Mustang Teeji festival 5th, 6th and 7th May 2025
Teeji Festival is one of the most significant festivals in Nepal. The origins of the festival predate Buddhism and are born out of the animistic and shamanistic Bon tradition. The costumes and sacred dance steps of the Teji festival have remained the same for over 600 years. Teji is a dance performed over three days by the monks of Lo Manthang Chhyode Goenpa. Tiji is the abbreviated form of ” Tempa Chhirim” which means ”Prayer for World Peace”, and commemorates the victory of Buddha’s incarnation, Dorji Sonam, over a demon called Ma Tam Ru Ta. The monks undergo months of purification and preparations, don colorful regalia, and enact the events leading to the triumph of good over evil. For the Mustang people in their finest dress, it is a time to gather, and celebrate.
Teeji is celebrated in Lo-Manthang, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mustang. Mustang is in the north-central part of Nepal and is at the headwaters of the great Kaligandaki River. It is uniquely isolated and has a truly mystical feel. The desert valley landscape of wind eroded, color-banded cliffs, pinnacles, canyons surrounded by the heights of the snow-shrouded peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal is fantastically picturesque. Lo-Manthang and the Upper Mustang area are inhabited by Tibetan people who retain the language, culture, and traditions of Tibet. Here amid ancient and isolated villages, amid pretty white-washed houses are some of the oldest Buddhist Monasteries still in use.
Teeji Festival Trek is a walking holiday/lodge trek. We fly first into Jomsom. Our route from Jomsom climbs in and out of the Kaligandaki Valley through the dry terrain. Our destination is Lo- Manthang, which we reach in 9 days. if you wish, we can hire horses to ride, hiring either for the whole tour or for just part. (luggage will be carried the entire time by horses and mules). Jeep transport is also available for parts of the route. HV Treks’ annually organizes this trek in May so that we may attend the Teeji festival. The dates of Teeji change each year. The date is set by the head Buddhist Lama of the Mustang area according to the Tibetan Calendar.
2025, the festival will fall on 5th, 6th and 7th May 2025
Departure: 26th April 2024 (from The Netherlands)
Day 1: 26 April 2026 Departure from Amsterdam.
Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
Day 0 2: Kathmandu-Pokhara (827m)
Day 0 3: Pokhara- Jomsom (2720m)-Kagbeni (2810m)
Day 04: Kagbeni to Chele (3050m)
Day 05: Chele to Shyangbochen (3800m)
Day 06: Syangboche-Ghami (3520m)
Day 0 7: Ghami – Charang (3560m)
Day 08: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3810m)
Day 09: Lo Manthang to Ghami (3520m)
Day 10: Ghami to Samar (3660m)
Day 11: Samar to Kagbeni (2810m)
Day 12: Kagbeni drive back to Pokhara by local transport ( about 7 to 8 hours)
Day 13: Pokhara- kathmandu by local tourist bus ( about 7 to 8 hours)
Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 15: Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern to Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. Please understand that the HV Treks trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is found prudent. Unfavorable circumstances may occur during the trek. Such as dangerous weather conditions, the condition of a group member, natural events like landslides, can force changes in the itinerary. All efforts will be made to keep to the planned itinerary. The HV Treks leader will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give a 24-hour emergency response to any accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Important Also:
The Airport is at high-altitude and flights in or out are prone to delays due to weather conditions. In the wetter, cloudy months, flights are sometimes delayed or canceled until next day or when the weather permits. Guests should please make sure their timetable for the trip allows for these possible delays.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy, or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and insure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Departure: May 2024 (from The Netherlands) Returning back 25 th May 2024
Day 1: 27th April 2024 Departure from Amsterdam.
Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour.
Day 0 2: Kathmandu-Pokhara (827m)
Seats will be booked on the comfortable, air-conditioned Tourist Bus that runs from Kathmandu to Pokhara on the Prithvi Highway. A distance of 200km, it takes generally 6 hours including rest and meal stops. On the way there are views of Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal and Annapurna, as well as the Trishuli River Valley. In the more rugged areas of the Valley there are rapids with kayaking/rafting to be seen. In the evening, your Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition guide will give a briefing about the next day’s trek.
Day 0 3: Pokhara- Jomsom (2720m)-Kagbeni (2810m)
We fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, a short 20 minute hop, early in the morning, arriving by noon, in a small 14seater plane. Jomsom is an entirely different, drier landscape than Pokhara, and we head for the Kagbeni region after tea/coffee. Kagbeni Village is the beginning of Upper Mustang area, the dress of the people is Tibetan, and prominent is a Buddhist Gumpa (monastery).
Day 04: Kagbeni to Chele (3050m)
From Kagbeni we walk the riverbed of the Kali Gandaki River.Along the way as we go towards the village of Chele, we pass through Buddhist villages with their Geonpas. Coming to Chele, the Gandaki River flows quite amazingly through a natural rock tunnel. Chele is a village of people originally from Tibet, and they speak Tibetan.
Day 05: Chele to Shyangbochen (3800m)
Today, we cross 4 passes. The first one is Taklam La (3624m), the second one is Dajori La (3735m), the third one is Bhena La (3860m) and the 4th is Yamda La (3860m). The scenery is of vistas of mountains and barrens. We reach Shyangbochen where there are lodges. Telephone and mobile service is available here.
Day 06: Syangboche-Ghami (3520m)
We walk first uphill, then on flat land, and lastly downhill. We visit the village of Geling, with a Goenpa, beautiful Stupas, chortens and mani walls. We cross Nyi La pass at 4025m. From the pass, before us are Mustang valley, the Annapurna Range and Mt. Neelgiri. On the way to our destination, the medieval village of Ghemi, we cross a pass called Ghemi La (3765m). It is an isolated, deserted place.
Day 0 7: Ghami – Charang (3560m)
From Ghami to Lo Gekar there is a rough road we follow, built by the Chinese. We continue to Charang. Charang is one of the bigger villages in Mustang. Its white houses with their fluttering prayer flags are beautiful against a background of steep cliffs and peaks. On a ridge above a deep gorge rises a magnificent fortress of five floors – one of the old palaces of the king of Mustang – and opposite is a big red painted Goenpa. We spend the night in Charang. Telephone, internet services are available here. Here too is the white north side of Nilgiri, one of the peaks of the Annapurna massif, which rises steeply from the Tibetan plateau. We will tour the Goenpa and Palace, led by the Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition guide.
Day 08: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3810m)
We arrive in Lo Manthang today. We cross a pass called Lo La (3950m) before reaching Lo Manthang. The capital city of Mustang Kingdom, Lo Manthang is surrounded by a high wall with square towers at the corner points. Only the white palace and three red colored Goenpa can be seen above the wall. Our camp is outside the city wall. Lo Manthang has many Buddhist stupas, Goenpas, and chortens. The color of prayer flags abound. Internet, telephone, and mobile facilities are available here.
Day 09: Lo Manthang to Ghami (3520m)
We leave Lo Manthang and travel up over the Marang Chogo La Pass (4230). The views of Upper and Lower Mustang Valley into Tibet from the Pass are magnificent. We return to Ghami.
Day 10: Ghami to Samar (3660m)
From Ghami, we cross Ghami La Pass (3765m). Later, we cross Nyi La Pass (4025m). We come down to Samar Village, where we spend the night. The weather after midday is windy in this area, and will continue so until Jomsom.
Day 11: Samar to Kagbeni (2810m)
We head to Chhusang, a beautiful village along the Kali Gandaki River. We first go over Dajori La Pass (3735m) and Taklam La pass (3624m). From Taklam La we go steeply downhill to the village of Chele and to the bank of Kali Gandaki River. From Chele we go to Chhusang. From Chhusang, we head to Kagbeni for the night. Kagbeni is beautifully situated between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges on the Kali Gandaki River where it is joined by a tributary.
Day 12: Kagbeni drive back to Pokhara by local transport ( about 7 to 8 hours)
Following the Kali Gandaki River, we have views of the beauty of Upper Dolpo. We head to Jomsom, small city of Mustang with
Day 13: Pokhara- kathmandu by local tourist bus ( about 7 to 8 hours)
We have a choice. We can either fly to Pokhara or travel by jeep/bus. If we go by jeep, the road is slow and sometimes rough, but we get to spend the night at Tatopani. Tatopani is a favorite as there are hot springs for bathing. The hot natural mineral baths are restorative to our bodies, which by this time no doubt are weary from the long trek. If we go by air, we reach Pokhara within 30 minutes.
Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1337m)
We take the pleasant and comfortable Tourist Bus back to Kathmandu. Arriving about 4pm, a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff member will meet us and drive us to our hotel. The rest of the day is unscheduled and you are free to spend it as you like.
Day 15: Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu (1337m)
This day is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged. The tour lasts 4 hours, and will cost an additional upcharge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye, but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
Included in the Cost
Number of participants
Minimum number of participants: 4
Maximum number of participants: 14
Max Altitude: 4760 meters
Best Season: Sep – Nov and Mar-May
Difficulty Level: Moderate
December , January, and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So, trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in a night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail. Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So, a tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see a splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange a family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikes and cultural tour. It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit.
March, April, and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze are felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of a cloud can be seen in the sky during this season. So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of an expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal. So many tourists from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period. Peak climbing period can be in length up to June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programs during this period. This period offers plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.
June, July, and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slightly difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September, October, and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our treks. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes. This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favorable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal. Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period. So many tourists come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m is the best destination for climbing in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of the nature of Nepal in this season.
Equipment & Packing List
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
