High in Nepal’s remote Upper Mustang region, the Tiji Festival is an extraordinary three-day celebration of faith, folklore and community. Each year, monks from Lo Manthang perform sacred dances that tell an ancient story of good triumphing over evil. It’s one of the last places on earth where such rituals continue as part of daily life, not for show but for meaning.
Back Track Adventures’ Tiji Festival Trek offers a rare opportunity to witness this powerful festival in the heart of the Himalayas. With departures planned for 2026 and expressions of interest open for 2027, it’s a journey that combines high desert scenery with a deep cultural experience.
What is the Tiji Festival?
Held annually in the walled city of Lo Manthang, the Tiji Festival has been celebrated for centuries. The dances recount the story of Dorje Jono, a deity who defeats a demon threatening the region’s harmony. Costumed monks perform these rituals in front of local families, pilgrims, and a lucky few travellers who make the journey.
The festival falls in Spring, just as the region reopens. It marks the beginning of a new season, both spiritually and practically, as locals prepare for the months ahead.
Why Travel to Mustang for Tiji?
Mustang is unlike anywhere else in Nepal. Sitting in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, it has a dry, stark beauty shaped by wind and time. The trekking is moderate but rewarding, with high-altitude desert landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and villages where Tibetan culture remains strong.
Travelling with Back Track, you’ll take a carefully paced route to help you adjust to altitude, staying in traditional tea houses along the way. Your guides are experienced, and the route is designed to keep the days manageable while still getting you to Lo Manthang in time for the festival.
What to Expect on the Trek
The trek to Lo Manthang takes you through Kali Gandaki Valley, over mountain passes, and into valleys dotted with barley fields and Buddhist chortens. Along the way, you’ll stay in welcoming villages and visit monasteries that have stood for hundreds of years.
During the Tiji Festival, you’ll be experiencing the ceremony in the main square, alongside local families and pilgrims. Each day of the festival brings different dances and symbolism. Locals wear their best traditional dress, and there’s a palpable sense of pride in keeping this cultural legacy alive.
Why Go With Back Track?
Back Track has been guiding travellers in Nepal for over 40 years. The Tiji Festival Trek is a new journey, created for travellers who want a focused cultural experience in Upper Mustang, with the right support and local knowledge on the ground. You’re not a bystander, you’re welcomed in. And while the route and logistics are handled with care, the experience remains flexible enough to allow for genuine moments of connection that can’t be scheduled.
You’ll be travelling in a small group with expert guides who understand the significance of this place and event. And most importantly, your journey supports the communities who call Mustang home.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and 2027
The 2026 Tiji Festival tour is now open for bookings, with limited spots available. For those wanting to plan further ahead, early interest for 2027 is also being accepted. Given the popularity of this trek and the limited access to Upper Mustang, early booking is strongly recommended.
Find Out More
To learn more about the Tiji Festival Trek and secure your place for 2026, visit https://www.backtrackadventures.com.au/journey/tiji-festival/ or get in touch with the team at Back Track Adventures.
This isn’t your average Himalayan trip. It’s a glimpse into a living culture, a walk through Upper Mustang’s high desert country, and a festival that stays with you long after you return home.
