This blog post is all about the vibrant festivals celebrated in Mustang, Nepal. Aside from the unique dry landscape, ancient caves, fascinating villages and interesting people there are several interesting festivals too. Let’s discover the history, dates and other information related to these main festivals celebrated in Mustang.
The remote region of Upper Mustang celebrates numerous festivals, most of which are deeply influenced by Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Some of the major festivals celebrated in Mustang region are Tiji Festival ,Yartunga Festival, Losar and other small gompas related festivals.
Upper Mustang, once an independent kingdom until 1951, boasts a rich history. Its unique culture, and vibrant festivals are some of the main attractions for tourists who travel and trek in this area. The monasteries and religious sites of Mustang serve not only as places of worship but also as cultural hubs for festival celebrations. Most festivals in Mustang are associated with Buddhism and involve prayers and the worship of nature.
Mustangi people inhabit the upper valley. They are culturally close to the Tibetans. The lower Mustang valley remains inhabited by the Thakali people, one of the indigenous tribes of Nepal. While the people of Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang have distinct ways of celebrating, there are many similarities in the underlying ideologies of their festivals. During these festivals, local people and monks play traditional musical instruments, sing tribal songs, and perform cultural and religious dances.
Tiji festival
Tiji Festival is the biggest Tibetan-Buddhist festival celebrated in the Lo-Manthang city of Upper Mustang. This festival is held annually around mid-May and is a three-day festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
The main attractions of the Tiji festival are masked dancers in colorful costumes in accompaniment of drums, Buddhist horns, and the chanting of Buddhist monks. This celebration remains endemic to the people of Upper Mustang.
The upcoming Tiji Festival Trek of 2025 is scheduled to fall from 24th May- 26th May 2025.
- 24 May 2024 Tiji Festival in Lo-Mangthang (1st day)
- 25 May 2024 Tiji Festival in Lo-Mangthang (2nd day)
- 26 May 2024 Tiji Festival in Lo-Mangthang (3rd day)
The story behind the Tiji Festival
Originating in the 17th century, this festival commemorates the victory of Buddha, in an incarnation of the myth of Dorje Sonam (a popular deity) over demons.The name “Tiji” is derived from the Tibetan term “Tenpa Chirim,” which means “prayer for world peace.” Initially performed within the confines of the royal palace in Lo Manthang, the festival’s significance has grown, attracting pilgrims and visitors from all over the world.
Several stories are related to the story behind the Tiji Festival. It is believed that Dorje Sonam was an incarnation of a popular deity Vajrakila in Vajrayana Buddhism, who fought against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction.
According to the myth: the father of Dorje Sonam, had a nasty streak and once wreaked havoc by creating a shortage of water in the area. Since Mustang is an arid region, it is understandable that such an act was considered as the most devilish one. Dorje Sonam then set a battle against his own father. He banished the demons who were causing droughts in the Mustang area and hence brought peace in the valley.
Thus the Tiji Festival is a celebration of this legend. It is a three day festival each day telling the story that foretells the legend. The story is re-enacted during all three days of the festival. Monks of the Chhoede Gompa perform various dances during the festivals, enacting the evil deeds of the father, the birth of his son, Dorje Donam and the son’s efforts to defeat his demon father.
Dates and celebration of Tiji Festival
The date for the Tiji Festival is not predictable. It is celebrated according to the Tibetan calendar and the main monks of the surrounding monastery decide the date through ritual techniques. This year the tentative 3-day Tiji Festival 2025 will be celebrated from 24th- 26th May 2025.
First Day of Tiji Festival
The first day of the Tiji Festival commences at noon. The locals prepare to start the festival throughout the day. As soon as the festival begins, one can hear loud horn sounds from the Tibetan horns, Dhungchen, and the sound of the double-reeled horns, drums, and cymbals.
The entourage begins from the monastery, which includes local monks and performers. The monks head to the square and sit under the large Thangka (painting) hung on the southern wall of the square. After this, the masked dance “Tsa Chaam” commences. This masked dance tells the story of Dorje Sonam and his victory over evil.
Second Day of the festival
The second day of the festival witnesses the monks performing “Nga Cham” dance. The second day tells the tale of Dorje Sonam, who tried to return the demon to the Buddha realm. The performance sees female performers in their traditional attire and jewelry coming out to the main square. The second-day performance is the main practice that showcases the generation of celestial palaces and deities.
Third and Last Day
The third of the Tiji Festival is also the last day of the performance. It commences with the ceremonial music followed by the masked dance called “Rha Chaam.” This dance takes a vibrant beat, and the performance highlights the end of evil. As a closing ceremony, all the performers come out, and the scene gets filled with more music, dance, and shooting guns. The monk who enacts Dorjee Sonam throws an effigy made from Tsampa (barley), which represents the demon “Ma Tam Ru Ta.
Experiencing Tiji Festival
Experiencing the Tiji Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the living heritage of Upper Mustang. The best way to immerse yourself in the festival is by visiting Lo Manthang during the celebration. As the region is remote, it’s essential to plan your trip well in advance. Visitors typically trek through the stunning landscapes of Mustang to reach Lo Manthang, where accommodations range from guesthouses to more traditional homestays. To truly appreciate the festival, consider hiring a local guide who can provide insights into the rituals and significance of the events.
Yartung Festival : Horse Festival of Upper Mustang
The Yartung Festival, also known as Horse Festival, is one of the major annual celebrations in the Mustang region. This festival is basically a festival of horse racing celebrated mainly in Lo-Manthang and Muktinath during the August full moon. Typically, the senior monk picks the full moon day, Janai Purnima, for commending this celebration.
Apart from the horse race, the Yartung Festival also involves cultural events including traditional dances, songs and other performances. Hence Yartung festival is a 3-day long event each day featuring a unique blend of competitions. During these three day celebrations, the king of Mustang, lamas and monks and local people come together to bid farewell to the summer season which has brought them a lot of joy and prosperity throughout the year.
Overview of Yartung Festival in Mustang
‘Yartung’ means the end of summer hence it is the celebration to ship off the summer. The celebration begins with a short ceremony inside the walled city of Lo-Manthang. Then a three day horse riding ceremony begins with the first day for men, second day for women and lastly the third day for monks. They ride their horses from the town’s gate towards the east and spent the day on the field eating, drinking and entertaining each other with traditional Loba, Tibetan songs and dances. Each member of a family has to participate in this festival.
In the evening, the riders race the horses with full speed and scoop up Tibetan blessing scarf from the ground or throw rocks at stationary targets. The rider will hang from the horse with one leg hooked on the saddle and the other dragging the ground with both arms stretched out or waving.
Archery and football competitions are an attraction of the festival. But definitely the most anticipated event is when locals can show off their horsemanship and participate in races and other feats with their mounts.
One of the key attractions for the tourists in this event is to relish the local folktale and cuisine as people would sign their folk songs and authentic Tibetan cuisines are made available at various stalls in the venue.
Yartung festival is an opportunity for tourists and visitors to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritages. Tourists participating in this event are the best chance to discover the culture and heritage of Mustang, as well as to explore its customs and lifestyle in the contemporary times.
Festival at Ghar gumba and Luri Gumba
Mustang Nepal is a place related to ancient Tibetan culture where Buddhism plays the most vital role in the region. You can find several Gumpas and monasteries In Lower and Upper Mustang are built depicting Buddhism religion from ancient times. Local people visit these ancient monasteries twice a year to worship god. The seasonal puja conducted during these festivals are for good weather, peace and prosperity and health in the society. All local peoples of Mustang gather to celebrate this regular worshiping festival.
Losar ( Tibetan New year)
People of the Upper Mustang area celebrate two Losar festivals : Chhegu emma and Chhegu semma according to the TIbetan lunar calendar. Both Losar festivals are celebrated for three days. During Losar, people of Upper Mustang visit relatives, meet each other, organize parties and dance together to celebrate this festival.
Best time to visit Mustang Region
Travelers often ask about the best time to visit Lo-Manthang or Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is the driest part of the Himalayas, with little vegetation except for some mountain grasses and bushes. However, locals do grow seasonal vegetables, with potatoes being especially popular.
You can visit the region year-round. Due to its high altitude and the surrounding Himalayas, there’s very little rainfall, even during the monsoon season in June and July. Winters, especially in November through February, are cold with snowfall. During the harshest winter months of December and January, many lodges and hotels close, and fewer trekkers are around as locals move to lower altitudes to escape the cold. However, trekking is still possible.
The best times to visit Upper Mustang are August through November and February through May. If you’re planning to see the Tiji Festival, it will take place in the month of May. Visiting Upper Mustang during this time lets you explore the region and experience the Tiji Festival, making it a unique opportunity not to be missed.
Permits and Costs required for Upper Mustang Travel during Festivals
Upper Mustang, a restricted area in Nepal, is a remote Himalayan region bordering Tibet, unlike Lower Mustang, which is easily accessible for trekkers. To visit Upper Mustang, foreigners need a special permit due to its restricted status.
In addition to the Annapurna Area Conservation Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit, travelers must obtain a Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Upper Mustang, which costs $500 USD per person. The ACAP permit costs $30 USD, and the TIMS permit costs $10 USD each.
It’s important to note that solo entry is strictly prohibited in Upper Mustang. To obtain the special RAP, a minimum of two trekkers is required. This permit can be obtained from the Nepal Immigration Office through an authorized trekking agency.
The total cost of these three permits is $540 USD per person, as the Tiji Festival is celebrated in Lo Manthang, which falls within the restricted area. The RAP becomes effective from Kagbeni, while the ACAP and TIMS permits are mandatory for the Lower Mustang region.
Accommodations, Food, and Services in Upper Mustang
The Mustang region is not only popular with foreign visitors but also holds significant religious importance for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Sacred sites like the Kali Gandaki River, Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Tatopani (a hot spring) are located within this region. Additionally, Mustang’s historical role as an ancient trade route to Tibet has made it a favored destination for local travelers as well.
To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the local tourism development committee in Mustang has established various lodges, hotels, and even a resort in Jomsom. While trekking in this region, you’ll find the accommodations comfortable, with basic lodges and hotels available at higher altitudes and more well-equipped options at lower altitudes. The food provided is simple but hygienic, and the lodges are generally clean and well-maintained.
To support local businesses and maintain high standards, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) offers free cooking and hygiene training to locals. This ensures that travelers are satisfied with the services provided. Most hotels and lodges also offer refilled filtered water, electricity, and Wi-Fi for a small fee. Overall, the accommodation and food options in Upper Mustang are more than adequate for a comfortable trekking experience.
The major festivals in Upper Mustang include the Tiji Festival, Yartung Festival, and Losar (Tibetan New Year), each offering a unique cultural experience.
The horse festival in Lo Manthang is known as the Yartung Festival. It involves traditional horse racing, archery, and various cultural performances, celebrating the end of the monsoon season.
The Yartung Festival typically takes place in August or September, depending on the Tibetan lunar calendar, marking the end of the monsoon season.
Locals celebrate the Yartung Festival with horse races, archery contests, singing, dancing, and feasting on traditional Tibetan dishes, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
The main attractions of Yartung Mela include the thrilling horse races, archery competitions, cultural performances, traditional music, and the opportunity to experience local Tibetan cuisine.
Yes, the horse race during the Yartung Festival is generally safe. Local riders, who are skilled and experienced, participate, and safety measures are in place to protect both riders and spectators.
The Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang is a three-day Tibetan Buddhist celebration that commemorates the myth of Dorje Jono, a deity who is believed to have saved Mustang from destruction.
The Tiji Festival usually takes place in May, with the exact dates determined by the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Locals celebrate the Tiji Festival with elaborate rituals, masked dances performed by monks, and communal prayers, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
The main attractions of the Tiji Festival include the sacred masked dances, traditional Tibetan music, and the vibrant cultural atmosphere in Lo Manthang.
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