The Upper Mustang region is one of the most important parts for both geographical and cultural aspects in Nepal. Upper Mustang also called the Lo- Manthang Upper Mustang is determined by the rain-shadow zone of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, trekking in the Mustang region could be achieved at any time without any worries about snow or rain. The Mustang region of Nepal is considered the forbidden Kingdom of Nepal. The region is inhabited by Tibetan origin people with their own culture and traditions. The place is often described as a place beyond mountains. The mesmerizing landscape and unique culture of this Himalayan village never fails to hypnotize the visitors.
Mustang Region can be divided into two areas, the upper and lower Mustang. It includes both green and dry vegetation a unique mix of the sandy and rocky landscape, starting up north from Kagbeni village next cross to Kali Gandaki River the area has an ample amount of Buddhist traces with stupas, gompas, Monastary and colourful prayer flags Buddhist lurking around along with stone-walled architecture. Lo- Manthang is the small kingdom of Upper Mustang that was once a gateway for trade, old folklore suggests the founder of Buddhism resided in the area to fight against evil. The area has a plethora of old rich Tibetan culture and religious sentiments.
The place beyond the Annapurna circuit trek route and requires a special permit to get admittance. The place is within the restricted region of Nepal. The government of Nepal has tried to protect the essence and the beauty of this place for the world. Therefore special permits and separate immigration visas should be required in order to enter the upper Mustang region of Nepal.
Jeep drive is an ideal idea for Upper Mustang specially and perfectly designed for visitors who wish to witness the ancient place without having to hike all the way up to the destination, either due to lack of time or if they have difficulties in walking and Royal Enfield Motorbike 350/ Honda CRF 250/ Royal Enfield Himalaya 411 Motorbike Tour is another perfect Adventurous ride for adventure lovers.
As for the lower region of the Mustang region, the world’s deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki river between the Annapurna (8,091m)and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) ranges. Lo- Manthnag area brushes you with dry air and pleases you with clear skies amongst the sandy looking plateaus. The journey to lower Mustang starts with Jomsom the capital of the region and ventures into the holy temple Muktinath and the beautiful walled city and the exploration in this part lets you immerse yourself in the stone-walled dunes, nature architect of striking landscapes, and get acquainted with the people and their unique lifestyle of sheep, Yak herding, simplistic living.
The place is famous for the Tiji festival, Apart from the traditional and cultural aspects, the monasteries of upper Mustang are awaiting Buddhist religious pilgrims. The famous trekking route of Mustang is as follows.
4. Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
5. Upper Mustang Overland Jeep Tour
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival:
The Lo- Manthang great Tiji festival is captivating and wonderful. Upper Mustang trek combines the traditional cultural and rare villages at Mustang, astonishing amazing mountain vistas, Buddhist shrines and temples, and the three days celebration of the Tiji festival, a Tibetan ritual. The people in the upper Mustang practice ancient their own religions. Trekking/ Jeep driving / Bike Tour up to Lo during the Tiji festival is a golden opportunity to explore the local Tibetan culture.
Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle influence the Upper Mustang region, being too close to the Tibet border. At the Lo- Manthang, you can see the old attractive monasteries and the remainings of ancient palaces and forts. Upper Mustang is also known as Lo lies towards the northwest of the Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m)ranges. Tibetan plateau surrounds upper Mustang on the eastern, western, and northern parts and keeps intact with Nepal in the south part only.
The Tiji Festival normally celebrates in the month of May or June depending on their own calendar. It takes you to the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang for the main three days celebration. During the festival, you’ll see the monks dance on the masked acting like demons. They perform several forms of dances slashing on the air with their traditional swords and colourful traditional Tibetan costumes and music.
The term Tiji comes from the words “ten che” which means the “hope of the dharma prevailing in the entire world”. This is a message that Guru Rinpoche spread all over the world through the Buddhism religion. It believes that Tiji is a spring renewal festival that happened in the Summer. The people in Lo- Manthang believe that the festival strengthens the hope, strength, and prosperity in their kingdom from the evils.
Lo Manthang people believe that the Tiji festival is the celebration of the victory of good over evil. The festival corresponds directly to a myth. According to the myth, Dorje Jono, a deity must save the kingdom of Lo from destructing by battling against his demon father. People believe that the deity took rebirth to defeat the evil forces that created suffering on earth. Tiji is a revered festival in the Mustang region. At the celebrations of the Tiji festival locals, the People of Lo Manthang wear their own traditional colourful costumes, mask, and perform unique dances in front of their local King’s palace.
It believes that the Tiji festival began in the 15th century. During the three-day masked dance, the beating of drums (Dhangro)and Buddhist chants fill the air. Also, during the festival, they display an ancient Thangka painting of Guru Rimpoche Padmasambhava. Overall this is an amazing experience to explore the Upper Mustang valley during the summer.
In 2021, the people of Lo- Manthang will celebrate the Tiji festival on 30th May, 31st May, and 01st June.
