Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is quite popular among netizens and tourists. Upper Mustang, which is mostly populated by Tibetans, is one of the most intriguing areas of Nepal that borders Tibet. The whole Mustang region has been divided into Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang due of its sensitivity. Travelers need a special permit to enter the Upper Mustang region since it has been designated as a restricted area.
The whole area is rich with uranium and other natural resources, as well as beauty. In addition to these, Mustang’s main attractions include the Himalayas, the source of the Kaligandaki River, which is well-known for its ammonite and fossils and is considered a sacred river by both Buddhists and Hindus, as well as a large number of monasteries, caves, orchid gardens, waterfalls, etc.
The oldest trading route to Tibet is the Upper Mustang, a barren region in the Himalayas that is also referred to as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal. Every step you take is a beautiful experience thanks to Mustang’s expansive perspective of the massif Himalayas, including Annapurna (8,091m/26,545ft), Nilgiri (7,061m/23,166ft), and Dhaulagiri (8,091m/26,545ft).
The dates of the next Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour in 2025 are May 24–26.
- The first day of the Tiji Festival at Lo-Mangthang on May 24, 2025
- The second day of the 25 May 2025 Tiji Festival in Lo-Mangthang
- The third day of the Tiji Festival at Lo-Mangthang on May 26, 2025
History of Upper Mustang Tiji Festival
One of the most amazing trekking routes, the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek combines two programs at once. Trekkers may visit the Upper Mustang region at any time of year, but it’s a unique experience to see the Tiji festival. The capital of Upper Mustang, Lo-Manthang, celebrates Tiji for three days.
The origins of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival may be found in Tibet, where Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, brought Vajrayana Buddhism, sometimes called Tibetan Buddhism, to the region in the eighth century AD. He is credited with helping Tantric Buddhism spread throughout Tibet and Nepal’s Himalayas. He is therefore referred to by Vajrayana adherents as the second Buddha after Shakyamuni Buddha.
The origins of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival may be found in an era when mythology were more widely accepted and universal than contemporary science. People at the period believed in tantric practice and meditation, and tantric teachers attempted to determine the cause-and-effect relationships and remedies for their shared suffering.
Due to a scarcity of live human flesh, a strong demon that ate people once wreaked havoc in the Mustang region, according to a well-known tale. This was the result of tantric gurus using their charms to safeguard the populated regions.
Tantric gurus were causing the demon problems with their potent tantric practice; in retaliation, the demon caused a water scarcity and dispersed unidentified ailments over the Mustang Valley and its environs. Human civilization depends heavily on water, and the Mustang region’s primary supply of snow-melted water was constrained by its isolated location and the neighboring Himalayan massif.
This event caused problems, and the number of people and animals dying from illnesses and a shortage of water began to rise. The demon’s harm could not be stopped, not even by the principal gurus (spiritual instructors).
Lastly, they asked Dorje Jono, a very influential tantric spiritual instructor, to use his potent spiritual practice spell to drive the demon out of the area. Dorje Jono used his power to guard the entire valley, stopping the monster from entering. As a result, the devil has refrained from entering the valley and continues to do so, and life has continued to be normal.
To recall the victory of good over evil. Every year, the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is held. It is now a ceremonial event for world peace and the victory of good over evil, and it is honored in a wider context. Native people think that all sentient creatures will get eternal blessings from the three-day celebration.
Time schedule of Upper Mustang Tiji Festival
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is highky well liked and celebrated by locals of seven villages which is situated in Upper Mustang. The monks of the monastery at Lo-Mangthang celebrate the major three-day Upper Mustang Tiji Festival with vibrant ceremonies, dances, and ceremonial songs.
Together with the communities, the members of the kingdom’s royal family lead the celebration. The primary performers are selected three months before to the festival and undergo all training and ceremonial procedures till the last day of the celebration. It is a tantric dance performed by the monks.
Villagers, members of the royal family, and tourists from all over the world come to see the vibrant celebration. Participating in the rite is thought to bring about eternal joy.
The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival date is unpredictable. The primary monks of the nearby monastery choose the date using ceremonial methods, and it is observed in accordance with the Tibetan calendar.
Challenging Trek
USD $1450 - 2005
