The Tiji Festival in Mustang Region Nepal is one of the last remaining glimpses which turns into pure Tibetan Buddhist culture. Known as “The Chase of the Demons,” this festival is one of the most important events in the Upper Mustang Region.
If you are planning a trip to the walled city of Lo Manthang, this guide covers everything from the history of the festival to the specific permits you need to enter the Upper Mustang Region.
The Tiji Festival has been celebrated for centuries. This festival story revolves around the myth of a son named Dorje Jono who had to save his father’s kingdom. The father was being attacked by a demon that brought drought and ruins on the land of the Upper Mustang Region.
By performing sacred dances, Dorje Jono defeated the demon. Today, the local people believe in performing the rituals every year to keep the region safe from natural disasters and evil spirits. For the people of Lo Manthang, it is a time of renewal and hope for a good time ahead.
The festival follows the lunar calendar, so the dates change every year. For the year 2026, the Tiji Festival in Mustang Region Nepal will be celebrated on May 14, 15, and 16.
The festival takes place over three days in the square in front of the Mustang Royal Palace.
The monks of Choede Monastery begin by unfurling a massive embroidered Thangka (scroll painting) that is several centuries old. You will hear the deep melodious sound of the Dungchen (Tibetan horns). as they begin the Tsho Chang (often referencing the celebratory or offering dance portion) dance.
On the second day, the dances become more intense than day one. The “Cham” dancers wear elaborate silk robes and heavy masks. These masks represent different animals and deities worshiped in local culture. The movement tells the story of the deity’s struggle against the demon.
The final day is the most exciting. The entire community gathers to watch the final rituals. The monks carry a ritual sculpture out of the city walls and “destroy” with the bow and arrows. This symbolizes the death of the demon and the return of the property to the Mustang Region.
Beyond the spiritual ceremonies, the Tiji Festival in Mustang Region Nepal is an opportunity to witness nature in its rawest form. The landscape of Upper Mustang is unlike anywhere else in Nepal. You will see towering red cliffs, ancient sky caves, and the deep narrow terrain of the Kali Gandaki River.
The mixture of vibrant, colorful, costumes of the monks and the desert like golden hills create a visual magic that photographers dream of. Combining the cultural power of the festival with the silence & beauty of the Upper Mustang is what makes this trip a Bucket List experience for many tourists.
If you are ready to witness this “Upper Mustang Magic” in person, we have designed the perfect and worthy journey for you. Our expert-led itinerary ensures you get the best view of the festival and a comfortable scenic trekking experience through the hidden valleys of the Forbidden Kingdom.
Visiting the Tiji Festival in the Mustang Region Nepal requires a little more preparation than a trek like the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek.
If you choose the Jeep option, you don’t need to be an athlete. If you choose to trek, you should be able to walk for 5–6 hours a day. The highest point is about 3,800 to 4,000 meters.
You will stay in local “tea houses” (small lodges). During the Tiji Festival in Nepal Mustang, these lodges get very busy, so it is important to book your room several months in advance.
Most tea houses have Wi-Fi for a small fee, but it can be slow. Local SIM cards (Ncell or NTC) work in some areas, but the signal in Lo Manthang can be unreliable.
The area is a high-altitude desert. It is very windy and dusty. Bring a good windbreaker, sunglasses, a buff or scarf to cover your face, and high-SPF sunscreen.
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