Duration
12 Days
DIFFICULTY
moderate
GROUP SIZE
1-12
MAX. ALTITUDE
3920 m
Best Season
Autumn & Spring
Accomodation
Lodge
Meals
Breakfast,Lunch ,Dinner
Walking per day
4 hours
Overview
Yartung Festival Tour Nepal: A Thrilling Horse Racing Celebration in Mustang & Manang
Yartung festival tour Nepal is very popular tour for tourists who likes the competition of horse race. Yartung festival is mainly celebrated in higher elevation of Manag and Mustang districts of Nepal on 28th,29th and 30th August of 2025. The local people of Mustang and Manag districts are highly influenced by Tibetans culture, religion and tradition.
Yartung is the horse racing festival. This festival is celebrated on full moon day of the August Month of the each year. Yartung means the ends of the summer and starting of the winter. yartung festival is celebrated for 3 days. During festival people make competition of horse race and enjoy with drinking alcohol and dancing with their own music and melody. But the most attractive celebration of the 3 days festival is horse race. There is competition between women and men or the horse race contest between women and men. Yartung festival is observe by the Local king, Lamas and local people of their.
This festival belongs with Buddhist religion on well harvesting the crops and had stored food grains at home. They are happy with Bodhisattvas for well harvesting crops and celebrated festival a respectful dedication on him.
The days of the yartung festival is declared by the Lama and yartung festival lies on the full moon day of the August month.
Outline Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary (12 Days)
Total Cost: $2,550
Discounted Price (25% off): $1,912
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Airport pickup and hotel transfer
Rest at hotel
Day 2: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Obtain Upper Mustang permit (from 10 AM)
Late afternoon flight to Pokhara
Evening walk around Phewa Lake & dinner by the lake
Day 3: Pokhara – Jomsom (Jeep)
Drive to Jomsom (~5 hrs)
Lunch stop & optional hot spring bath at Tatopani
Overnight in Jomsom
Day 4: Jomsom – Ghilling (Jeep + Short Trek)
Visit Kagbeni (permit check & brief tour)
Drive to Syanbochen, visit Chungshi cave (Padmasambhava site)
Trek ~2 hrs to Ghilling
Overnight in Ghilling
Day 5: Ghilling – Lo Manthang
Visit Thrangu Tashi Choling Gompa (monastery)
Trek ~4 hrs to Ghami
Lunch & visit Ghar Gumba (monastery)
Drive to Lo Manthang (~2.5 hrs)
Evening monastery visit
Day 6: Explore Lo Manthang + Yartung Festival
Morning visit: Royal Palace, Monasteries, Buddhist school
Afternoon: Explore Yartung Festival
Day 7: Choser Village Visit + Festival
Visit Jhong Cave & monasteries in Choser
Observe Yartung festivities
Day 8: Visit Thingar Village + Final Day of Festival
Morning visit: Thingar village & monastic schools
Afternoon: Final celebration of Yartung Festival
Day 9: Lo Manthang – Jomsom
Drive back with stop at Tsarang Monastery
Overnight in Jomsom
Day 10: Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu
Early morning flight to Pokhara (6:40 AM)
Breakfast & lakeside walk or boating
Afternoon flight to Kathmandu
Evening farewell dinner with Nepali dance
Day 11: Rest Day in Kathmandu
Day 12: Departure: Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport
Inclusions:
✔ All airport transfers
✔ Domestic flights & airport taxes (Kathmandu–Pokhara–Jomsom–return)
✔ Private jeep travel as per itinerary
✔ Special Upper Mustang permit ($500 included)
✔ Accommodation & all meals (B/L/D)
✔ Trekking guide, porters, and staff insurance
✔ Kathmandu sightseeing as per itinerary
Exclusions:
✖ International flights & visa fees
✖ Travel insurance & personal medical costs
✖ Drinks, personal gear, and tips
✖ Emergency evacuation (helicopter, etc.)
For further information or inquiries:
Mobile/WhatsApp: +977 9851089399 (Tara DC)
Email: info@nepalmtlovers.com
Website: www.nepalmtlovers.com
Email: nepalmountaininbox@gmail.com
Reservations are now open for the Yartung Festival 2025!
On the 28th, 29th, and 30th of August 2025, a grand celebration of the Yartung Festival will take place in Nepal.
Make your bookings promptly.
Enjoy significant savings.
We are providing a substantial discount.
The total cost is US$ 2550.00 per person for the complete trip.
Discount: 25%
Discounted price: US$ 1912.00 per person for the entire journey. The price remains negotiable for individuals and groups; please reach out to us with your offer.
Mr. Tara, a cultural expert, will be leading the group.
Detail information of the Yartung Festival in Upper Mustang, Nepal, is a vibrant, culturally rich celebration held by the Lopa (or Lo-pa) people, especially in Lo Manthang and other villages in the region. It is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions and marks the end of summer and the beginning of the harvesting season.
Yartung Festival – Upper Mustang, Nepal
Time of Celebration
Held annually in August (usually around full moon of August, which is the 15th day of the sixth lunar month in the Tibetan calendar)
Lasts for 3 to 4 days
The dates vary based on the Tibetan lunar calendar
Where It’s Celebrated
Lo Manthang – the ancient walled capital of Upper Mustang
Also celebrated in nearby villages like Chhoser, Dhakmar, and Tsarang
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
“Yartung” translates roughly to “End of Summer” – it is both a harvest festival and a religious event.
Held to honor the local kings, Buddhist deities, and community elders
Involves ritual purification, offerings, and thanksgiving for a good season
A time for social unity, matchmaking, and community pride
Key Features of the Festival
1. Horse Racing
Most iconic part of the festival
Locals, especially young men, participate in high-speed horse races
Riders dress in traditional attire, often wearing colorful Tibetan robes and ornaments
The King of Lo Manthang (if present) traditionally initiates the races
2. Traditional Dances and Music
Folk dances are performed by both men and women in traditional Lopa dress
Cham dances (sacred Buddhist mask dances) may be performed by monks
Accompanied by long horns, cymbals, and drums
3. Archery and Games
Archery contests are common and highly competitive
Tug-of-war, stone throwing, and other traditional games may be part of village festivities
4. Monastic Ceremonies
Lamas (monks) perform rituals and chant prayers at local Buddhist monasteries (Gompas)
People visit monasteries for blessings, offer butter lamps, and take part in religious discourses
5. Feasting and Social Gathering
Families prepare special dishes and drinks (e.g. butter tea, chhaang, tsampa)
Visitors are warmly welcomed into homes and guesthouses
Traditional Attire
Men wear long-sleeved Tibetan-style robes (called chuba), boots, and traditional hats
Women wear colorful dresses, often with turquoise and coral jewelry
Horse riders may wear ceremonial sashes and decorate horses with bells and ornaments
How the Yartung festival is celebrated?
Yartung festival usually takes place during full moon in August Month of the year.This festival is celebrated in Manang,Muktinath and Lo-Manthang.
Yartung festival is celebrated with different focus each day.
Day 1-Celebrated by monks with Prayers,music and blessings.
Day 2-Local men race horses and drink local wine,sing and dance.
Day 3-Dedicated to woman,who dress in clourful traditional clothes and participate in cultural programs and late afternoon final blessing to ens the yartung festival.
Yartung as a Tourism Highlight:
- A unique window into Mustang’s Tibetan-influenced culture.
- Tourists and trekkers often plan trips to coincide with the festival.
- Offers opportunities for photography, cultural immersion, and local homestay experiences.
Getting There:
Trekking is the most popular way to reach Lo Manthang.
A special permit is required to enter Upper Mustang price US$ 500.00 per person.
Access is via:
Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
Then overland (by jeep or trekking) to Lo Manthang
Yartung Festival 2025 (Expected Dates)
The festival usually falls on the full moon of August. In 2025, it’s expected to take place around August 28-30, which is decided on the basis of Tibetan lunar calendar followed by the local monasteries.
The Yartung festival is a Culturally Important event:
Yartung festival is not just entertainment. It is a way of preserving Himalayan culture, strengthening community bonds, and passing traditions to the younger generation. It brings together people from different villages, including tourists, making it celebration of heritage and identity.
Yartung festival detail itinerary in Upper mustang Nepal
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Day 1 :
Pick up from airport and transfer to Hotel.
Rest in Hotel.
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Day 2 :
Obtain permit and late afternoon fly to Pokhara
The government office of Nepal opens at 10 AM and issues the special permit required for Upper Mustang. It takes approximately one hour to obtain the special permit for Upper Mustang. In the late afternoon, you will fly to Pokhara and spend the night in a lovely hotel near Phewa Lake. In the evening, you will stroll around Phewa Lake, and dinner will be served at a charming garden restaurant with views of Phewa Lake.
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Day 3 :
After breakfast at 8:30 am derive to Jomsom with private jeep.
In the morning, breakfast will be served at seven o’clock, and you will prepare your backpack. At 8:30 AM, you will depart from Pokhara and travel to Jomsom by Jeep. The journey to Jomsom takes approximately five hours, where you will spend the night. A lunch break will be taken at Tatopani after three hours of driving. In Tatopani, there is a natural hot water spring; if you wish, you may enjoy a hot bath. After lunch, you will continue your journey to Jomsom. During the drive, you will encounter beautiful waterfalls and gardens of apples and apricots.
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Day 4 :
After breakfast start your journey at 8 Am with a jeep.
Today, following breakfast at 8 am, your journey to Upper Mustang will commence. Kagbeni serves as the boundary between Upper and Lower Mustang. You will take a brief pause at Kagbeni to present your permit. Simultaneously, you will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings of Kagbeni. This location is where two rivers converge and holds significant importance as a junction for both Hindu and Buddhist communities. The descendants of the deceased offer food to their ancestors. After a two-hour Jeep ride, you will reach Syanbochen, where you will take a lunch break. You will simply place your lunch order and then hike for approximately 20 minutes to visit the Chungshi cave. Within the Chungshi cave, numerous Buddhist monuments associated with Padmasambhava can be found. Padmasambhava was the Guru Rinpoche who introduced Buddhism in Tibet in 7th century. After your visit to the Chungshi cave, you will return to the hotel for lunch. Following your meal, you will begin your trek. After trekking for about two hours, you will arrive at Ghilling, where you will spend the night.
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Day 5 :
After breakfast visit beautiful monastery in Ghilling village and start trekking.
After breakfast, you will visit the beautiful monastery known as Thrangu Tashi Choling Gompa, which dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries and aligns with the Sakya and Nyingma traditions. It is one of the most significant monasteries in Ghiling village, after which you will commence your trek. Today, you will trek for approximately four hours and arrive in Ghami, where you will take a lunch break. Ghami serves as a junction point, and from here, the trekking trail diverges. If you head northeast, the trekking route leads to Tsharang (Charang), while the northwest path leads to Dhakmar. In Dhakmar, you will visit Ghar Gumba, which is one of the most important sightseeing spots on the Upper Mustang trek. After lunch, you will travel by jeep to Lo Manthang, which will take about two and a half hours. Along the way, you will visit the beautiful Ghargumba. You will stay overnight in Lo Manthang, a place you have always dreamed of visiting. In the evening, you can visit the monastery where the lamas are praying, as it is part of their daily ritual in the morning and evening.
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Day 6 :
In the morning you will visit Royal palace, Monasteries, and Lomanthang village and at after noon explore Yartung festival.
In the morning you will visit some monastery and can join in preying and meditation. Then come back to hotel and have breakfast. After breakfast it will start your sightseeing and visit Royal palace, Monasteries,Buddhist school for children and whole Lo Manthang village.Then you will come back to Hotel and have Lunch.At noon you will explore Yartung festival.
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Day 7 :
After breakfast derive to Choser village to see Jhong cave & during day observe Yartung festival.
In the morning, you will visit a monastery where you can participate in prayer and meditation. Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast, your sightseeing will commence with a visit to the Royal Palace, various monasteries, a Buddhist school for children, and the entire Lo Manthang village. Subsequently, you will return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, you will explore the Yartung festival.
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Day 8 :
After breakfast visit Thingar village including monasteries & at afternoon observe Yartung festival.
After having breakfast, proceed to Thingar village. Thingar village is home to numerous monasteries and schools. Children over the age of 6 from remote areas of Nepal are brought there to learn about Buddhism. Simultaneously, they also study other subjects that are part of the curriculum in government schools of Nepal. Following your visit to Thingar village, return to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, take the opportunity to explore the Yartung festival, as today marks the final day of the celebration.
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Day 9 :
After breakfast you will drive back to Jomsom.On the way visit Tsarang Monastery.
Today marks the final day of the Upper Mustang tour. Following breakfast, you will commence your journey back to Jomsom. During the drive back, you will have the opportunity to visit Tsarang monastery. The drive to Jomsom will take approximately 5 hours.
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Day 10 :
In the morning at 6:40 Am you will fly back to Pokhara and at late afternoon fly back to Kathmandu.
In the morning at 6:40 am, you will return to Pokhara by flight and enjoy breakfast at a lovely garden restaurant near Phewa Lake. You may explore the lakeside or go boating on Phewa Lake. After lunch, we will drive to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali dance will be provided.
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Day 11 :
Rest in Kathmandu.
Rest in Kathmandu
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Day 12 :
After breakfast transfer to kathmandu international airport.
After breakfast transfer to Kathmandu international airport and fly back to onward destination.
From: $1,912
Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop transport as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation and three meals ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) per day in Kathmandu and during the trekking
- Trekking guide and porters (Cook and sardar in the case of camping trek)
- National parks’ fees and government royalties Including special permit US$ 500.00 per person.
- Domestic air ticket and airport tax for tourists and guides as mentioned in the itinerary ( Kathmandu-Pokhara and Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu).
- Private jeep from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Lo-Manthang and back to Jomsom including sightseeing in Lo-Manthang.
- Insurance of our trekking staff members
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley or other parts of Nepal as mentioned in the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- International air ticket, airport tax and Nepal visa fees
- All kinds of drink during trekking and travel stay with us
- Travel insurance and cost of medical services of tourists
- All kinds of cloth and personal trekking equipment
- Other personal expenses and tips
- Charted helicopter, plane and other transports in case of emergency
Talk with a travel expert with more than a decade of experience and plan your adventure.
Gear List
- Backpack (50 liters) with outside pockets to keep smaller items
- Trekking boots, well broken in and waterproofed. Gaiters to keep snow out of boots
- Woolen sweaters and down jacket, gloves, wind proof outer garments, pants jacket, skirts, T-shirts, shirts, baggy pants and underwear
- Several pairs of woolen and few pairs of nylon socks. A pair of sandals
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperatures encountered
- Hat with wide brim and sun lotion cream
- One liter water bottle and some food for contingencies
- Repair and medical kit
- Head lamp with spare lithium batteries and bulbs
- Handkerchief and toiletries
- Verified phone number of your Embassy, consulate ,trekking agency and private phone number of your director
- Pen, pencils and letterhead to write an emergency message
- Pocket knife with opener and scissors
- Sunglasses with spare eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them
- Umbrella and rain coat
- Camera
SUPPORT
Important Information Before Your Trip to Nepal
Payment: Down payment: 15% of total payment is required to confirm the reservation.
Payment of the Balance: Rest amount can be paid in our office after your arrival.
Arrival Point: You will be met at the Kathmandu international airport. Our office representative will be waiting for you holding play card of the Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition. In case of your change plan, please let us inform.
Booking Air Ticket: If you don’t have regular travel agent, please visit makemytrip.com, www.kayak.com, www.vayama.com. They offer you very good price.
Room System: Normally we have two people in a room. Twin bed or single bed depends on the choice of guests and budget. If tourists want single room, s/he should pay single supplementary.
Trekking Leading Person: Our trekking guide will lead the whole trip with his/her helpers and porters.
Currencies: USD, AUD, EURO are major acceptable currencies in Nepal and visa and credit cards also accepted. There is ATM facility in city area.
Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness will start from 3000 meter height. Trekkers should immediately inform trekking guide if faced any problems.
Drinking Water: We can get mineral water and boiled water in city area and in some trekking places. We use water purification tablet or liquid in some remote trekking sites.
Laundry Facility: Laundry facility are available in city area but not during the trekking.
Visa: You can get arrival visa at Kathmandu airport that cost 25 USD for 15 days and 40 USD for 30 days. Please bring 2 passport size photos. You can get your visa from the closest Nepali embassy.
Orientation Program: Before starting trekking, trekkers are provided with an orientation by our office representative or trekking guide about the necessary trekking information.
Group Size: There will be maximum 12 persons in one group.
Accommodation: You will stay in a nice tourist standard hotel/resort in city areas. Normal hotels or tents are available during the trekking.
Foods: We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner. Tourists can get continental food both in city and trekking places. Food during the trekking might not meet the standard of your country.
View of Mount Everest: Trekkers to Everest region will of course see the Mount Everest. For trekkers visiting other regions where they cannot view Mount Everest, there are daily mountain flights which approach close to Mount Everest.
Travel Insurance: It is compulsory to have travel insurance.
Personal Expenses: It depends on your spending interest and shopping. There are some expensive handmade carpets, Thanka paintings, jewelries and handicrafts to purchase in Nepal.
Luggage: We take only about 10kg per person in trekking. Your excess baggage will be stored in a hotel.
Tips: Tips are highly accepted and appreciated.
Rules and Regulation
Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition accepts your reservation under the following rules and regulations.
1. If the balance payment is not paid before your departure for trekking, the booking will be cancelled without any refund.
2. If there is war or the situation of the country is out of control and the country faces emergency situation before your arrival to Nepal, we inform you not to come Nepal and refund your payment. But in case of any emergency situation or war after your arrival or during the trekking, we will not refund your money. But we will try our best to make your trip successful and pleasant. In such situation, we may need to change the trip plan and itinerary.
3. In case of increase in government royalty and other costs such as the national park fee, you have to pay extra money.
4. If you commit any illegal act or disturbance for the safety and welfare of the group, our leader or guide can ask to leave the group without any right to refund.
5. If you have any complain with regards to trekking and tour please inform our tour leader or company. All kinds of valid complain are welcomed and processed with necessary actions.
6.You are responsible to ensure that all travel documents are with you during the entire trip.
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