Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour – 10 Days

Itinerary of Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour – 10 Days

Includes/Excludes

Weather and Season for the Tiji Festival Tour

The Tiji Festival Jeep Tour happens in May, and this is one of the best months to visit Upper Mustang. The region sits in a rain shadow, so May usually brings clear skies and very little rain. Days in Lo Manthang often feel pleasant for walking around and watching the festival. Nights are cold because of the altitude, so you will need a warm jacket and layers.

The festival dates change each year because they follow a lunar calendar. In 2026, the Tiji Festival is on May 14, 15, and 16. Mustang is also good from late spring to early autumn, but the festival is only in May. If you can, arrive in Nepal a day early. It helps in case travel is delayed, and it gives you time to rest before the long drive.

Food & Drink During the Tour

During the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour, meals are simple, warm, and filling. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will find many restaurants, so you can eat what you like. In Mustang, you will eat in local lodges and teahouses.

Dal bhat is common, and it is a good meal at altitude. You will also see momo, noodle soup, fried rice, eggs, potatoes, and simple breakfasts like porridge or pancakes. Vegetarian food is easy to find.

If you have allergies or special food needs, tell your guide early. Water is important at altitude, but it must be safe. Drink purified water and carry a refillable bottle. Hot drinks are always available, such as tea, ginger lemon honey, and soup. Alcohol is available, but it is better to limit it in Lo Manthang because it can dehydrate you.

Altitude Sickness and Suggestions

This Tiji Festival Jeep Tour goes high, and Lo Manthang is around 3,840 meters. Some people feel altitude effects above 2,500 meters, even if they are fit. You might get a mild headache, feel tired, or sleep poorly. The itinerary helps because the altitude rises step by step.

You stay in Pokhara first, then Jomsom, then Charang, and only then reach Lo Manthang. To stay comfortable, drink plenty of water, eat regular meals, and avoid pushing yourself too hard in the first days.

Walk slowly when you explore villages and monasteries. Tell your guide as soon as you feel unwell. Most mild symptoms improve with rest. Some travelers use Diamox, but only after speaking with a doctor. If symptoms become serious, the right treatment is to go down to a lower altitude, and the jeep makes that possible.

Visa and Permits for the Trek

In the case of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour, you require a Nepal visa and special permits. Numerous visitors can be issued a visa at Kathmandu Airport. Your passport should have a minimum of six months’ validity.

The Upper Mustang is a restricted region, and one will need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) when visiting the region and must be accompanied by a licensed guide. An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is also necessary because the route is located in the Annapurna area.

All the necessary permits will be obtained by our tour company, and you need to forward a copy of your passport. Permits are checked at various points during the journey, particularly in the area of Kagbeni.

Carry a copy of your passport and permit during the trip. After paperwork, the travelling will be done easily and without strain, and you will be able to have more concentration on the festivals and the cultural experiences.

This is a controlled area, and only a registered trekking agency provides the permits when they travel to Upper Mustang. Single or separate permit applications are not permitted. Nevertheless, individual tourists are also invited and can accept a group organized by the agency, or can also select an option of a personal tour.

Health & Safety

Upper Mustang is remote, but the trip is safe when you travel with a good guide and a careful driver. On the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, you will be on rough roads for several days, so expect dust and bumps. Wear your seatbelt and keep sunglasses or a scarf for dust.

Bring your personal medicines because pharmacies are limited once you leave the cities. Hand sanitizer is useful because facilities can be basic. Consumption of freshly cooked food and drinking of purified water can prevent stomach complications.

The weather in May is normally dry, and therefore the roads are clear, although delays may occur due to roadwork or small landslides. Individuals in Mustang are welcoming, and the rate of crime is minimal, though you need to leave your valuables at home, particularly in the time of crowds during festivals. Follow your guide’s advice and do not walk alone at night in unfamiliar places.

Transportation

The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour includes a mix of flights and road travel. If you choose to fly, the Kathmandu to Pokhara flight takes about 25 to 30 minutes. If you go by road, it takes around 7 to 8 hours.

The main journey is by private Four Wheel Drive jeep from Pokhara to Upper Mustang and back. This is the best vehicle for Mustang roads. The road to Jomsom is partly smooth and partly rough.

Beyond Jomsom, the road is mostly dirt and can be dusty. You will stop often for meals, rest, and photos. If you get motion sickness, bring medicine because some sections have many turns. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, transfers are done by private vehicle. Overall, transport is arranged to keep the trip comfortable, flexible, and well-paced.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is very important for the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour. Make sure your policy covers travel up to at least 4,000 meters, because Lo Manthang is around 3,840 meters. There is also the emergency helicopter evacuation in Nepal, which should be included in your insurance.

This is significant since Upper Mustang is not close to major hospitals. Medical treatment and hospital care should be included in the policy, and it is also beneficial when the policy covers trip cancellation or delays.

Baggage cover is also helpful in case you carry a camera or other valuables. Carry your insurance information and contact numbers in case of an emergency. Share the policy details with your tour team before the trip. You will probably never need to use it, but if something goes wrong, insurance helps you get help quickly without worry.

Your Extra Expenses on the Tiji Festival Tour

Despite a complete package, there will still be personal expenses in the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour. In Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other major tourist areas, breakfast is generally provided; however, lunch and dinner might be paid for unless indicated otherwise in your package.

Additional snacks, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol are usually not provided along the road. Some lodges charge for hot showers, charging phones, or WiFi.

If you prefer bottled water instead of purified water, you will pay for it, and the price goes up at higher places. You may also want money for souvenirs, small donations at monasteries, and tips for the guide and driver.

Tipping is not forced, but it is appreciated when service is good. In Upper Mustang, there are no trustworthy ATMs; therefore, bring some cash out of Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Language & Communication

There is no major issue with language in the Tiji Festival Jeep Tour. There are several hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara where many people can speak English.

In Upper Mustang, locals speak a Tibetan-related language, but your guide will help with translation. You can also learn a few simple words like Namaste and Dhanyabad. Phone and internet work well in the cities.

In Mustang, the signal is stronger in Jomsom and Kagbeni. In Lo Manthang, it may work, but it can be weak and unreliable. Some lodges offer WiFi, but it is often slow and may cost extra.

It is best to tell your family in advance that you may not be reachable for a few days. Your guide will still have ways to contact support if needed, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Don’ts on this Trip

To have a respectful and smooth Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour, there are a few things you should not do. Do not dress in a way that feels disrespectful in monasteries or festival spaces.

Cover your shoulders and legs, and remove your shoes when entering religious places. Do not take close photos of people without asking first. Do not litter, because Mustang is fragile and clean.

Do not give money or sweets to children, because it can create bad habits in villages. Do not walk off alone without telling your guide, especially in restricted areas. Do not ignore your health at altitude, and do not drink too much alcohol in Lo Manthang.

Do not fly drones unless you have official permission, because Upper Mustang is a restricted border region. Finally, do not panic if the schedule changes slightly. In the mountains, flexibility helps.

Trip Extension

After your Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, you may want to add a few more days in Nepal. Pokhara is a wonderful place to sleep. You may go boating on the Phewa Lake, see the Peace pagoda, or watch the sunrise at Sarangkot.

And in case you desire wildlife, then you can take a brief jungle tour in Chitwan. You can go on a leisurely walk around the Pokhara area, like Poon Hill, in case you are in the mood to walk more.

Kathmandu has a heritage tour that you can include in your sightseeing of such sites as Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Bhaktapur. Lumbini is also a worthy sightseeing destination if you are interested in Buddhism.

Extensions rely on your time, money, and interest. They may be scheduled in advance of your arrival or arranged. A slight extension can turn the entire trip into a more full and enriched experience.

Photography & Drone Rules

Photography is welcome on the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour, but you should be respectful. It is always advisable to seek permission first before taking close shots of monks, elders, and children.

Photos are typically permitted during the festival, and flash is discouraged, particularly in monasteries. Certain areas prohibit photography in the building; therefore, pay attention to signs and the recommendations of your guide. Drone use is strictly regulated in Upper Mustang due to its restricted border status and requires special government permission.

The Upper Mustang is a sensitive zone that is close to the border, and therefore, you cannot fly a drone without proper permits. Without permission, a drone can be taken by authorities, and it can disturb people and animals.

f you want the best photos, take them in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer. Also, remember that not everyone wants to be photographed. If someone looks uncomfortable, stop and move on. Respect builds a better travel experience for everyone.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first Tiji Festival Jeep Tour, a little planning will make the journey easier. Pack light, but bring warm layers because days are sunny and nights are cold. A warm jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important.

Comfortable shoes are enough for walking in villages. Drink purified water and carry your own bottle. Take enough cash, because there are no reliable ATMs in Upper Mustang.

Start early on travel days because mornings are clearer and less windy. Carry basic medicines for headache and stomach issues. Consume cooked meals and wash your hands. Carry a copy of your passport, visa, and insurance.

At the monasteries, be polite and obey your guide during the festival. Most of all, stay flexible and enjoy the simple moments. Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour is not about luxury, it is about culture, quiet landscapes, and real village life.