Upper Mustang trekking is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Upper Mustang is an ancient Himalayan kingdom, called the forbidden kingdom, lying in the center North of Nepal, as an inclusion in Tibet. It was a semi-independent and remote Tibetan Kingdom on the territory of Nepal, and the walled city of Lo-Manthnag was its  the capital city. A  king ruled over the Mustangi (name of the people from the periphery of Lo-Manthang) until 2007/8. Nowadays, it is a regular district of Nepal, consisting of two distinct regions Southern and Northern parts, where traditions, language and culture are alike Tibetan in origin. It was open to foreigners since 1992 and according to the tourism history of  Nepal, only a handful of foreigners could visit this region before. It is still considered as “barren as a dead deer”, where beauty and happiness exist in spite of hardship, enjoyable by the grace of its beautiful natural landscapes and isolation. Accordingly, trekkers will explore remote areas, natural caves, Buddhist monasteries and superb colorful landscapes.

Imposing Buddhist Monasteries are built in the Mustang and they inspire the visitors to encounter the remaining of the Buddhist life and culture in the region. Tiji festival is part of this culture. It is one of the most important festival for the local people in the Mustang region. It is organized as an annual event in Lo-Manthang: the capital city of Upper Mustang. Local people used to say Tenji, but it became Tiji an abbreviation of Tempa Chhririm which means Prayer for world peace. In this case, the Tenji celebrates the Victory of Buddha’s incarnation.

The trek starts from Kagbeni to reach Lo Manthang. On the way, trekkers will see many chortens, stupas, caves, prayer wheels and Mani walls along the entire route. The Upper-Mustang is still considered as a controlled area. Therefore, trekkers, in this region, should be at the least two persons, should stay at the least ten days, and pay a fee of U$500.00 each. Staying more is possible and will be charged U$50.00 more per day and per person.