Best time to visit - June to September. About Teeji Festival
Tibetan lost kingdom of Lo lies at the northern hills of the country. It is also known for its unique cultures and walled city of the kingdom of Lo. Now stands alone as one of the last truly pure Tibetan cultures existing today. With its untouched temples, colorful festivals and red-robed lamas, the kingdom preserves not only the daily vernacular of Buddhist ethics, but a unique heritage of Tibetan religious art. Ame Pal's capital was fortified with walls twenty feet high. It was provided with only one great gate ... More than a hundred tightly packed houses fill most of the available space, separated only by the boundaries of brushwood and prayer flags on each rooftop. A maze of alleys runs through them – in places only wide enough for one person to pass.
The “Land of Lo”-as it is known toits seven thousand inhabitants – developed a reputation for trade, and became in its heyday a center of religious art and learning second only to Lhasa. ... At heart a tough community of farmers and traders, the “Lo-pas” (as they call themselves) have always had to adapt to survive.
‘Dorjee Sonnu’ festival commemorates the victory of Lord Buddha's incarnation over a demon called ‘Man Tam Ru’ a vicious creature that ate human flesh and caused storms and droughts.
The Teeji festival usually takes place in May and June, considered to a festival of religious dances derived form Tibet that lasts for 3 days. The first day marks the harassment of Man Tam Ru in a dance called Tsa Chham, on the second day a dance called Nga Chham takes place commemorating the birth of Dorjee Sonnu as the demon's son. The attempt to return the demon to lord Buddha's realm takes place on the third and final day. The lamas chant prayers while performing almost 50 separate religious dances to chase demons from Lo Manthang. They are followed by masked demons who flail wooden swords at the frightened spectators. On the final day, in a nearby field, courtiers fire ancient muskets as a high lama shoots an arrow at a red demon effigy laid on a ragged tiger skin. He tosses five more demons into the sand to signify the exorcising of the city. Fireworks are also let off to celebrate the occasion.
The “Land of Lo” as it is known to its seven thousand inhabitants-developed a reputation for trade, and became in its heyday a center of religious art and learning second only to Lhasa. At heart a tough community of farmers and traders, the “Lo-pas” (as they call themselves) have always had to adapt to survive.
Duration day in Nepal: 19 days
Total duration treks: 16 days
Trek style: Fully: Camping Trekking
Trek starts/ends: Pokhara / Jomsom
Max elevation: 3730m.
Trek grading: demanding /moderate
Best season: June, july, August, September,
Accommodation: 4 nights in hotels in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast and 16 nights in camping with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trip highlights: Extremely pristine and isolated region, Breathtaking mountain views, Diverse moutain flora and fauna
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to airport,
Day 02: In Kathmandu- free day, sort out permit & equipment
Day 03: Katmandu to Pokhara by Tourist bus
Day 04: Pokhara to Jomsom Flight and trek to Kagbeni 2810m
Day 05: Kagbeni trek to Chele 3100m
Day 06: Chele trek to Geling
Day 07: Geling trek to Charang 3370m
Day 08: Charang trek to Lo Manthang 3840m
Day 09: Acclimataization or Rest day in Lo-Manthang. During this, you can make Sightseeing or excursion tour around Mustang King palace and monasteries. Overnight at Tented camp.
Day 10: Lo Manthang trek to Choesar and back Lo Manthang
Day 11: Lo Manthang trek to Drakmar 3820m
Day 12: Drakmar trek to Shyangboche
Day 13: Shyangbuche trek to Chhuksang
Day 14: Chhuksang trek to Kagbeni
Day 15: Kagbeni trek to Jomsom
Day 16: Fly back to Pokhara. O/N hotel at Pokhara
Day 17: Drive or flight back to Kathmandu
Day 18: Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 19: Transfer to airport, departure Katmandu