Important Information

Region
Mustang Region Treks
Duration
18 Days
Max Altitude 4200 Meters
Best Season Spring, Summer & Autumn
Activity Per Day
4-5 Hours Walk
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 12 people
Transportation Bus/Flight/Jeep

Upcoming Yartong will be celebrated on the 8th 9th and 10th of September of year 2024 .”

Yartung is a Tibetan word that means (Yar=summer) and (Tung=let it). Mid of summer is considered the best season in Upper Mustang where the people get free from their normal agricultural task and they utilize the free time for celebration. The entire youngsters gathered with their friends and go for a picnic where the weather is fine and greenery surrounds the villages. Yartung is not only horse riding but it is also about the feast of drinking Chang (local wine from wheat), dancing, singing, and racing their sturdy Tibetan ponies.

The celebration begins by a short ceremony inside the walled city. Then, for three days (first day for men, second for women, and third for monks) they ride their horses from the town’s gate towards the east and spend the day on the fields eating, drinking, and entertaining each other’s with traditional Loba (people of Lo), Tibetan songs and dances under a tent. Each member of a family has to participate in this festival. In the late afternoon, the riders race the horses but also perform feats of skill across the fields straight to the village. Here, the town folks watch as the riders’ race begins. While riding at full speed, they scoop up Tibetan blessing scarves from the ground or throw rocks at stationary targets. The riders will hang from the horse, one leg hooked on the saddle, the other dragging the ground, with both arms stretched out or waving.

The Yartung (Horse Racing) Festival will provide you an opportunity to take part in festivities with the local people of Mustang. People come out in the finest local dress to enjoy the races.  If we are fortunate we will have a chance to join the Prince of Lo King and his friends for the races. There will be plenty of activities like dancing, horse racing, celebrations, singing, gambling and a good time by all. The August full moon day is marked for the horse festival, locally known as Yartung. 

Are you looking for local traavel agency to organize your Yartung Festival Trip to Upper Mustang in the year 2024?
Here we are. We have been organizing this trip since many years. The date for Yartung Festival 2024 is already updated. The festival will be celebrated on the English dates of 8th, 9th, and 10th September of 2024. 

Upper Mustang Yartong (Horse racing) festival with Himalayan Wander Walkers is designed to explore and observe the unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the remote and mysterious land of Upper Mustang – Lo Manthang. Best Time to do Upper Mustang Trek. The trekking season in Nepal is in spring and autumn whereas if you are thinking to get in Upper Mustang; the Summer season is the best because the Mustang region is the desert of Nepal so this part is not affected by the rain. We organize trekking for Upper Mustang in the following seasons with tailor-made itineraries.

  • Summer: August and September.

If you are looking for a different itinerary than the itinerary here please Customize Your Trip 

Highlights of Yartung Festival of Mustang

  1. Explore the 12th-century old living culture of  Lo-people in Upper-mustang
  2. Participate in the local celebration of horse riding, local dance, and songs, and feel a unique culture.
  3. Witness a Tibetan-derived culture with a unique landscape
  4. Explore the centuries-old stones Mani wall and Monasteries

“Come and enjoy the Kentucky Derby of Mustang, so-called Yartung. 

Outline Itinerary ( 18 Days )

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and welcome assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel, rest at the hotel, and briefing about the trip.
Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 2

Upper Mustang Permit preparation

After breakfast meet Guide and porters and briefing about the trek from our team members.
Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 3

Kathmandu to Pokhara Drive

Morning 6:30 guide will be in your hotel to take you to the tourist bus station to drive Pokhara at 7 am. Driving 210km will take around 7 to 8 hours. Pokhara is the second biggest city or valley of Nepal and one of the best tourist destinations of Nepal as well. After reaching in Pokhara at afternoon, you will visit the Phewa Lake.
Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 4

Transfer to airport, fly to Jomsom (2,743m) and trek to Lubrak (2,900m) (2hours)

Early morning, we have a flight from Pokhara Airport to Jomsom. This scenic adventurous flight takes about 18-25 minutes passing through the world’s deepest George, presenting spectacular mountain views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges, and Fishtail with several famous peaks within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri area from its both sides.  Jomsom is the beginning point of our trek. After landing here we will have breakfast and start our trek towards Lubrak village, only Bon village in Mustang which takes about 2 or 2 and a half hours walk located next to Panda Khola. We can enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche peak while walking in the opposite direction.
Overnight at the tea house.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 5

Drive from Lubra/ Lubrak to Samar and Trek to Sangbochen (3,800m) through Chungshi Rangjung gompa

Today after your breakfast you will drive to Samar village and start your trek to Sangmocehn through Chungshi Cave Monastery. On the way by jeep, we stop at Kagbeni for a permit check. during that time you can visit the old town and monasteries nearby.  About two to three hours from Samar crossing a Pass, we will reach close to the river. We leave our baggage on the bottom of the staircase and walk up through the steps to Chungshi Rangchung Gonpa (sacred cave monastery). Buddhist well-known Tantric master, Padmasambhava meditated here centuries ago. Inside the cave monastery, you will see spontaneous stone statues of Awalokeshwor (Chenresig), Tara, and prayer beads. The trail goes through green bushes and soon the valley broadens out and we can see walls built in front of caves which are temporary homes for the goats and sheepherders. Sometimes it is possible to see rabbits and the rare blue sheep in this area. After paying homage to Guru rinpoche we will continue our trek to Sangmochen which takes 2 hours through a gentle climb with an open wide trail.  
Overnight at Lodge/Guesthouse.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 6

Trek from Shyangmochen to Dhakmar (3450m), 6-7 Hours

Today we will trek to Ghami village. Trek duration will be 5-6 hours. After breakfast at Syangboche, we climb gently to a small pass with extraordinary views of the soaring peak of Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Annapurna on the south. After 30- 40 minutes of the walk leads you to Tama Gaon village and continue till Zete, a single teahouse at the bottom of Nyi La (3,950m). Climbing up Nyi la looks easy from distance but it’s really exhausting with a short ascent pass. The path descends gradually towards the Ghami La pass and on the way, we see a rundown, Ghami village surrounded by the field, Nepal's longest Mani wall, and partial red cliffs of Dhakmar. Afternoon your lunch at Ghami you will trek to Dhakmar (red clip village) via next to the longest Mani Wall.  
Overnight at Teahouse.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 7

Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang 3840m/6-7 hours via Ghar Gompa and Marang-La Pass.

After leaving Dhakmar village we climb up the yellow canyon to Mui La (4170m). After 45 minutes of walking from Mui la, we will reach the Lo-Gyakar Gompa –Oldest Buddhist monastery in the world. There we will have lunch. As usual, we start our trek Lo Manthang after lunch via Chogo La (4280 m). The trek will be 4-5 hours. At first, the trek will be a long climb to Lungri La at 4070m. After crossing the Lungri la we will walk through a small valley of Marmot spot and finally after a gentle climb will reach Chogo La. From Chogo la we will have a view towards the borderline of Nepal and china were once used to be Tibet. After descending toward lo Manthang we will see Yaks on the way if the summer nomadic camps are still there. The evening will be time to walk around the city.
Overnight at Teahouse.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 8

Trek from Thingkar village and visit Monastry and Caves in Chosar. Stay in Chosar. There are many things to do in Chosar.

Today after our breakfast we will hike to Chosar via Thingkar village. We will explore Chosar valley where we will see old caves, monasteries, and traditional cave houses. 
Overnight at Lodge/Guesthouse.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 9

Morning hike to Kuncholing (an amazing landscape) and after lunch return back to Lo Manthang.

Today we will hike to Koncholing the most amazing landscape in the upper mustang. And return back to Chosar and lunch. Afternoon we will hike to Lo-Manthang. Today we will visit the three main monasteries of Lo-Manthang.
Overnight at Lodge/Guesthouse.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 10

Explore Lo – Manthang (Yartung First Day)

Today is an easy day to explore the Lo – Manthang. Inside the Lomanthang there is three big and historic monastery and the royal palace of the mustang king. You will explore monasteries and villages on this day. The afternoon will be a time to witness the local tradition of racing horses and the audience gathered right behind the chode Monastery. In this event, horse riders compete to grab a Khata (silk scarf) from the ground while still riding the charging horse. 
Overnight at Lodge/Guesthouse.
Meal = (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 11

Second Day Yartung festival and Relax

Overnight at Lodge/Guesthouse.
Meal = (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 12

Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara (3650m)

From Lo-Manthang the trail walks straight till Dhi pass 4100 m and descends down to Dhee village. So, the whole trekking will be 7-8 hours including lunch and break times. The trekking will be more rewarding and interesting than the west side of the valley. Dhi village is one of the best villages of the whole Lo-Manthang and it seems more prosperous and settled in a very suitable place. After having lunch in Dhee village we will trek to Yara.
Overnight at Lodge/Guesthouse.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 13

Visit Luri Gompa and Trek from Yara to Charang (3620 m)

In the morning you will hike to Luri Gompa via Ghara village. After visiting Luri Gonpa, we will return to Yara from Tashi Kabung Chorten, a precious Buddhist stupa. Locals believe that there are 108 Kabung (Stupa) and only a few of them are discovered. After reaching back to the tea house you will trek to Charang via Yara and Dhee Gaun. From Yara you will retrace back to Surkhang and then walk beside the Kali Gandaki River until you reach the temporary tea shop below the Charang village where you will have lunch. From there you will climb the gentle hill and reach Charang village. After arrival at tea house you will drop your bags in your room and walk around the village by visiting its monastery and palace.
Overnight at Lodge/Guesthouse.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 14

Drive to Jomsom (2700m)

Today after your breakfast you will drive to Jomsom and on the way, you will visit Muktinath Temple. The spiritual connection of Kali Gandaki and Muktinath Temple plays an important role for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims in Mustang. You visit the main temple after lunch and tour its surrounding. You will also admire the water spouts before paying a visit to a Buddhist monastery nearby. If we have enough time we will visit Dumba Lake which lies below the Nilgiri Himal.
Overnight at Hotel.
Meal: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 15

Fly to Pokhara. Flying duration: 30m

Fly back to Pokhara and relax in Pokhara.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 16

Drive back to Kathmandu. Driving duration: 7 to 8 hours.

After breakfast in Pokhara you will go to Tourist bus station at 7 am for Drive back to Kathmandu.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 17

Free day in Kathmandu.

Free day in Kathmandu. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing.

Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.

Day 18

Departure to the airport.

We are saying good bye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

 

Include

Airport pick up and drop off
Taxi/bus to the start and end of the trek
English-speaking government license holder trekking guide
One porter for two persons
Trekking guide’s and porter’s insurance during the trip
TIMS trekking permit
Mustang special permit USD 500
Domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and back to Pokhara
Bus fare from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu
Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jomsom
All Government and local taxes.
Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
Accommodation during the trek
All Meal during trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Exclude

Personal Expenses
Drinks except Teas
Personal trekking equipment
Travel/medical insurance
Phone calls
Emergency rescue evacuation Expenses
Photography and video charge
Internet
Monastery entry fee
International air ticket
Tips for your trekking guide & porters at the end of the trek
If you’re forced to extend your trek due to bad weather or natural disaster circumstances, we are not liable to pay any compensation or otherwise be responsible for any expenses you may incur
Anything not mentioned in the ‘includes section’

Fixed Departure Dates ( Limited Seats Available)

Trip Dates Trip Costs Actions

Important Information

CHECKLISTS

  1. Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  2. One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  3. Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  4. Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  5. MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  6. Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will  work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. The rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN NEPAL

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes Camp shoes or thongs Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket Jumper or piled jacket Hiking shorts Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella Hiking pants T-shirts or blouses Underwear Sun hat

Rucksack Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional, “normal” mats provided by Bhutanese tour operators) Water bottle Torch, batteries, and bulbs