Upper Mustang Tours & Travels

About Yartung Festival in Muktinath

Yartung Festival is not only the horse race but also an expression of the Himalayan people’s love for their culture and tradition. During the festival time people of Manang, Mustang and Dolpo come together to celebrate their heritage, enjoy the festivities, and pray for a better future.

The main attraction of the Yartung Festival tour is the horse race, which takes place on the second day of the festival. The race is not only a competition between the riders and horses, but it is also a display of the riders’ skills and the strength and stamina of their horses.

The riders dress up in traditional attire, the horses are adorned with colorful ribbons and ornaments. The race is a sight to behold as the horses run at full speed along the steep and rugged terrains of the Himalayas. The festival is an opportunity for the locals to showcase their cultural traditions and to celebrate the spirit of unity and harmony.

• Participate or enjoy horse racing in open fields where riders display their skills in riding & controlling their horses.
• Witness the Yartung festival in Muktinath a vibrant celebration of rich cultural heritage of Himalaya region.
• Participate or enjoy archery competitions that also organized during Yartung festival in Muktinath.
• Observe the prayer by monks before festival to bless the people & seek protection from evil spirits.
• Enjoy the traditional music and dance performances by local wearing colorful clothes and masks.
• Take a taste of traditional food items and local drinks that are important part of Yartung Mela.
• Discover Monasteries, Chortens, Mani walls, prayer flags, people and culture of mustang Nepal.
• Visit Muktinath temple, Kagbeni, Marpha villages & many peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.

• Day 1 : Arrival day in Kathmandu, Nepal

  Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, one of our officials will greet you and transfer to hotel by private vehicle. At the hotel, representative will brief you about program and plan. You can spend rest of the time at your leisure or explore the bustling city of Kathmandu.

  Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4593 feet.

• Day 2 : Drive / Flight to Pokhara 820 meters / 2690 feet by luxury car / jeep/ plane

  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 3 : Drive / flight to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni 2800 meters / 9186 feet via

  The fastest way to reach Jomsom from Pokhara is to take a flight. Pokhara to Jomsom flight is known for its scenic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of Himalayas. It takes 25 minutes to reach by flight and total weight allowed for baggage is 15 kg per person.
  Due to frequently changing weather of Jomsom, flights can be delayed or cancelled at short notice. In this way, it is highly recommended to use road transportation instead of flight to make safe and sure journey.
  Safe, sure and easiest way to reach Kagbeni from Pokhara is by road via Jomsom. It is 182 km / 113 miles and takes about 6/7 hours to reach. Road pass along Kali Gandaki river valley observing beautiful mountain scenery and countryside, deepest gorge in the world etc. We arrange flight or jeep as per weather condition, needs and agreement.
  From jomsom we can take a jeep or walk to reach Kagbeni village. The road is rugged and bumpy, but the views are breathtaking. If you choose to walk, the trail is mostly flat and easy to follow along Kali Gandaki River. It takes around 3-4 hours, depend on your pace.
  Kagbeni is a small village situated at the edge of lower and Upper Mustang Nepal. It is famous for its religious point of view (pilgrimage), traditional houses, narrow alleys, and ancient monasteries. Pokhara to Jomsom to Kagbeni journey is sure to leave a lasting impression.

• Day 4 : Drive to Muktinath in Mustang Nepal 3760 meters / 12336 feet
• Day 5 : Yartung celebration with local (first day)
• Day 6 : Yartung celebration with local (Second day)
• Day 7 : Morning Muktinath Darshan then drive to Jomsom 2720 meters / 8924 feet

  Muktinath to Jomsom journey begin after Muktinath temple exploration at Ranipauwa village in mustang. The distance from Muktinath to Jomsom is about 21 kilometers and possible to go by driving or walking as per preferences. It takes about 1 hour by driving and 5 to 6 hours by walking depend on your pace.
  Trail descent from Muktinath towards the Kali Gandaki river crossing Jharkot, Khingar, Kagbeni and Ekle Bhatti villages in Annapurna region of Nepal. This is quite popular route offer stunning views of unique landscape, mountains, including Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and more. Jomsom is famous for its apple orchards and strong winds that blow through Kali Gandaki valley.
  After crossing suspension bridges over Kali Gandaki river, ultimately you reach Jomsom, check in hotel either rest, relax or explore around city, museum, apple orchards and interact with local etc. Muktinath to Jomsom trip is an incredible experience in Kali Gandaki valley where you witness the beauty of lower mustang closely.

• Day 8 : Drive / flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

  Today is the day to say goodbye to Mustang, early in the morning, we will take a flight to Pokhara. Jomsom to Pokhara flight is a popular domestic route of Nepal. Plane passes through a gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, offers stunning view of snow-capped mountains and valleys below. Once you arrive in Pokhara, there are plenty of places to see and things to do. You can spend rest of the day in leisure or walk around the streets of lake city, souvenir shopping, boating in Phewa lake and experience nightlife in Pokhara etc.
  The weather of Jomsom change in no time that affect Pokhara flight frequently. If the weather is not fine, we’ll arrange jeep to drive back to Pokhara. We request you to plan some buffer time for this possibility and be flexible to use alternative ways of transportation like jeep or helicopter.
  Jomsom Pokhara travel by jeep is a great way to explore the beautiful scenery, countryside, waterfalls, people and culture of Nepal, the memories will remain forever.

• Day 9 : Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight or drive

  After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu, a scenic drive takes around 6-7 hours to reach by jeep, car or tourist bus and 25 minute by flight as per deal. On the way back to Kathmandu by drive along the Marshyangdi and Trishuli river seeing the sight of countryside and beautiful high mountains and greenery around. Upon arrival in Kathmandu valley, you’ll check into hotel, use free time to take rest, relax and explore around Thamel for souvenir shopping and relaxation. Enjoy farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of trip.

• Day 10 : 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 Jomsom flight / by private vehicle to Muktinath
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 3 cups of hot drink each day on choice
• Best accommodation at tea houses during tour period
• Professional yoga teacher during Yartung Festival 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 / weather condition
• Hotel accommodation in Pokhara for 2 nights before and after trip
• 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)