Tiji Festival Jeep Tour

You start the day with a delicious breakfast served at your hotel. The sightseeing involves a tour of two religious and cultural sites: Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.

Pashupatinath Temple: It is one of the most celebrated Hindu temples in South Asia. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. This place is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Bagmati River flowing beside the temple is religiously and spiritually significant for Hindus, where cremation of dead bodies takes place. Pashupatinath temple holds the most prominence during Shivaratri, Shiva’s birthday, and thousands of pilgrims gather in the night to celebrate the day.

Boudhanath Stupa: It is one of the biggest stupas in terms of size and height in Nepal and is located east of Kathmandu on the ancient trade route between India, Nepal, and Tibet. The site is peaceful and culturally filled with the intermixed influence of Tibetan and Sherpa roots. The stupa built in the trading route between Kathmandu and Tibet has four pairs of eyes directed in all four directions. It is believed to be influenced by Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. After a short tour of the city, we returned to the hotel and prepared for the trek. Overnights will be spent at the hotel.

Pokhara, the beautiful lake city of Nepal nestled in the lap of the majestic Annapurna, is located 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Early in the morning, you embark on a long yet scenic and adventurous drive to Pokhara. As you drive out of the Kathmandu valley, the road descends to the Trishuli River valley on the other side. The highway is narrow in breadth, and the snake bends in shape, thus making the drive thrilling. After a scenic and adventurous drive, arrive at the hotel and rest the remaining evening. You can utilize your rest time exploring around the lakeside or shopping around. Overnight in a hotel.

Today, you will drive from Pokhara to Tatopani via Beni Bazaar after your breakfast. You will pass through the settlements of Kusma and Baglung, finally to Beni. Following the banks of the Kali Gandaki, turn west towards Beni, from where the off-road trip starts. After a thrilling drive through the rocky trail, you will reach Tatopani. Tatopani is renowned for its natural hot springs and some local activities. You can take a bath in the hot spring and explore the area. You will return to the lodge in the evening and stay overnight at the lodge.

Early in the morning, leaving behind Tatopani, you will head towards Kagbeni through the banks of the Kali Gandaki River and Kali Gandaki Canyon (the deepest gorge in the world). Continuing your drive will take you through the settlements of Ghasa and Tukuche in Marpha. Further, your drive will pass through a vast settlement in the Mustang Region, Jomsom. The picturesque, deserted mountains can be seen once you reach Jomsom. Another 2 hours of driving from here will take you to the settlement of Kagbeni. Upon reaching Kagbeni, you will check into the lodge and have some rest. After some rest, you will go for a strolling tour around Kagbeni and overnight at the local lodge at Kagbeni.

You will have a short exploration of Kagbeni in the morning. After breakfast, you will continue your journey to Upper Mustang. After completion of permit checking, you will drive passing the Kali Gandaki River in Chhusang Village. You will continue this exciting drive until you get glimpses of the awe-inspiring landscapes of Samar Village and further to Syangboche La and Bhina. Continue the drive until you reach Ghelling for an overnight stay at the local lodge.

Today, you will head towards the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. The track to Lo Manthang from Gheling offers you an excellent view of some of the glorious Himalayan ranges such as Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Bhrikuti. Lo Manthang is popular among tourists because of its pristine, divine, and unspoiled heritage and culture but it was once the Forbidden Kingdom. You will spend the rest of the day exploring this isolated region of the Upper Mustang. You will pay a visit to Jampa Monastery which was built in the 15th century. And some other monasteries like Chodey Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, etc. You will get to know a lot about the Tibetan culture and lifestyle of the locals. Overnight at a local lodge at Lo Manthang.

This is the first day of the Tiji festival. The day begins with elaborate ceremonies, including the arrival of lamas dressed in traditional attire. Later lamas conduct special prayers and rituals in the monastery to purify the surroundings and invoke blessings. After conducting those prayers, lamas intricate masked dances depicting various Buddhist deities and mythological characters in the courtyard of the Monastery. These dances often tell stories of the triumph of good over evil. Overnight at a local lodge of Lo Manthang.

On the second day of the Tiji festival, the main dance is performed. This dance is more elaborate and intense than yesterday’s one.  This dance is also portrayed as a battle between gods and evils. 

Throughout this day, there are various religious rituals and offerings made to deities, accompanied by chanting and prayers. The day also includes exhibitions of traditional art, crafts, and other cultural displays.  Locals also come together to share food and celebrate the occasion. Overnight at a local lodge of Lo Manthang.

This is the last day of the Tiji festival. Today there will be a final dance performance, which often features the destruction of demonic forces and the restoration of peace and harmony. Another ritual is performed as a symbol of the expulsion of evil spirits and the renewal of life. Later, monks offer blessings to the community members of health, prosperity, and happiness in the coming years.

The festival concludes with prayers of gratitude and best wishes for all participants. Throughout the festival, there is a sense of joy, spirituality, and cultural pride among the participants, making it a cherished event for locals as well as visitors from outside.

Today, you will be heading downward to Syangboche, leaving behind Chhosar after breakfast. You will be passing via Ghami, Tamagaun, and Gheling. En route, you will hike shortly to Chungsi Cave. Giving continuity to your journey, you will drive until you reach Syangboche along the glittering landscapes. Overnight at the local lodge at Syanboche.

You will go for a refreshing morning drive to Muktinath, one of the sacred pilgrimages for Hindus and Buddhists. Located at an elevation of 3800m, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Once you reach the premises, you finish your Muktinath Darshan and take some pictures. If you are interested, you can take a bath in 180 waterspouts: Pap Kunda and Dharma Kunda. There is a belief that if you take a bath there, your sins will be forgiven and you will gain absolute purification. After Muktinath Darshan, you will descend via the pitched road to Kagbeni. The track turns off-road from Kagbeni. Passing Jomsom, you will continue the drive until you reach the beautiful Marpha village along with its scenic surroundings. The village is renowned for its apples and the products made from them, such as apple wine, apple pies, and dried apples. You will spend your overnight at the local lodge in Marpha

Today, you will drive back to Pokhara, as the Upper Mustang tour ended successfully. Despite the drive being rocky due to being graveled, rugged, and narrow with many twisting turns, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of splendid mountains in the backdrop. You will pass through Larjung, Kalopani, Ghasa, and Beni. The drive will continue making its way through Kusma and finally into Pokhara. Once you are in Pokhara, you will check in and relax, and in your leisure time, you may go boating in Fewa Lake. Overnight at the hotel.

Today we will go to Sarangkot in the early morning, from where we will get to see the awesome sunrise view and have breakfast there. After breakfast, you can go paragliding if you are interested, or you will be taken to Devis Falls and Gupteswor Cave. Now you will drive to the World Peace Stupa. After some exploration around the stupa, we will return to Pokhara, visit the Mountain Museum, and return to the hotel overnight.

After breakfast, leaving behind Pokhara city, you will drive back to Kathmandu Valley, passing through beautiful villages, paddy terraces, enchanting rivers, and magnificent hills. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will be taken on a Kathmandu city tour, as the city is historical, spiritual, and cultural. You will visit Ason, Kilagal, the oldest market on New Road, Hidden Stupas, and the glass bead market in Indrachowk. You will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, which was the administrative quarter of the Malla Kings and Shah Kings, who ruled until 2008. Here you get to visit the temple of the living goddess "Kumari.”. After touring, you return to your hotel and stay overnight at the hotel.

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure by our representative 3 hours prior, as per your flight schedule.