# Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang: Dates, History, Rituals & Travel Guide Source: https://hinepaltreks.com/tiji-festival Last updated: 2026-10-09 The **Tiji Festival, also known as Tenchi, is a three-day Buddhist festival celebrated in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal.** Rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the festival features sacred masked dances, ritual music, prayers, and ceremonies representing the defeat of destructive forces and the restoration of peace. For travelers interested in Himalayan culture, Tiji offers an opportunity to witness a living religious tradition in one of Nepal’s most distinctive historical settings. The celebration takes place in the former Kingdom of Lo, surrounded by ancient monasteries, traditional Tibetan-style buildings, and the dramatic landscapes of Upper Mustang. The **2027 Tiji Festival is scheduled for June 1–3, 2027**. Visitors planning to attend should arrange their transportation, accommodation, and restricted-area permits well in advance. Unlike a typical cultural show, Tiji is an important religious occasion for the local community. Understanding its meaning, respecting its customs, and allowing enough time to reach Lo Manthang can make your visit more rewarding. ## Tiji Festival at a Glance | Festival information | Details | | --- | --- | | Festival name | Tiji Festival / Tenchi | | Location | Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal | | Duration | Three days | | 2026 dates | May 14–16, 2026 — completed | | 2027 dates | June 1–3, 2027 — scheduled | | Day 1 | Tsa Chham — June 1 | | Day 2 | Nga Chham — June 2 | | Day 3 | Rha Chham — June 3 | | Religious tradition | Tibetan Buddhism / Vajrayana | | Main attractions | Masked dances, rituals, prayers, and traditional music | | Approximate elevation | 3,840 metres | | Main permit | Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit | | Best preparation | Book accommodation, transport, and permits ahead of time | _Confirm the annual festival schedule with local organizers or your trekking agency before booking non-refundable travel arrangements._ ## What Is the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang? ![Tiji Festival Mask Dance - Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang](https://wp.hinepaltreks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tiji-festival-mask-dance-lomanthang.webp) Tiji is a religious festival associated with the Vajrakila tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism. Its central story concerns **Dorje Jono and the demon Man Tam Ru Ta**, whose destructive actions are believed to have brought suffering to the Kingdom of Mustang. Through ritual dances and ceremonies, the story represents the confrontation and eventual defeat of harmful forces. The festival expresses hopes for peace, prosperity, and harmony for all beings. The celebrations take place in Lo Manthang, the historic walled settlement that once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Lo. Monks perform elaborate masked dances, accompanied by traditional instruments and ceremonial music. For visitors, the experience combines religious observance with an opportunity to learn about Mustang’s cultural heritage. However, the ceremonies are not simply performances staged for tourists. They remain part of the community’s Buddhist traditions, and visitors should observe them respectfully. ## Tiji Festival Dates for 2026 and 2027 Tiji follows the Tibetan calendar, so its dates change on the Gregorian calendar from year to year. | Year | Festival dates | Status | | --- | --- | --- | | 2026 | May 14–16 | Completed | | 2027 | June 1–3 | Scheduled | | 2028 onward | To be announced | Check annual dates | The three days of the 2027 festival are scheduled as follows: - **June 1, 2027 — Tsa Chham:** Opening ritual dances. - **June 2, 2027 — Nga Chham:** The central confrontation in the festival narrative. - **June 3, 2027 — Rha Chham:** The concluding rituals and symbolic banishment of destructive forces. If you plan to attend all three days, aim to reach Lo Manthang before June 1. Arriving at least a day early gives you time to settle in and reduces the risk of missing the opening ceremony because of transportation delays. For future dates, avoid relying on old travel articles. Always verify the relevant year’s schedule before finalizing your [Upper Mustang tour](https://hinepaltreks.com/upper-mustang-tour). ## History and Religious Significance of Tiji Festival The history of Tiji is closely connected with Mustang’s Buddhist heritage and the former Kingdom of Lo. According to the [Nepal Tourism Board’s account of the Tenchi Festival](https://ntb.gov.np/tenchi-festival), the tradition began in the early 15th century. It was revived in the 17th century and restored again in 1963. The festival’s religious background is associated with Vajrakila, also known as Dorje Phurba or Vajrakumar. This Buddhist tradition focuses on overcoming obstacles and destructive forces. The story of Dorje Jono and Man Tam Ru Ta gives these ideas a local expression. Rather than representing only a battle between two characters, the narrative symbolizes the removal of negativity and the restoration of balance. The name Tiji is associated with _Tenpa Chirim_, a phrase connected with the well-being of sentient beings through Buddha’s teachings. For the Loba people of Upper Mustang, the festival is an important expression of cultural identity. Its continuation connects present-day communities with the religious practices, monastic institutions, and history of the former kingdom. Visitors can learn about this heritage through the ceremonies themselves, as well as by exploring [Lo Manthang’s monasteries and historic settlement](https://hinepaltreks.com/lo-manthang). ## Where Is Tiji Festival Celebrated? ![Tiji Festival - Colorful celebration](https://wp.hinepaltreks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Tiji-Festival-Of-Lomanthang-1024x669.webp) Tiji takes place in **Lo Manthang, in Nepal’s Upper Mustang region**, close to the Tibetan border. Situated at approximately 3,840 metres above sea level, Lo Manthang is known for its historic walls, traditional houses, monasteries, and Tibetan-influenced architecture. Its surrounding landscape features dry valleys, eroded cliffs, unusual rock formations, and barren mountain slopes. The festival’s principal ceremonies are associated with Choede Monastery and its monks. Their participation reflects the religious foundations of the celebration. The town’s historical setting also makes Tiji distinctive. Instead of attending a festival in a purpose-built venue, visitors experience the ceremonies within a settlement shaped by centuries of religious, cultural, and political history. Because of the altitude, travelers should plan their journey carefully and allow time for acclimatization. ## What Happens During the Three Days of Tiji Festival? Each day follows a different part of the festival’s religious narrative. Monks wear elaborate masks and costumes, perform established dance sequences, and accompany the rituals with traditional music. ### Day 1: Tsa Chham — June 1, 2027 The opening day introduces the festival’s central narrative and the destructive forces threatening the kingdom. The masked dancers’ movements, costumes, and gestures communicate elements of the religious story. Drums, horns, and cymbals help establish the rhythm of the ceremonies. For visitors, the first day offers an introduction to the festival’s visual symbolism and ritual atmosphere. ### Day 2: Nga Chham — June 2, 2027 The second day develops the confrontation between Dorje Jono and the destructive demon. The dances represent the struggle against harmful forces, with elaborate movements and ceremonial sequences performed by the monks. This can be a particularly engaging day for visitors interested in Buddhist ritual arts and cultural photography. However, the religious significance of the performances should remain the priority. ### Day 3: Rha Chham — June 3, 2027 The final day brings the ritual narrative toward its conclusion. Ceremonies symbolically represent the defeat and banishment of destructive forces. Traditional accounts describe the use of ritual objects or representations of negativity that are discarded during the concluding ceremonies. The final day expresses the festival’s central message: overcoming obstacles and restoring peace and harmony. Exact ritual sequences and timings can vary, so consult local organizers or your guide for the current program. ## Sacred Masked Dances and the Role of Choede Monastery ![Mask dance in Tiji Festival Celebration in Lo Manthang](https://wp.hinepaltreks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/upper-mustang-tiji-festival-celebration.webp) The masked dances, commonly known as _Cham_, are among the most recognizable features of Tiji. The masks represent spiritual beings, protective forces, and other characters connected with the religious narrative. Their expressions, colours, and designs contribute to the meaning of the dances, while the performers’ gestures and movements follow established ritual traditions. Traditional instruments, including long horns, drums, and cymbals, accompany the performances. Choede Monastery plays an important role in the festival, with its monks responsible for the principal sacred dances. Preparation for the ceremonies extends beyond the public celebration, with traditional accounts describing a three-month retreat before the festival. For visitors, understanding this preparation provides useful context. What may initially appear to be a colourful dance performance is part of a much longer religious process. ## How to Get to Lo Manthang for Tiji Festival There is no direct commercial flight from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang. Most travelers first reach Pokhara and continue toward Mustang by road, domestic flight, trekking route, or a combination of transport options. The best approach depends on your budget, available time, physical ability, and interest in trekking. ### Trekking Through Upper Mustang A traditional trekking route follows the Kali Gandaki Valley northward, passing through villages and settlements such as Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, and Tsarang before reaching Lo Manthang. A trekking journey allows you to experience Mustang’s landscapes and local communities at a slower pace. It also provides opportunities to explore monasteries, traditional settlements, and the region’s distinctive architecture. However, several days of travel and walking at increasing elevations require appropriate preparation. A well-planned itinerary should include adequate rest and acclimatization. ### Reaching Mustang by Jeep or Flight Travelers with limited time may choose a jeep-supported journey. Another option is to fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and continue north by road or on foot. Flights to Jomsom are weather-dependent, and road conditions can change. A combination of transportation methods may help reduce travel time, but it still requires careful coordination. For the 2027 festival, avoid an itinerary that depends on reaching Lo Manthang on June 1 itself. Building in extra time is more reliable than planning around the earliest possible arrival. ### How Many Days Do You Need? A trip of approximately 10–14 days can provide time for travel, acclimatization, cultural stops, the three festival days, and the return journey, depending on the route and transport arrangements. Longer itineraries may suit travelers who want a more immersive trekking experience. You can explore the available options through the [Upper Mustang tour guide](https://hinepaltreks.com/upper-mustang-tour). ## Where to Stay in Lo Manthang During Tiji Lo Manthang has local guesthouses, teahouses, and small hotels catering to visitors. Facilities vary, and accommodation may be more basic than in Kathmandu or Pokhara. During Tiji, demand can increase as travelers arrive specifically for the festival. Booking in advance is therefore advisable, especially if you need a room for all three days. For the 2027 celebration, plan your accommodation around your arrival before June 1 and departure after June 3. Your booking arrangements should account for possible travel delays as well as the fixed festival schedule. If you are joining an organized trek, confirm whether accommodation in Lo Manthang and overnight stops along the route are included. ## Visitor Etiquette and Photography at Tiji Festival ![Tiji Festival celebration in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang](https://wp.hinepaltreks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/tiji-festival-celebration-upper-mustang-1024x674.webp) Tiji offers excellent opportunities for cultural and travel photography, but visitors should remember that the ceremonies have religious significance. Follow local instructions and observe the proceedings without interfering. - Dress respectfully around monasteries and ceremonies. - Stay outside restricted ritual areas. - Ask permission before photographing people at close range. - Avoid blocking local worshippers’ views. - Keep conversations quiet during important rituals. - Do not touch ceremonial objects or religious items. - Follow photography restrictions and instructions from organizers. Patience often produces better photographs than moving constantly through the crowd. A respectful approach also helps protect the cultural experience for the local community. ## Tiji Festival vs Yartung Festival Tiji is not the only festival celebrated in Mustang. Yartung is another important regional celebration, known particularly for traditional horse racing, horsemanship, music, and community festivities. | Feature | Tiji Festival | Yartung Festival | | --- | --- | --- | | Main focus | Buddhist rituals and masked dances | Horsemanship and community celebrations | | Cultural character | Religious and ceremonial | Social, cultural, and sporting | | Best for | Buddhist heritage, ritual arts, and history | Horses, local customs, and community life | | Experience | Monastic traditions in Lo Manthang | Traditional festivities in Mustang communities | Choose Tiji if you are especially interested in Tibetan Buddhist traditions and sacred masked dances. Yartung offers a different perspective on Mustang’s cultural and social life. ## Why Experience Tiji Festival With Hi Nepal Travels and Treks? Planning a festival-focused journey requires more than reaching Lo Manthang. Your permits, accommodation, transportation, and arrival date all need to work together. [Hi Nepal Travels and Treks](https://hinepaltreks.com/upper-mustang-tour) can help coordinate a trip around the festival, including applicable permit arrangements, guides, accommodation, transport, and route planning. Depending on your preferences, the journey can focus on trekking, jeep-supported travel, or a combination of transportation methods. A well-planned trip also leaves time to explore Mustang’s historic villages, monasteries, and landscapes instead of treating Tiji as a three-day stop. If you are planning to attend the 2027 festival, you can [discuss your Upper Mustang trip](https://hinepaltreks.com/trip-planner) and organize the journey around the scheduled June 1–3 celebrations. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What does Tiji mean? Tiji is also known as Tenchi. Its name is associated with Tenpa Chirim, and the festival expresses hopes for peace, prosperity, harmony, and the well-being of sentient beings. ### When is Tiji Festival in 2027? The festival is scheduled for **June 1–3, 2027**, in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. Confirm the dates before making final travel arrangements. ### How many days does Tiji Festival last? Tiji lasts three days, featuring ritual dances and ceremonies associated with the story of Dorje Jono and the demon Man Tam Ru Ta. ### Can tourists attend Tiji Festival? Yes. International visitors can attend if they meet the applicable entry and restricted-area permit requirements. Visitors should respect local customs and follow the organizers’ instructions. ### Do I need a guide to visit Upper Mustang? International travelers must comply with the current restricted-area trekking rules, including applicable agency, guide, and group requirements. Confirm the latest regulations before booking. ### What is the best way to reach Lo Manthang? You can trek through Upper Mustang, travel by jeep, or combine a flight to Jomsom with onward road travel or trekking. The right option depends on your available time, budget, and preferred experience. ### How early should I arrive for Tiji Festival? Arriving at least one day before the opening ceremony is advisable. For the 2027 festival, reaching Lo Manthang by May 31 provides a useful buffer. ### What is the Upper Mustang permit cost? The published Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit fee is USD 50 per person per day, with ACAP charged separately. Verify the current fees and regulations with the relevant authorities. ### Is Tiji Festival suitable for first-time trekkers? It can be suitable if the itinerary matches your fitness and experience. The main consideration is altitude, as Lo Manthang sits at approximately 3,840 metres. Allow time for acclimatization and seek professional medical advice about altitude-related risks. ### Is Upper Mustang cold during Tiji Festival? It can be cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Wind and changing temperatures make layered clothing, an insulated jacket, and sun protection useful. ### Can I take photographs during Tiji? Photography may be possible, but restrictions can apply during religious ceremonies. Follow local instructions and ask permission before taking close-up photographs of individuals. ### How much does a Tiji Festival trek cost? The total cost depends on trip duration, transportation, accommodation, permits, guide and porter services, group size, and itinerary. Request a quotation based on your preferred travel arrangements rather than relying on a single general price. ### Can I visit Upper Mustang outside the Tiji Festival? Yes. Upper Mustang can be visited outside the festival period, subject to permit requirements, seasonal conditions, and current travel regulations. Visiting at another time allows you to explore Lo Manthang, its monasteries, villages, and distinctive landscapes without planning around the festival dates. ## Plan Your Tiji Festival Trip for 2027 The Tiji Festival offers a rare opportunity to experience Mustang’s living Buddhist traditions in their historic setting. Its masked dances, ritual music, and ceremonies provide a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of Lo Manthang. The festival is scheduled for **June 1–3, 2027**. If you plan to attend all three days, arrange your permits, accommodation, and transportation early, and allow enough time to reach Lo Manthang before the opening ceremony. With thoughtful preparation and respect for local traditions, Tiji can become a memorable part of your journey through Upper Mustang. Explore the [Upper Mustang tour options](https://hinepaltreks.com/upper-mustang-tour) or [plan your trip with Hi Nepal Travels and Treks](https://hinepaltreks.com/trip-planner).