Mustang Tiji Festival Photography Tour

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu our representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Rest after your long flight and adapt to local time. In the late afternoon enjoy a stroll through the bustling streets before joining the team for a comprehensive photo expedition briefing and welcome dinner.

Begin early at Swayambhunath Stupa capturing golden morning light on ancient stupas prayer wheels and panoramic views over Kathmandu Valley, then visit Pashupatinath, temple dedicated to lord Shiva. Here you can get the beautiful photos of ancient temples and Sadhus (hermit). In the afternoon visit Boudhanath Stupa the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu photographing monks and pilgrims performing sacred circumambulations (kora) amidst fluttering prayer flags.

Take a 25 minute scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara offering breathtaking aerial views of the Langtang Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. Upon arrival, board an off road 4WD vehicle for a rugged drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Lete passing traditional apple orchards and wind swept Himalayan riverbeds.

Cross the checkpoint into Upper Mustang at Kagbeni, an ancient medieval fortress village. Drive through stark trans Himalayan desert landscapes passing colorful chortens, terraced barley fields and dramatic red sandstone canyon walls before arriving at Ghami village.

Depart Kagbeni for a rugged off-road drive into Upper Mustang’s dramatic high-desert terrain. Traverse windswept mountain passes and barren canyons before making a detour toward Tangge, a secluded village famous for its striking row of chortens and traditional mud-brick architecture. Continue navigating steep dirt tracks, crossing riverbeds and sculpted sandstone cliffs, until reaching Ghami. Surrounded by green fields and red cliffs, Ghami greets you with Mustang's longest mani wall.

Drive over the Tsarang Pass (3870m) and past the magnificent red cliffs of Drakmar. Continue toward the historical walled capital of Lo Manthang. Upon arrival check into your teahouse lodge and spend the afternoon photographing the 15th century city walls, royal palace courtyard and town square as preparations for Tiji Festival get underway.

The opening day of the sacred Tiji Festival! Position yourself around the main palace square of Lo Manthang to photograph the ceremonial arrival of the King of Mustang and high lamas. Witness monks dressed in elaborate brocade robes and deity masks perform the 'Tsa Chham' dance depicting the story of Dorje Jono overcoming demon forces to restore water to Mustang.

Day two of Tiji focuses on the enactment of celestial weapons and spiritual transformation. Monks perform the 'Nga Chham' dance in intricate animal and deity masks. Capture dramatic motion, vibrant silk costumes, traditional Tibetan horns (dungchen) and intense facial expressions of local Lopa villagers doused in spiritual devotion.

The grand finale of Tiji Festival! Monks and villagers join a dramatic procession outside the city walls. The high monk shoots a sacred arrow at an effigy representing evil spirits symbolizing peace, prosperity and renewal for Mustang. Photograph the wild firing of muskets, horse processions and joyful village celebrations.

Take a short drive to the Chhoser valley near the Tibetan border. Explore and photograph the multi storied Jhong Sky Cave carved into vertical cliff walls thousands of years ago. Visit Garphu and Nyphu monasteries built into cliff faces capturing ancient Tibetan murals and monk apprentices at study.

Bid farewell to Lo Manthang and begin your return journey south through Upper Mustang. Stop to photograph the iconic Mani wall of Ghami, the longest in Nepal and dramatic afternoon shadows stretching across the yellow and pink desert mountains before reaching Jomsom.

Start your day with an early morning, 20-minute scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. As you glide over the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge, enjoy spectacular aerial views of the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Upon arrival in the vibrant lakeside city of Pokhara, check into your hotel to unwind. Spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit the famous Tal Barahi Temple, or simply stroll around the lively Lakeside area.

Fly back to Kathmandu and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Valley’s ancient royal cities. First, explore Patan Durbar Square, famous for its refined Newari craftsmanship, Krishna Mandir, and bronze art. Next, head to Bhaktapur Durbar Square to admire the 55-Window Palace, Golden Gate, and Nyatapola Temple. Walk through vibrant courtyards, witness traditional pottery making, and soak in centuries of architectural splendor before calling it a day.

Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule our team will coordinate a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours prior to departure bidding you farewell after an extraordinary Himalayan photography expedition.