Explore Real Nepal: Tiji Festival Trek, Shey Phoksundo, Tsum Valley & Right Trekking Agency

Nepal is not just a land of mountains; it’s a land of old culture, peaceful valleys, deep blue lakes, and colorful festivals. Many people think Nepal is just Everest or Annapurna, but that’s only part of it. Real Nepal hides in the remote places, in the high Mustang, the hidden valleys of Tsum, and in the crystal water of Shey Phoksundo Lake. And if you plan smartly, you can enjoy all this with the right trekking agency, which knows the trails, the people, and the story behind the journey. If you are looking for adventure and culture together, then the Tiji Festival Trek 2026, Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek, and Tsum Valley Trek are the best to choose. Each one is different, but all give a real feel of Nepal. Here’s the full look into these treks and how to choose the best trekking agency in Nepal for making it safe and unforgettable.

Tiji Festival Trek 2026 – Culture in the Sky

Tiji Festival Trek is not just a trek. It’s like walking into an ancient story. This festival happens every year in Lo Manthang, in Upper Mustang. In 2026, it will again bring colors, dances, and old legends alive in that walled city near the Tibetan border.Tiji means “Prayer for World Peace.” It is a celebration of good over evil. Monks perform dances in red robes and masks, with drums and horns echoing between desert-like hills. The village people wear their best traditional clothes, kids run around excited, and visitors from around the world gather to see this unique Buddhist celebration.But to reach Lo Manthang, you need to trek. It takes about 10-12 days. The trek goes through dry valleys, wind-eroded cliffs, and caves. You cross villages like Kagbeni, Chele, and Tsarang, seeing apple farms, Tibetan-style houses, and monasteries in between. The road is half jeep-accessible, but walking is more fun.

Spring is perfect for this, and May 2026 is when the festival will happen. So if you want culture, landscape, and festival joy together, the Tiji Festival Trek is perfect.

Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek—The Blue Pearl of Nepal

If you ever see Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek in real life, you will never forget that color. It’s not like regular blue. It’s deep, shining, almost magical turquoise blue. This lake sits inside Shey Phoksundo National Park in the Dolpo region. Far, remote, peaceful. Shey Phoksundo is not an easy place to reach. That’s why it still looks untouched. The trek usually starts from Juphal (you fly from Nepalgunj). From there, the trail moves slowly uphill and downhill through pine forests, waterfalls, and small villages like Dunai, Chhepka, and Ringmo.

Ringmo village near the lake is pure heaven. Local people are Buddhist and Bon followers. You’ll see prayer flags, chortens, and old monasteries with a mysterious feel. From Ringmo, you see the lake just sitting silent between snow peaks. No swimming, no boats—only silence and wind and mountain reflection.

The best time for this trek is from April to October. You don’t need any climbing, just good fitness and will to explore hidden Nepal. This trek is good for those who want nature, silence, and something different from busy trails.

Tsum Valley Trek—Journey to Hidden Land

Tsum Valley is truly a hidden valley. It lies close to the Manaslu region, near the Tibet border. Till a few years back, outsiders were not allowed here. Now it’s open, but still not crowded like Everest or Annapurna. People of Tsum Valley call it “Tsum Tso Chuksum,” meaning thirteen provinces ruled by three brothers. Their culture is Tibetan Buddhist. You’ll feel it in every village, every mani wall, and every prayer wheel. The trek starts from Arughat or Machha Khola, the same as the Manaslu Circuit in the beginning. But after Lokpa, the trail splits into Tsum Valley. From there, you walk through pine forests, gorges, suspension bridges, and finally reach villages like Chumling, Chhekampar, Nile, and Mu Gompa.

Mu Gompa is a monastery on top of the valley, almost like a fort in the mountains. From here, you see the Tibet side too. Locals are very friendly and still follow the old lifestyle with yaks, barley farming, and salt trade routes.

The Tsum Valley Trek is good for people who want a peaceful trek, culture, and real village life. The best seasons are spring and autumn.

Best Trekking Agency in Nepal—Why it Matters

You can go solo, but Nepal is full of ups and downs—literally and in planning too. Having the best trekking agency means no stress, no confusion, and more fun. They arrange permits, guides, food, and rooms and also help when a problem comes.

But how to choose a good trekking agency in Nepal?

1. Registered and Experienced—Always choose an agency registered with the Nepal government and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). It shows they are legal and follow rules.

2. Local Knowledge—A good agency knows more than maps. They know real stories, festivals, shortcuts, danger spots, and the best tea houses.

3. Safety First—In high altitude, anything can happen. A good agency carries first aid, knows about altitude sickness, and has backup plans.

4. Responsible Travel—The best agencies support local people, use local guides and porters, and don’t harm nature.

5. Clear Prices—No hidden cost. Everything should be explained before you start.
   

Some of the good agencies in Nepal also offer mixed packages—like combining Tiji Festival with the Mustang trek or Shey Phoksundo with the Lower Dolpo route.

Many past trekkers say the guide makes the trip more memorable. So don’t just look at price—look at quality, reviews, and how they treat the guests.

Trekking Tips for These Regions

• Permits Needed—For Mustang, Tsum, and Shey Phoksundo, you need special permits. Agencies will arrange it, but carry copies of passports and visas.

• Prepare for Basic Facilities—These areas are remote. Don’t expect luxury. Hot showers are not everywhere. Electricity is limited. Take power banks.

• Altitude Sickness—These treks go above 3500 meters. Walk slowly, drink water, and listen to your guide.

• Packing List—Good shoes, warm jackets, sunblock, sleeping bag, medicine, snacks. Don’t overpack, but don’t forget essentials.

• Respect Culture—Don’t enter monasteries without permission. Always walk clockwise around religious sites. Dress modestly.
  

Why People Love These Treks

People who go to Everest or Annapurna see the beauty—but those who go to Tsum, Shey Phoksundo, or Mustang feel the soul of Nepal.

In the Tiji Festival Trek, they feel like part of history. They see monks spinning in prayer dance, kids running with kites, and grandmas smiling with prayer beads.

In the Shey Phoksundo Trek, they feel peace. No loud cities, no crowds. Just a lake, a forest, yaks, and stars above.

In Tsum Valley, they feel welcomed. Villagers share food and stories and invite you inside their stone houses. It feels like going back in time.

Also, these treks are not just walking. They are discoveries—of people, nature, and even your own strength.

Conclusion—Make 2026 Your Year of Real Nepal

If you are thinking about when to go to Nepal, choose 2026. The Tiji Festival will be full of energy. The weather will be nice. Trails will be open. And the magic will be waiting in the valleys, lakes, and mountains. Tiji Festival Trek 2026 will give you culture in Mustang. Shey Phoksundo will give you nature and silence. Tsum Valley will give you peace and smiles. And the best trekking agency in Nepal will make all this smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

You don’t need to be an expert trekker. You just need good boots, an open heart, and a little bit of mountain love.

So pack your bag. Get ready for trails that sing old songs, monasteries that whisper old prayers, and people who make you feel like home.