Upper Mustang Tours & Travels

About Yartung festival in Upper Mustang

Yartung Festival is an annual festival celebrated in the Himalayan region of Nepal. The festival is primarily celebrated in the districts of Mustang, Manang, Dolpo, and Jumla. It is known as the “Horse Festival” because of the horse racing and other equestrian activities that take place during the event. Yartung usually occurs in late summer or early autumn and is a time for community gatherings, music, dancing, and traditional sports.

The Yartung Festival usually falls in the month of August or September, marking the end of the monsoon season. It is a time when people of the Himalayan region gather to celebrate their cultural heritage and enjoy the festive spirit. Apart from the horse race, the Yartung Festival also involves various cultural events, including traditional dances, songs, and other performances. People of the Himalayan region come together to celebrate festivals, pray for good harvest and prosperity. Festival is an opportunity for visitors to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritages.

• Yartung festival a vibrant and colorful celebration of local culture and traditions in Lo Manthang.
• Explore the ancient architecture, wall paintings and murals in sacred sites and holy places of mustang.
• Experience the vibrant festivals of upper mustang “Yartung” join horse racing competition.
• Take part in the annual Yartung festival, a traditional horse racing event with Lowa people of mustang.
• Visit to the walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of upper mustang a place different from the rest of the world.
• During the festival, local play traditional music, preform local dance wearing colorful dresses and depict stories from local folklore.
• Trek through remote and untouched areas to explore the hidden valleys, sky caves, chortens, villages and canyons of mustang
• Experience a unique Tibetan-influenced culture and lifestyle of loba living in Kali Gandaki valley in mustang

• Day 1 : Arrival day in Kathmandu, Nepal

  Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative and transfer you to hotel. As soon as we reach hotel, representative will give you a synopsis of plan and program agreement.  After a short rest & relax, you can explore the city and its cultural heritage.
  Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4593 feet.

• Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing and permits preparation

  City tours, gear shopping and permit preparation is the main task of this day. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and beautiful landscapes. Our guide takes you to the Swayambhunath & Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square for sightseeing. Kathmandu sightseeing trip covers major historical, and cultural monuments that beautifully crafted with various wood, metal, and stonework. After city tours, we will drive back to hotel and conduct Pre-trip meeting. You spent rest of the time at hotel or explore around Thamel.

• Day 3 : Drive to Pokhara by luxury car / jeep 822 meters / 2,697 feet

  The main ways to travel from Katmandu to Pokhara are by bus, private car and plane as per the budget, interest and booking deal. It takes 6 to 7 hours to cross 200 kilometers distance of Prithivi Highway in between Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you prefer flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara then only takes about 25 minutes.
  Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is incredibly scenic, with breathtaking views of Himalayan mountains, waterfalls, picturesque scenery, Trishuli & Marshyangdi River. Along the way, you will pass through small towns and villages that give you a glimpse into the rural life of Nepal.
  Once you reach Pokhara, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of Annapurna range, serene Phewa Lake and beautiful Pokhara city. After checking into hotel you can take a rest or go to explore lakeside area, boating and walk around watching the reflection of mountain and sky in beautiful Phewa Lake. Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara end but memories last forever.

• Day 4 : Drive to Tatopani 1190 mrters / 3904 feet enjoy natural hot spring
• Day 5 : Drive to Kagbeni 2800 meters / 9185 feet via Deepest gorge in the world
• Day 6 : Drive to Ghiling 3570 meters / 11713 feet via Sammar, Syangboche la
• Day 7 : Drive to Tsarang 3560 meters / 11680 feet via Dhakmar
• Day 8 : Drive to Lo Manthang 3840 meters / 12598 feet via Sungda la and Lo la
• Day 9 : Drive to Chhoser 3897 m / 12785 feet visit caves and monasteries

  Today is the day to discover the secret of Lo Manthang Nepal that you’ve been waiting for. After breakfast trip starts with either horse riding, walking or jeep safari towards chhoser, garphu & kora la border. Chhosar village offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life, daily activities that the practice in upper mustang.
  Ancient monasteries like Garphu and Niphu monastery, surrounding colorful rock formations and centuries old caves in rock cliff are really impressive to see in Chhoser area. Niphu monastery is an ancient cave monastery carved into the cliffs. Travelers impressed to visiting Jhong cave, Konchok ling cave & Ritseling cave in Chhoser valley Nepal.
  After of before Chhoser we heading to kora la, a high mountain pass located in mustang district of Nepal. It is a part of ancient salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet autonomous region of china. Kora la is known for its stunning mountain views and rugged terrain.
  Afternoon we will be back to Lo Manthang and spent rest of the day visiting the city’s ancient monasteries, palace, narrow alleys, stupas and the architecture of earthen wall city. The long walls of the prayer wheels and flags provide a colorful appearance of the place. Royal palace, three ancient monasteries, Amchi school and the local way of life are the highlights of Lo Manthang exploration.
  Lo Manthang is a small town surrounded by towering mountains and arid landscapes. It is a fascinating place to explore, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty which make an epic journey into the Himalayas.

• Day 10 : Yartung festival celebration in Lo – Manthang (First Day)
• Day 11 : Yartung festival exploration and rest
• Day 12 : Drive to to Yara village 3607 m / 11834 feet explore around
• Day 13 : Drive to Chhusang village 2980 meters / 9777 feet
• Day 14 : Drive to Marpha 2,650 meters / 8694 feet via Muktinath
• Day 15 : Drive to Pokhara 822 meters / 2,697 feet via Beni and Kusma
• Day 16 : Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight or drive

  After having breakfast at the hotel, we will set off for Pokhara to Kathmandu journey by car, jeep, tourist bus or flight as per travel agreement. It is 25 minutes’ flight by plane. Pokhara Kathmandu road distance is 200 km / 124 miles; it takes 6-7 hours to reach. Road follow Marshyangdi river and Trishuli river exploring countryside and beautiful scenery of the foothills of Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu city you will check into hotel, rest, relax and explore the street of Thamel for souvenir shopping. Enjoy typical Nepali dinner party with culture show to celebrate successful journey.

• Day 17 : Airport transfer to depart Nepal

  Amazing Nepal trip completed today! Our company representative will transfer to international airport 3 hours before your flight departure.
  “Enjoy the journey! Hope to see you again soon and stay in touch.”

• Airports pick up on your arrival day by private vehicle
• Round trip drive / flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
• Pokhara to Nayapul by private vehicle (trek start point)
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 3 cups of hot drink each day on choice
• Best accommodation at tea houses during trekking period
• Professional yoga teacher during lower mustang trek
• Every day yoga and meditation course each Morning and evening
• English speaking guide service trained by government of Nepal
• Experience trekking staffs (2 guest =1 porters basic) to carry your backpack
• All necessary paperwork, trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS) and local taxes
• Jomsom to Pokhara by drive / flight on choice / situation
• Hotel accommodation in Pokhara for 2 nights before and after trek
• Travel and rescue arrangements if require

• Visa fees / international airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Hotel, Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
• Personal expenses phone calls, mineral water, bar bills, hot shower, battery recharge, extra porters & gears etc
• Tips for guides, porters (Tipping are expected but not mandatory)