30 Oct 2024 4 min to read
The Upper Mustang is a hidden region close to the border of Tibet, China. The region is home to the Forbidden Kingdom Lo Manthang is profoundly influenced by Tibetan culture. The arid landscapes, high cliffs, enigmatic caves, and exclusive rock formations make this region unique. The Mustang Bhot are the natives who celebrate the Upper Mustang Tiji festival majestically. The Tiji is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist festival that is celebrated in Lo Manthang every year in May. The unique and vibrant festival Tiji is only celebrated in Upper Mustang.
The Tiji festival originated over 300 years ago in Tibet and traces the folk tales of revered Dorje Jono (Vajrakila), and Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava. The word ‘Tiji’ derives from ‘Tenchi’ (Tenpa Chirim) connoting ‘prayer for world peace.’ To celebrate the victory over evil, this festival is celebrated. Every year in May in Lo Manthang, the monks from Chode monastery perform the Vajrakila ritual to respect Dorje Shunu and Guru Padmasambhava. The prime highlights of the 3-day-long festival are rituals, prayers, vibrant masked dances, sounds of different musical instruments, and a display of Thangka.
“Tiji Festival at Lo Manthang will be celebrated on May 24, 25, and 26, in the year 2025.”
Attractions of Tiji Festival Celebration
The 3-day long celebration is the prime attraction of the Tiji festival. Each day different rituals and dances are performed which are unique and hold great cultural and religious significance. The brief discussion of each day is as follows:
Day 1
The first day of the Tiji festival commences in the afternoon with the monks performing Vajrakila prayers at the Chode monastery. A 400-year-old Thangka of Padmasambhava and two Dakinis are displayed in the monastery square. The room is filled with the sound of traditional musical instruments dungchen, long copper horns, drums, etc. The red-hatted monks and the Khempo take their positions.
The ritual of offering six bowls of grain and torma (ritual cakes) is performed by Ngagpas. A private performance of the masked dances commences for the King. Then, following to the monastery square, the Tsowo lead dancers enthrall the crowd with the Tsacham masked dances. The dancers performed showcasing 52 graceful steps summoning gods and purifying the dance floor for 2 hours.
Day 2
The second day of the Tiji festival begins with the monks performing Vajrakila prayers at the Chode monastery. In the afternoon, the monks performed the Nga Cham dance describing Dorje Shunu’s righteousness toward the Buddha Kingdom. The female dancers perform different dance forms in traditional attire. The masked dances include weapons and animal forms which makes dance performances more dynamic. The climax performance highlights the Tsowo dancer killing a straw effigy which represents evil with a religious dagger. Then, the straw effigy is thrown into the air. This performance signifies the victory of Dorje Shunu over evil.
Day 3
On the last day of the Tiji festival, the monk performs the final Vajrakila prayers at the Chode monastery. All dance performers gathered together for a grand celebration. Different musical instruments are played and various dances are performed portraying various animals. The ‘Rha Chaam’ dance represents the end of evil. The monks released the effigy made from Tsampa (barley) which represents the demon ‘Ma Tam Ru Ta.’ The King, the royal family, local representatives, and all locals with tourist visitors attend this vibrant festival. The greetings between the King and other members are exchanged and the festival culminates with the hope of flourishing times ahead.
“The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival tour costs USD 2250 per person.”
Trip Outline
Day 01: Kathmandu arrival (1400 m)
Arrive in Kathmandu, get welcomed by the representative, and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara via tourist bus (822 m)
Adoring the surrounding scenery drive to Pokhara which takes 7-8 hours.
Day 03: Fly to Jomsom (2743 m), 4WD Jeep drive to Kagbeni (2804 m)
A 30-minute scenic flight to Jomsom and a 3-hour 4WD jeep drive to Kagbeni.
Day 04: Drive to Tsarang (3560 m)
Admiring the views of Red Cliffs and surrounding scenery drive to Tsarang which takes about 7 hours.
Day 05: Drive to Lo Manthang (3840 m), Explore Tiji Festival (Day 1)
Drive to Lo Manthang and get rewarded with picturesque scenery. Explore the first day of the Tiji festival.
Day 06: Attend the Tiji Festival (Day 2)
Attend the second day of the Tiji festival. If time permits explore Chosser Cave and the Gharpu, Niphu, and Nyamdu monasteries.
Day 07: Attend the Tiji Festival (Day 3)
Attend the final day of the Tiji festival and relish the masked dance.
Day 08: Drive to Jomsom (2743)
Admiring the beautiful scenery and the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri Mountain vistas drive to Jomsom.
Day 09: Fly to Pokhara (822 m)
Take a short scenic flight to Pokhara and complimentary sightseeing in the afternoon.
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu (1400 m)
Drive to Kathmandu after completing the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival trek.
Day 11: International departure
Transfer to the airport for an international departure.
