Hotels in Lo Manthang of Lomanthang Rural Municipality–5 in Upper Mustang have been fully occupied due to a surge of foreign tourists arriving to observe the historic Tiji Festival. Since Wednesday, the start of the centuries-old Buddhist festival, more than three dozen hotels in the Lo Manthang area have reported full occupancy as international visitors flocked to witness the cultural and religious celebrations.
The Tiji Festival, a three-day ritual rooted in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, is one of the most significant cultural events in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, showcasing ancient rituals, masked dances, and spiritual ceremonies that symbolize the victory of good over evil.
Over 300 Foreign Tourists Enter Lo Manthang
According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a total of 307 foreign tourists entered Lo-Manthang on Wednesday alone to observe the festival.
ACAP Chief Umesh Paudel said that around 350 foreign visitors were actively participating in and observing the festival activities, expressing strong interest in the centuries-old Tibetan-influenced cultural traditions of the region.
The influx of visitors has significantly boosted local tourism, filling nearly all available accommodation facilities in the ancient walled city, which is known for its preserved Tibetan architecture and heritage.
Monastic Rituals and Cultural Performances Underway in Lo Manthang
As part of the festival, Buddhist monks have been conducting prayers and rituals since Wednesday, seeking peace, prosperity, and harmony for all living beings.
The rituals include chanting, ceremonial offerings, and symbolic performances that form the spiritual core of the Tiji Festival. Local communities also participate in traditional masked dances, which depict mythological stories central to Tibetan Buddhist beliefs.
These performances, combined with religious ceremonies, create a unique cultural atmosphere that attracts both domestic and international tourists seeking spiritual and cultural experiences in Upper Mustang.
Growing Popularity of Upper Mustang Tourism
The Tiji Festival has become one of Nepal’s most iconic cultural tourism events, drawing increasing numbers of international visitors each year. Known for its remote landscape, preserved Tibetan heritage, and restricted trekking routes, Upper Mustang offers a rare glimpse into ancient Himalayan culture.
Officials said the rising tourist arrivals during the festival period highlight the growing global interest in cultural and experiential tourism in Nepal’s trans-Himalayan regions.
