough, dusty and uneven.
The tour also includes the tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu at the end of the tour. By taking advantage of flights, jeeps and road transport, one can enjoy the Upper Mustang in a relatively short span of time. 3A Adventure arranges transportation as needed to make sure that the travel experience is smooth along the itinerary.
Access to communication is available during the majority of the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour in the Upper Mustang, with the quality of service depending on where you are. Cellular phone reception is usually available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and may be poor in remote areas of Upper Mustang. Internet access at some lodges and hotels may be slower than you’re used to in a city. Network performance can be impacted by weather conditions and local infrastructure at times.
It’s a good thing to let family and friends know that there may be limited communication throughout the trip. It may also be helpful to have vital contact numbers on paper. While there are some restrictions, for the most part, travelers can contact loved ones and use basic Internet services throughout the journey.
The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour is a restricted area of Nepal; hence, special permits are necessary. Visitors are required to have a special restricted area permit to enter the area after Kagbeni. There is also an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit needed for this trek. These permits contribute to the management of protected areas and to the control of tourism. The documents and information required for the trip should be supplied in advance for a smooth process of the permit.
Checks for permits can occur at specified checkpoints throughout the tour. Permits are required for the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, so it is essential to have all paperwork in place before taking on the adventure. Your tour operator will normally assist with the permit application process.
For those who intend to come to Nepal for the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, they have to get a valid Nepal visa in order to enter the restricted area. The majority of visitors will receive their tourist visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and others can apply for a tourist visa in advance from a Nepalese embassy or consulate. It is advisable to check the validity of the passports before travelling.
Visas are valid for entry to Nepal, and separate entry permits are needed for Upper Mustang. It is advised to bring copies of travel documents all the way. It is also important for travelers to check for updated visa rules and regulations before their trip, as there can be changes in the rules from time to time. A pre-prepared set of documents will make the beginning of the tour smooth.
All participants should have travel insurance for the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour. The medical costs, emergency help, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen scenarios encountered during travel to remote mountain areas should be addressed in a suitable policy. The route is primarily by road, but there are also visits to high-altitude areas such as Lo Manthang (3810m / 12500ft). Travel insurance with coverage for higher altitudes is therefore a good idea.
Read the policy terms and conditions to understand its coverage before you buy. If help is required, it can be useful to bring along a copy of your insurance information on the trip. With good insurance coverage, one can have more peace of mind while exploring the remote landscapes of the Upper Mustang.
There are many services in the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep tour, but one has to consider personal expenses on the tour. This can include drinks, snacks, personal shopping, tips, laundry services, further internet use, and more bought on the trip. There are several settlements where souvenirs and local handicrafts are sold, which might be of interest. Personal spending will differ from person to person, based on their taste and preferences.
It is recommended to bring sufficient local currency as there might not be a card facility in remote areas. Setting aside some extra cash can also help you in unforeseen events and buying something for yourself. Having a budget in mind for personal expenditure with a bit of leeway helps to enjoy a better trip.
The Tiji Festival Jeep Tour in the Upper Mustang can be done on a private tour or group tour. A private tour provides more flexibility and the opportunity to travel with family and friends or chosen companions. Group departures allow one to travel with others and share the overall experience, although with others of different backgrounds. All are part of the same route and lead to the celebration of culture from the Tiji Festival.
There are different styles to choose from depending on your budget, travel schedule, and preferences. Arrangements are available for both 3A Adventure and group on dates and availability. In both cases, visitors to Upper Mustang can enjoy the unique culture, landscapes, and traditions that make it a remarkable place to visit.
General
This is a cultural tour of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, which is an Upper Mustang overland tour and a chance to see the annual Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang.
The itinerary includes a 12-day trip with Kathmandu, Pokhara, Upper Mustang and Tiji Festival celebration.
This festival is celebrated in the historic walled settlement of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang.
Preparation & Fitness
No. Most of the trip will be done by jeep, so there is no need to have prior trekking experience.
Only a basic fitness level is required. Travelers should be accustomed to long driving hours and travel at higher elevations.
Personal clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun block, personally prescribed medication and travel papers are recommended.
Insurance & Visa
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended and should cover travel to remote mountain areas.
Yes. International participants are required to get a Nepal visa before their arrival.
Guides & Support Staff
The group is accompanied by a guide to help and support them throughout the journey.
Guides can share information on culture and traditions and sites visited during the trip.
Accommodation and Facilities
Hotels are used in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and teahouse/hotels in Upper Mustang.
Wireless access to the Internet may be available in certain areas, with slower, less stable connections in more rural areas.
Weather & Seasons
It is best during the period of the Tiji festival, which is when the weather is generally favorable, and culture is celebrated.
Upper Mustang is a rain shadow region and does not receive as much rainfall as many areas of Nepal.
Health & Safety
Yes. It is important to recognize the symptoms associated with altitude when travelling to Lo Manthang (3,810 m / 12,500 ft).
Let your guide know right away and they will be able to provide you with the assistance and advice you need.
Booking & Payment
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during the period of the Tiji festival.
Yes. Private funerals may take place for individuals, families or groups.
Transportation & Flight
Domestic flights, a Four Wheel Drive jeep ride, and a tourist bus trip are part of the tour.
There is a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara as well as an overland tour starting from Pokhara.