Tiji Festival 2027: Dates, What Happens and How to Get There
Tiji is a three day Buddhist festival in Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. In 2027 it is expected around June 1 to 3. These are the dates in most travel listings, but the monastery sets them by the Tibetan lunar calendar, so confirm with us before you book flights.
You need an Upper Mustang restricted area permit and a licensed guide. Most people trek in from Jomsom over about a week. Lodges in Lo Manthang fill up early for the festival, so book 4 to 6 months ahead.
- Tiji 2027: expected around June 1 to 3, not yet confirmed by the monastery
- Where: the courtyard in front of the royal palace in Lo Manthang, about 3,800m
- What: prayers, masked dances and rituals by monks of Chhoede Monastery
- Permits: Upper Mustang restricted area permit (USD 50 per person per day), ACAP and TIMS, all through a registered agency
- Guide: a licensed guide is required
- Trek length: 18 days from Kathmandu for a Tiji departure
- Book: 4 to 6 months ahead
Last updated: November 2026
What Is Tiji?
Tiji, also called Tenchi, is the most important festival of the year in Upper Mustang. The name comes from Tenpa Chirim, which means the benefit of Buddha’s teachings and all living beings. The rituals are based on Vajrakila, also called Dorje Phurba, a Buddhist deity linked with overcoming negative forces and restoring peace.
Local tradition tells the story through Dorje Jono, who defeats a demon that brought suffering to the kingdom of Lo. Monks of Chhoede Monastery act this out in sacred masked dances.
Tiji is not put on for tourists. It is a religious occasion for the people of Mustang, and families come in from villages across the region in their best clothes.
What Happens Over the Three Days
- Day 1: prayers for peace and hope, worship of the local deities and the first ceremonies. A giant thangka (religious painting) is usually displayed in front of the royal palace.
- Day 2: rituals and masked dances showing the fight against the demon.
- Day 3: the final rituals and dramatic dances showing the demon being driven away. This day usually draws the biggest crowd.
The exact programme and timings are set by the monastery each year. Your guide will tell you when to be in the courtyard each day.
Tiji Festival 2027 Dates
Tiji follows the Tibetan lunar calendar, so it moves every year, usually falling in May or early June. In 2026 it was held from May 14 to 16. For 2027, June 1 to 3 appears in most travel listings, but we have not been able to confirm these dates with the monastery yet.
Contact us before you book flights or fixed plans. We will update this page when the dates are confirmed, and if they move, we move your trek.
How to Get to Tiji
On foot. Most people trek. You fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, walk to Kagbeni where the restricted area starts, then reach Lo Manthang in about 4 days through Chele, Geling and Charang. On the way back you cross the Chogo La (4,280m), the highest point of the trek. For the full route, see our Upper Mustang trek guide.
By jeep. A road now reaches Lo Manthang, and some people drive in. It is faster, but you miss most of the walking and the road can be rough. The same permit and guide rules apply.
Sample Trek Plan for Tiji 2027
Our standard Upper Mustang trek spends 2 nights in Lo Manthang. For Tiji we add 2 more, so you are there the night before and for all three festival days. If June 1 to 3 is confirmed, it would look like this:
| Date | Plan |
|---|---|
| May 25 | Arrive in Kathmandu |
| May 26 | Drive to Pokhara |
| May 27 | Fly to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni |
| May 28 to 30 | Trek through Chele, Geling and Charang |
| May 31 | Reach Lo Manthang |
| June 1 to 3 | All three days of Tiji |
| June 4 | Trek to Dhakmar over the Chogo La |
| June 5 | Trek to Syangboche |
| June 6 | Trek to Tetang |
| June 7 | Trek to Jomsom |
| June 8 | Fly to Pokhara |
| June 9 | Spare day in Pokhara |
| June 10 | Drive to Kathmandu |
| June 11 | Departure |
This is a sample plan. We set the final dates once the festival is confirmed. See the day by day details on our Upper Mustang Trek page.
Permits and Cost
Upper Mustang is a restricted area. You need:
- the Upper Mustang restricted area permit, at USD 50 per person per day from Kagbeni. It replaced the old flat fee of USD 500 for 10 days
- the ACAP permit
- a TIMS card
All of these are arranged through a registered trekking agency, and you must trek with a licensed guide. Each extra day inside the restricted area adds USD 50 to your permit, so the 2 extra Tiji days add about USD 100.
Our Upper Mustang trek starts at $1,697 per person for 2 to 3 people. That includes permits, guide, porters, lodges and the Jomsom flights. A Tiji departure is 2 days longer, so the price is a little higher. Ask us for a quote. For a full breakdown, see our Upper Mustang trek cost guide.
Where to Stay and When to Book
Lo Manthang has a limited number of lodges, and Tiji is its busiest week of the year. Book at least 4 to 6 months ahead, and earlier for groups. We reserve your lodge as soon as your trek is confirmed.
Weather in Late May and Early June
This is one of the best times to be in Upper Mustang. Days are warm and mostly dry, because Upper Mustang sits in the Himalayan rain shadow. Nights are cool, and the wind picks up most afternoons.
The monsoon can be starting further south by June, so we build in a spare day for the Jomsom flight back. If the flight can’t run, the jeep road is the backup. See Best Time for Upper Mustang and Pokhara to Jomsom.
Festival Etiquette
- Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and legs.
- Stay out of the dance area, and don’t stand in front of local people for a better view.
- Ask before you photograph monks or people up close, and don’t use flash during the dances.
- Follow your guide’s lead on where to sit and when to move.
FAQs About Tiji Festival
When is Tiji Festival 2027?
It is expected around June 1 to 3, 2027, in Lo Manthang. The dates follow the Tibetan calendar and are not confirmed by the monastery yet, so check with us before booking.
Are the 2027 dates officially confirmed?
Not yet, as of November 2026. June 1 to 3 appears in most travel listings. We will update this page once the monastery confirms.
What will I see at Tiji?
Prayers, masked dances and rituals by the monks of Chhoede Monastery, a giant thangka in front of the palace, and local families in traditional dress.
Where is Tiji held?
In Lo Manthang, in the courtyard in front of the royal palace, next to Chhoede Monastery.
Do I need a permit to see Tiji?
Yes. You need the Upper Mustang restricted area permit (USD 50 per day), ACAP and TIMS, arranged through a registered agency, and you must go with a licensed guide.
How many days do I need?
About 18 days from Kathmandu if you trek and want all three festival days.
Can I go to Tiji by jeep?
Yes, a road reaches Lo Manthang. The permit and guide rules still apply.
How early should I book?
At least 4 to 6 months ahead, because Lo Manthang’s lodges fill up for the festival.
Want to time your trek for Tiji? See our Upper Mustang Trek, and we will set the dates around the festival.
