TIJI

THE TREK WITHIN : NEPAL

TIJI FESTIVAL SACRED JOURNEY – UPPER MUSTANG NEPAL 2027

24th May – 7th June 2027
Kathmandu • Pokhara • Muktinath • Upper Mustang • Lo Manthang

A rare opportunity to journey deep into the hidden Himalayan kingdom of Upper Mustang and experience the ancient 3-day Tiji Festival within the walled city of Lo Manthang.

This sacred adventure is far more than a tour.
It is a pilgrimage into one of the last remaining Tibetan Buddhist kingdoms on Earth — a land of monasteries, desert mountains, prayer flags, sky caves and ancient spiritual traditions preserved for centuries beyond the Himalayas.

Our carefully curated journey combines sacred sites, Himalayan culture, breathtaking landscapes, yoga, spiritual practice, adventure and deep cultural immersion.

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION OR JEEP JOURNEY
This incredible Himalayan experience can be joined in two ways:

EPIC HIMALAYAN MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION

For adventure riders, this is one of the world’s truly unforgettable motorcycle journeys — comparable to legendary rides through Ladakh and Spiti Valley in India.

Ride through dramatic Himalayan landscapes, deep river gorges, high mountain desert terrain, ancient Tibetan villages and remote sacred lands rarely experienced by most travellers.

The Mustang route offers an extraordinary mix of spiritual pilgrimage and raw adventure riding.

This option is ideal for experienced riders seeking a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan motorcycle expedition with full support.

COMFORTABLE
PRIVATE JEEP
JOURNEY

For those preferring comfort and ease while still experiencing the full magic of Mustang, our private jeep option allows you to immerse yourself in the landscapes, culture and sacred festival without riding.

Travel together through remote Himalayan valleys, traditional villages and spectacular mountain scenery with experienced local drivers and support team.

Both groups journey together throughout the pilgrimage and festival experience.

relax and enjoy

PROFESSIONAL GUIDES & MUSTANG PERMITS INCLUDED

Upper Mustang is a protected restricted region of Nepal close to the Tibetan border.

Special permits and registered local guides are compulsory for all visitors entering the region, helping preserve the unique culture and traditions of the ancient Kingdom of Lo.

Our journey includes:

• All required Upper Mustang permits
• Licensed local Mustang guides
• Support team throughout the journey
• Carefully planned logistics and accommodation
• Cultural guidance and local knowledge

This allows you to fully relax into the experience while safely exploring one of the Himalaya’s most remote and extraordinary regions.

unique himalayan experience

THE TIJI FESTIVAL

The Tiji Festival is one of the most extraordinary and spiritually significant Himalayan festivals still celebrated today.

Held annually in the ancient royal capital of Lo Manthang, Tiji is a sacred Tibetan Buddhist ceremony that has been performed for more than 300 years.

The name “Tiji” comes from “Tempa Chhirim,” meaning Prayer for World Peace.

For three powerful days, monks from the Choede Monastery perform ancient masked dances, ritual ceremonies, chanting and sacred dramas that tell the story of Dorje Jono — a deity who defeated dark forces that brought drought, suffering and chaos to the Kingdom of Lo.

The festival symbolises the triumph of compassion and wisdom over negativity and destruction, bringing blessings of harmony, protection, prosperity and peace for all beings.

As drums echo through the ancient palace courtyard and monks in elaborate costumes dance beneath the Himalayan sky, visitors witness a living spiritual tradition that feels untouched by modern time.

unique himalayan experience

THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM OF UPPER MUSTANG

Upper Mustang was once known as the “Forbidden Kingdom.”

Hidden behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges near the Tibetan border, this remote Himalayan region remained closed to outsiders until 1992. Because of its isolation, the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, language and traditions have remained remarkably preserved.

Lo Manthang — the ancient walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo — still carries the atmosphere of another era. Whitewashed mud-brick homes, centuries-old monasteries, prayer wheels and royal palaces stand surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes and towering Himalayan peaks.

This is a land where spirituality is woven into daily life.

pilgrimage

MUKTINATH – SACRED PILGRIMAGE SITE

Our journey also includes time in the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath — one of the highest and most revered temples in the Himalayas.

Honoured by both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath is known as a place of liberation and purification. Pilgrims travel from across Nepal and India to receive blessings from the eternal flame, sacred waters and ancient temples resting beneath the vast Himalayan sky.

For many, visiting Muktinath becomes a deeply personal and transformative experience.

the journey

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY

• Experience all 3 days of the sacred Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang
• Explore the hidden kingdom of Upper Mustang
• Visit the sacred temples of Muktinath
• Choose between Motorcycle Expedition or Private Jeep Journey
• Ride one of the world’s great Himalayan motorcycle routes
• Discover ancient monasteries, caves and Tibetan Buddhist culture
• Journey through dramatic Himalayan desert landscapes
• Time in vibrant Kathmandu and beautiful Pokhara
• Yoga, meditation and spiritual practices woven into the journey
• Authentic cultural immersion with local communities
• Small group experience with full support team
• All Upper Mustang permits and guides included

the journey

DETAILED ITINERARY

24th May – Arrival Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel in the vibrant Thamel district. Welcome orientation, introductions and time to settle into the energy of Nepal.

25th May – Kathmandu Sacred Sites

Morning yoga practice followed by visits to some of Nepal’s most sacred and iconic spiritual sites including:

● Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

● Pashupatinath Temple

● Kathmandu Durbar Square

A beautiful immersion into the spiritual and cultural heart of Nepal.

26th May – Travel to Pokhara

Journey from Kathmandu to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara beneath the Annapurna mountain range.

Rest, explore and prepare for the Himalayan adventure ahead.

27th–28th May – Pokhara

Morning yoga sessions, relaxation and exploration of Pokhara.

Time to organise and confirm permits, prepare motorcycles and finalise logistics before heading into Mustang.

Optional sightseeing around Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda and local cafés.

29th May – Pokhara to Mustang

Begin the Himalayan journey into Mustang.

Travel through spectacular mountain scenery following the Kali Gandaki Valley to the ancient village of Kagbeni — gateway to Upper Mustang.

Overnight stay in Kagbeni.

30th May – Muktinath Pilgrimage

Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple for darshan and optional ritual dip beneath the sacred waters.

Time for prayer, reflection and spiritual connection in this extraordinary Himalayan pilgrimage site.

31st May – Journey to Lo Manthang

Travel deeper into the hidden kingdom of Upper Mustang towards the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang.

Witness dramatic desert landscapes, Tibetan villages, monasteries and remote Himalayan culture unlike anywhere else in Nepal.

1st–3rd June – TIJI FESTIVAL

Experience all three days of the extraordinary Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang.

Alongside the festival ceremonies we will also explore:

● Ancient sky caves

● Monasteries

● Villages of Upper Mustang

● Sacred Himalayan landscapes surrounding Lo Manthang

A deeply immersive cultural and spiritual experience.

4th June – Return to Lower Mustang

Journey back towards Lower Mustang.

A quieter integration day to rest, reflect and process the powerful experiences of the festival and sacred lands.

5th June – Return to Pokhara

Travel back to Pokhara for rest, lakeside cafés, massage, shopping or simply enjoying the softer energy after the Himalayan adventure.

6th June – Return to Kathmandu

Travel back to Kathmandu for final group dinner and closing circle.

7th June – Departure Day

Airport transfers and onward journeys.

Depart Nepal carrying memories, friendships and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Authentic Himalayan Experience

WHO IS THIS JOURNEY FOR

This journey is for spiritual seekers, adventurers, photographers, riders, yogis, pilgrims and travellers longing for an authentic Himalayan experience beyond ordinary tourism.

It is for those called to ancient cultures, sacred lands and transformational travel.

PRICING & BOOKING INFORMATION

EPIC HIMALAYAN MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION

£2,270 GBP

 

Includes:

● Motorcycle hire
● Motorcycle guide/support
● All Upper Mustang special permits
● Accommodation during the journey
● Festival participation and cultural experiences
● Group support throughout the expedition

Important:

Participants joining the motorcycle expedition must hold a valid International Driving Licence suitable for motorcycle travel.

COMFORTABLE
PRIVATE JEEP
JOURNEY

£1,690 GBP


Includes:

● All Upper Mustang special permits
● Private jeep transport throughout Mustang
● Driver and local guide
● Group support team
● Accommodation during the journey
● Festival participation and cultural experiences

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Insurance must specifically cover:
○ Motorcycle riding (if joining bike expedition)
○ High altitude travel
○ Emergency evacuation

Due to restricted permits and accommodation availability in Upper Mustang, places are strictly limited.

This journey will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT TERMS

A non-refundable deposit of £450 GBP is required to secure your place.

Full payment is required no later than 8 weeks before the journey begins.

Flexible instalment payments are available.

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE

Upper Mustang is a restricted region of Nepal with controlled permit access and limited group numbers.

Due to the unique nature of this sacred festival and the remote logistics involved, places for this 2027 journey will be strictly limited.

Early registration is highly recommended.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST

If you feel called to experience the mystical Tiji Festival and the hidden kingdom of Mustang with us in 2027, we invite you to register your interest now.

A full detailed itinerary, pricing and booking information will be released soon.

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Reach Out

Have a question? Want to know if a retreat is right for you?

We’re happy to hear from you — whether you’re ready to book or simply curious.

What’s App +44-7408-847726


Email: clareharford66@gmail.com

We usually respond within 24–48 hours

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