Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang

The Tiji Festival is a three-day Tibetan Buddhist festival held annually in Lo Manthang, the walled former capital of the Kingdom of Upper Mustang. Locally known as Tenpa Chirim (Tenchi), meaning “Prayer for World Peace,” it reenacts the legendary battle between Dorje Jono and the demon Man Tam Ru through sacred Cham dances performed by monks from Choedhe Monastery. It remains one of the most authentic, least commercialized cultural events in the Himalayas, held inside a still-functioning medieval walled city.

History & Significance

Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang, was founded in the 14th century by King Ame Pal, and the region embraced Tibetan culture and religion from its inception, becoming a spiritual hub that preserved Tibetan Buddhist teachings even through periods of political and cultural change. The Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism played a key role in introducing the Tiji ceremony, and the monks of Chhode Monastery have guarded the tradition for generations.

The central figure of the festival is the Tsowo, the monk chosen to embody Dorje Jono. Selected carefully by the high lamas of Choedhe Monastery, he enters a three-month solitary retreat with no human contact before stepping into the courtyard on the opening day, carrying the deity rather than performing a role.

When It’s Held

Tiji follows the Tibetan lunar calendar, so its Gregorian dates shift every year and are typically confirmed by the monastery only a few months in advance. The festival generally falls in May or June. Always verify the exact dates with your trekking agency 2–3 months ahead of travel.

Permits Required

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Independent travel is not permitted — entry requires a licensed Nepali trekking agency
• Guesthouse capacity in Lo Manthang is limited and fills quickly around confirmed festival dates, so early booking is recommended

Getting There

Lo Manthang is typically reached via a multi-day trek or jeep drive from Jomsom or Pokhara, passing through Kagbeni, Chele, Charang, and other traditional Mustang settlements en route — a journey that adds its own cultural and scenic value beyond the festival itself.

Festival Etiquette

• Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered near the palace square and monastery
• Remove shoes and hats inside temple chapels
• Walk clockwise around monasteries, stupas, and mani walls
• Do not touch dancers, masks, torma offerings, or monks during processions
• Avoid photographing inside prayer chapels or pointing cameras directly at meditating monks
• Pack out all trash — Upper Mustang has no waste infrastructure