Blossom Expeditions

Tiji festival is an annually celebrated in Lo-manthang; it is a main and most popular festival in the Upper Mustang area. This three-day religious ceremony is known as "The chasing of the Demons". There is a Tiji myth that a female deity named Dorje Jono (Dorje Shunu) battled against her demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from the destruction. People of Upper Mustang believed that, Dorje Jono (Dorje Shunu) had a power to banish all forms of obstacles and evils spirits. Her demon father caused huge destruction in Mustang. He shortage the water supply (which is highly needed resource in this very dry land), causing many disasters and serious threat for human life and eventually Dorje Jono defeated her demon father and threw him out from the land.

According to oral story, Tiji festival started around the time of Lama Lowo Khenchen (1456-1532) in an honor of Dorje Jono and the great ceremony was continued with fervor in the few centuries thereafter. Today Tiji festival is one of the main festivals of Lo-manthang. The festival is celebrated for good fortunes and well-being of the entire valley and praying is done to overcome all the obstacles and suffering. During Tiji Festival, the entire villagers gather in Lo-manthang, Monks wear colorful traditional dress, masks, and dance, which supposedly drive the evil spirits away and horse riding competition and some other sport event, and cultural presentation are held.

Trekking in this forbidden kingdom of Mustang, especially during the Tiji Festival is truly one of the most rewarding experiences in Nepal. It is a great opportunity to explore the spectacular arid valleys, eroded canyons, hundreds of old Monasteries, Stupas, and to experience the Tibetan Buddhist cultures, Tradition and their warm hospitality. Upper Mustang was opened only for the foreigners in 1992, has been strictly regulated ever since, and need especial permit to visit the area. The Permit cost is U.S. $500 hundred dollars per person for 10 days. The trek begins from Jomsom after short mountain flight from Pokhara. From there the trek follows traditional old trade route pass by some of the beautiful Buddhist settlement including Lo-gekar, where the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located and finally you will reach to Lo-Manthang to participate beautiful ceremony.

Trip Highlights

· Close watch of the original roots of Himalayan Buddhism

· Stunning view of Snow coped mountains incluing Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri

· The ancient city ‘Lo Manthang’ influenced Tibet Buddhist culture

· Spectacular landscape with thousands of human made mysterious caves

· Oldest Tibetan monastery in the world, the Lo Gekar Monastery

· Rare and legendary local King or Tribe-leader, Jigme Palbar Bista

· Annual interesting Festival- The Tiji Festival and its performances

Itinerary

Trekking Grade: Moderate

Maximum elevation: 4010m.

Starting point: Jomsom

Ending point: Jomsom

Duration of Trip: 17 days

Duration Trek: 12 days

Group Size Maximum: 10

Trekking mode: Tea House/Camping

Days	Program
01	3-May-2018 Arriving in KTM and transfer to Hotel (1300m)
02	4-May-2018 Preparation and Sightseeing around Kathamndu
03	5-May-2018 Fly to Pokhara (820m)
04	6-May-2018 Fly early morning to Jomsom (2729m) and Trek to Kagbeni (2810m.) Time 3-4 Hours
05	7-May-2018 Trek to Chele (3050m.) Time 6-7 Hours
06	8-May-2018 Trek to Tamagaon/Ghiling (3710m.) Time 7-8 Hours
07	9-May-2018 Trek to Dhakmar (3840m.) Time 5-6 Hours
08	10-May-2018 Trek to Tsarang vie Lo gekar Trek to Lo-manthan (3755m.) Time 6-7 Hours
09-12	11/14May-2018 Rest day ( Visit some of the most oldest and religiously important monastery nearest villages of Lo-manthang) including Tiji festival
13	15-May-2018 Drive to Jomsom (2729m.)
14	16-May-2018 Fly back to Pokhara and Rest (820m.)
15	17-May-2018 Sightseeing around Pokhara
16	18-May-2018 Fly to Kathmandu (1300m.)
17	19-May-2018 Departure to Home