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14 Days$3980USD

Activities
  • 13 days adventure touring
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel
  • 9 nights lodge
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 11 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts
2
Adventure touring

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Experience the vibrant Tiji Festival, the most revered festival in the Upper Mustang region
  • Traverse Nepal's finest landscapes from Kathmandu to Upper Mustang by Jeep
  • Embrace the preserved ancient Tibetan and Buddhist culture
  • Explore the hidden Kingdom of Mustang and its ancient walled city of Lo Manthang
  • Revel in the classic sites of Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Stroll through quaint and rustic Nepali villages

Why Book With Us

  • Carefully curated itinerary with extra time in Lo Manthang for Tiji Festival
  • Private transportation and stay at hand picked eco-lodges
  • Receive a souvenir kit bag and save money with the use of our trek pack including quality sleeping bag and down jacket
  • All meals on touring section prepared fresh by our dedicated cooking crew. All drinking water included.
  • Group led by experienced wilderness first aid trained guides equipped with group medical kit.

Embark on an adventure through the rugged mountain landscapes and rich cultural legacy of the Kingdom of Mustang. Situated north of the Annapurna range, on the border of Nepal and Tibet our dates will coincide with the celebrations of the ancient and well travelled Tiji Festival at Chhode Monastery in Lo Manthang. Also known as "The Chasing of the Demons," this vibrant festival is celebrated annually to signify the victory of good over evil and to preserve the last vestiges of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Wander the streets laden with fluttering prayer flags as mask donned monks perform traditional dances to ward off evil spirits in colourful attire over three days. Traverse the Himalayas by jeep as we venture from semi-arid desert terrain with deep ravines into lush mountain valleys surrounded by snow capped mountains. Experience the difference in local cultures from the lower Annapurna regions to Buddhist monasteries wedged in the mountain sides of the Tibetan plateau.

Meals included
in the price
Valued at 550
Trip Code: KOT

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trip briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag, liner and down/fiberfill jacket. This presents a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out for dinner. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  Nil

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively, you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

After breakfast we will start our drive from Kathmandu to Beni, stopping midway for lunch. Beni means place where two rivers meet, located at the confluence of Myagdi River and Kali Gandaki River. Overnight: Eco-Lodge in Beni

Meals:  B,L,D

We will head towards Jomsom via Tatopani. Tatopani is a major trading post between Nepal and China located in the sindhupalchowk district in the Bagmati zone of central Nepal. Majority of the villagers are ethnic Sherpa or Tamang with Nepali and Tibetan as their main languages. After arriving at Jomsom we can take a scenic stroll through Marpha Village, the apple capital of the Nepal. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is designated for rest and acclimatisation but there is an option to explore Jomsom Bazaar and go for a short hike to Dumba lake at the base of Mt. Nilgiri (7125m). This lake is of religious and cultural significance to the Buddhist people. There are stories among locals that the lake turned red one day and did not return to its renowned turquoise blue waters until Tibetan Buddhists performed religious ceremonies. The lake has since been considered sacred and locals congregate at this religious place to worship and pray. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We will head towards Ghami via Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a village in the valley of Kali Gandaki River that marks the start and gateway to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni use to be a trading post where traders from Lo Manthang, Manang and Dolpo would rest and trade before continuing their journey to other regions. Special permits are required to go beyond this point. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we make our final approach to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang is walled city, isolated and hidden behind the Himalayas on a rugged plateau. The region of Upper Mustang is said be one of the best-preserved examples of Tibetan culture in the world. Efforts continue to preserve this region and it wasn't until 1992 that foreigners were allowed to enter. To this day the area restrictions remain and visitors are only permitted to enter with a special permit. We will also visit Charang village, second biggest town of Upper Mustang. After arriving in Lo Manthang, the rest of the day will be at leisure and will also mark the start of the 3 day Tiji Festival. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

The next 2 days you are free to explore the cultural centre of Lo Manthang and experience the Tiji Festival celebrations. Tiji festival is a historical Buddhist festival held over three days in the third Tibetan month to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. This festival is celebrated annually and is one of the most revered festivals that symbolises the hope and strength of the people in the Upper Mustang region. Each morning starts with monks assembling in the monastery offering prayers to the Vajrakilaya, the deity who embodies enlightenment. The festival continues in the afternoon with performances by vibrant masked dancers in the public square amidst prayers and chants. Each day depicts a major topic with each dance representing a deeper theme. The town is also home to 3 major Gompas and the Palace to Raja and his Rani (queen). Although the Raja’s function is now primarily ceremonial, he is seen as a person who can help people resolve local issues. The town itself is fascinating, and offers countless opportunities to observe the traditional Tibetan culture. An optional side trip is available either on horse or jeep to the nearby Chosar Village. Chosar is a remarkable location with towering red-cliffs with caves that were inhabited as far back as 2,500 years ago. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will make our way to Chhusang and follow the stunning ridge line towards the Kali Ghandaki river. Savour the scenic views of unique rock formations that surround the humble village. Optional stop at Tetang village. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We head towards the quaint village of Tatopani or "hot water" in Nepali, renowned for their hot springs. The high mineral content mixed with the hot water emanating from the rocks is believed to have health benefits, so jump in, relax and unwind after a long days drive. Overnight: Eco-Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we will start our journey to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest town. We will have lunch on the way and on arrival will be transferred to Hotel Landmark. You are then free to explore the town and markets or enjoy a scenic stroll alongside Phewa Lake, Nepal's second largest lake. Overnight: hotel

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast at hotel, we will drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is yours to perhaps do some last minute shopping or sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast the trip concludes with a transfer to the airport.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners
  • airport transfers
  • expert bilingual guide
  • special permit US$500
  • group medical kit
  • good quality accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • lodge accommodation when outside of cities
  • The use of a kit bag including quality sleeping bag, liner and down jacket
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
  • all park entrance fees

Departure dates


Notes

1
Trip coincides with Tiji Festival (5-7 May 2024) in Lo Manthang.
2
Trip coincides with Tiji Festival (24-26 May 2025) in Lo Manthang.
3
Trip coincides with Tiji Festival (24-26 May 2025) in Lo Manthang.

Dates don't fit?
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Priceper person from

$3980USD

Your trip price includes:

  • Meals valued at 550
Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed The Road to Mustang & Tiji Festival trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

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 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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