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Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour – 12 days

Based on 27 reviews

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Trip Duration

12 Days
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Trip Difficulty

Easy
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Max Altitude:

3,810m. / 12,500ft.
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Group Size

2 to 25 People
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Best Season

Autumn, Spring
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Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Accommodation

Teahouse/ Hotel
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Transportation

Tourist Bus

Overview and Highlights of Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour – 12 days

The 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.

Trip Highlights

  • Visit the Tiji Festival celebration in Lo Manthang.
  • Experience a four-wheel-drive jeep tour of the distant land of Upper Mustang.
  • Visit the sacred temple of Muktinath and learn about its significance in the culture and tradition.
  • Visit the villages that are traditional like Kagbeni, Ghami, Charang and Lo Manthang.
  • Explore local monasteries, mani walls, and Buddhist heritage sites.
  • Travel from Pokhara to the high mountain desert of Mustang and experience the variety of landscapes.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour – 12 days Itinerary

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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).

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Activity: 1 hour Arrival and Preparation

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Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu)

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Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Accommodation: Hotel


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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.

Plan a Private Trip

Includes & Excludes

What are included with package?

Transportation

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Four Wheel Drive jeep transportation during the Mustang journey
  • Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Food and Accommodation

  • Stay in a hotel, lodge or teahouse as outlined in the itinerary
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the tour

Guide and Support Staff

  • Professional guide on the trip
  • Needed local assistance along the way

Permits and Expenses

  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permi
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • Taxes and applicable service charges by the government

Medical and Gear

  • Basic First Aid Kit with guide

Others

  • Visiting the festival and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Welcome at the hotel and arrangements for the trip

What are not included with package?

International Flights and Visa

  • International airfare to and from Nepal
  • Registration cost for Nepal entry visa

Food and Accommodation

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Additional food, snacks and drinks

Travel and Medical Insurance

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Medical/emergency costs not included in the itinerary

Other Expenses

  • Personal consumption and retail
  • Helpful hints for guides and support staff
  • Laundry, internet, and phone charges
  • Any expenses incurred due to personal issues or unexpected events

Trip Information

Weather and Best Season

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.

Difficulty Level

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.

Altitude Sickness

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.

Preparation and Fitness

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.

Food and Accommodation

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.

Transportation

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.

Communication

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.

Permit

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.

Visa

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.

Travel Insurance

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.

Extra Expenses

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.

Private and Group Trek

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.

FAQs for Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour – 12 days

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.