Blossom Expeditions: Tiji festival 2019

Tiji festival is an annual celebration in Lo-manthang; it is the 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. The people of Upper Mustang believed that Dorje Jono (Dorje Shunu) had the power to banish all forms of obstacles and evils spirits. Her demon father caused huge destruction in Mustang. The shortage of the water supply (which is a highly needed resource in this dry land), causing many disasters and a seriously threatening for human life. And eventually, Dorje Jono defeated her demon father and threw him out from the land.

According to the oral story, the Tiji festival started around the time of Lama Lowo Khenchen (1456-1532) to honor of Dorje Jono. The great ceremony continued until today. The Tiji festival is one of the main festivals of Lo-manthang. The festival is celebrating for good fortunes and well-being of the entire valley. And praying is done to overcome all the obstacles and suffering. During the Tiji Festival, all the 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 sports 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 an 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 needs a special permit to visit the area. The Permit cost is the U.S. $500 hundred dollars per person for 10 days. The trek begins from Jomsom after a short mountain flight from Pokhara. From there, We follow the traditional old trade route pass by some of the beautiful Buddhist settlements vie Lo-gekar, where the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located. And finally, you will reach Lo-Manthang to participate in a 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	21-May-2019 Arriving in KTM and transfer to Hotel (1300m)
02	22-May-2019 Preparation and Sightseeing around Kathamndu
03	23-May-2019 Fly to Pokhara (820m)
04	24-May-2019 Fly early morning to Jomsom (2729m) and Trek to Kagbeni (2810m.) Time 3-4 Hours
05	25-May-2019 Trek to Chele (3050m.) Time 6-7 Hours
06	27-May-2019 Trek to Tamagaon/Ghiling (3710m.) Time 7-8 Hours
07	28-May-2019 Trek to Dhakmar (3840m.) Time 5-6 Hours
08	29-May-2019 Trek to Tsarang vie Lo gekar Trek to Lo-manthan (3755m.) Time 6-7 Hours
09-12	30-May to 2-June-2019 Rest day ( Visit some of the most oldest and religiously important monastery nearest villages of Lo-manthang) including Tiji festival
13	03-June-2019 Drive to Jomsom (2729m.)
14	04-June-2019 Fly back to Pokhara and Rest (820m.)
15	05-June-2019 Sightseeing around Pokhara
16	06-June-2019 Fly to Kathmandu (1300m.)
17	07-June-2019 Departure to Home