Nepal is the country full of multi – ethnic people who follow different religion and have their own language, traditions, and culture. Therefore, it is the multi – cultural country. There are more than 100 festivals that happen within a calendar year. The majority of people living in Nepal observes Dashain and Tihar festivals regardless of their religion even if these two festivals are Hindu festival. People of different ethnic community have their own festivals. For example, Tamang community has Sonam Lhosar, Sherpa has Dumji or Mani Rimdu, Terai people have Chhath festival, and Tibetan origin people celebrate Tiji Festival.
Our Nepal High Trek’s blog section not only features the various travel information about Nepal but also features about cultural significance of this country. In this quest, today’s blog is all about the information on the Tiji Festival.
What are the Tiji Festival Dates of 2025?
For 2025, Tiji Festival dates are May 24th, 25th, and 26th. It is the biggest festival of the Upper Mustang region people of Nepal. This is the restricted trekking region of Nepal. It was opened only after the settlement of the conflict between local populace, Nepal Army, and Khampa Guerillas rioting with the agenda of Tibet. However, the Nepal Government stance is the “One China Policy” and the nation doesn’t recognize Tibet as the one state rather it is the part of People’s Republic of China. If you want to book the trekking or tour in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal then you can book it during the time of the Tiji Festival. This falls in the month of May every year. You can book the Upper Mustang Trek or Upper Mustang Jeep Tour throughout the year as well.
Upper Mustang is rain shadow zone of Nepal beyond mountains
Yes, Upper Mustang is one of the region where you can do trekking or tour activities even during monsoon season. The region experiences less rainfall as it is beyond mountains. Therefore, people famously refer the region as the village beyond the mountains (Himal Paariko Gaon). The best time to do trekking in Upper Mustang though is during the months of spring season.
Historical & Mythical Facts about Tiji
According to ancient mythology mentioned in the scriptures of the Vajrayana Buddhism, Dorje Jono came to the rescue of the people of the Upper Mustang region. There are seven provinces in the Upper Mustang. When demon was wreaking havoc in the region, Dorje Jono also known as Vajrakila or Vajrakumar the reincarnation of Lord Buddha, came to the place and fought with the demon. Eventually, he defeated the demon and restored peace and happiness in the region. To celebrate the victory of good over evil, every year in the month of spring season all people from the seven provinces of the Upper Mustang gather in Lo Manthang to perform the rituals. The festival is celebrated with colorful dances and mantras with lots of people wearing masks depicting different animals. It is truly the colorful and biggest festival for the people of Upper Mustang.
It is said that 400 years ago, Guru Padmasambha himself helped to build the monastery and flourish Jajrayana Buddhism in the area. Since then, the royal family of Upper Mustang attend the festival. However, nowadays you will not see the official royal family. The last king of the Upper Mustang Jigme Palbar Bista. Once he died there is no official record of the royal lineage. Nepal moved from a monarchy system to republican governance and hence all royal activities stopped. Therefore, the region is also known to the world as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal.
How the festival of Tiji is celebrated?
The Tiji Festival is celebrated for three days. People, monks, and visitors gather in the town square monastery to observe the festival. Here is the detailed activities that happen throughout 3 days.
1st day of Tiji
The festival starts after the festival celebration committee unveil the 400 years old banner of Guru Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism to Lo and Tibetan region. The ceremony will be led by the monk named Soho who has spent several months alone practising to do various rituals meant to drive the demons away. It is the complex ritual which is possible only by the divine monk chosen by the higher monks of the Lo Manthang Monastery. There are 52 dance steps which the performer performs and call gods and goddesses. It is to prepare ground for the next day’s dance.
2nd day of Tiji
Tourists, locals, and monks gather in square to witness the breathtaking performance rituals. It is said that the second day of the festival is the core of the celebration. Monks dressed in different masks dance in the rhythm of drums by the novice monks. The animated wolves wielding swords, warriors who act like the ancient monks, and monkey boy enthusiastically perform ritual dance. Ghost dancers then take center stage and instigate fight with the demon. Prayers are offered and the day ends.
3rd day of Tiji
The day starts like usual with the prayers to Dorje Jono or famously known as Vajrakila or Vajrakumar. Ghost dancers ritualistically tease and poke the demon and eventually put dagger in its heart. Hence, the festival ends. This is to mark the victory of good over evil.
What is Tenpa Chirim?
The original name of the Tiji Festival is Tenpa Chirim. As the years passed, the word was mispronounced from Tenchi to Tiji. The word Tenchi means hope that Buddha’s Dharma will eventually brings peace and prosperity to all people of the world. Therefore, Tiji is seen as the integrity and emblem of peace and hope.
How to reach Upper Mustang Lo Manthang?
You can reach Lo Manthang the capital city of Upper Mustang region of Nepal either by trekking or road trip. Nowadays, it is possible to reach the place either by using four wheel jeep or by motorbike. Some enthusiastic travelers visit the place on their cycles too. Please note that traveling directly to Upper Mustang on a jeep can be threat due to the risk of altitude sickness.
Please check our blogs about Upper Mustang or go through our Short Upper Mustang Trek package. We have Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, Upper Mustang Trek with Luri Gompa and Motorbike tour as well. Nepal High Trek is also introducing the adventurous Mountain Bike Tour to Upper Mustang. The popular Annapurna Circuit Trekking route links to the Upper Mustang Trek with Upper Dolpo Trek too. Always be in contact with the blogger or travel planners of the Nepal High Trek. We will knit the best holiday package for travelers to know more about the Upper Mustang region of Nepal.
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