Yartung Festival Trek

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, receive you in a private vehicle and drive you to your hotel in Thamel Kathmandu. In the afternoon, Restricted Area Permit (RAP) arrangement via department of Immigration office in Kathmandu. Our representative will brief you on Mustang Yartung Festival trekking information.

Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading out for your next adventure. You’ll then drive to Kathmandu Airport for a scenic domestic flight to Pokhara International Airport. This short yet spectacular flight presents a stunning aerial vista of the Himalayan ranges and rolling hills of Nepal.

On a clear day, the flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara presents a breathtaking vista of the Himalayan giants, including Langtang Lirung, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and even glimpses of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Sitting on the right side of the plane provides the best window seat views of these stunning snowy mountains.

Shortly after landing at Pokhara International Airport, begin your thrilling overland journey to Kagbeni with a private jeep. Along the way, marvel at dramatic cliffs, terraced fields, and remote Himalayan villages that follows the legendary Kali Gandaki corridor. Pass the Rupse Waterfall is one of most stunning natural wonders in Nepal. As you drive through the changing scenery and mountain panoramas make it an unforgettable experience into the mystical Mustang region.

Follow toward east bank of the Kali Gandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe Village. It has a narrow alleys amongst whitewashed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, apples and wheat orchards. Continues to rise massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang Village and cross the river, continue climbing north where the Kali Gandaki follows. Cross the main river and now leaves the Kaligandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3030 meters.

Climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to pass and cairn of rock at 3540m. Its a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and the trail descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. Mount Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, descend into a large gorge into another valley field, crosses a stream, and climbs up to a ridgeline at 3,800 meters. Climbs sharply up and down over a series of passes, before the final descent to Geiling.

Gradually climb to Nyi La Pass, then descends beneath striking blue, gray, and red cliffs. Cross a steel bridge over the Tangmar Chu River to reach longest and most impressive Mani Wall in Nepal. A final gentle ascent leads to Charang, home to a majestic five story white Dzong and a vibrant red Gompa filled with statues, Thangkas, and stunning Buddha paintings.

Walk to Ghar Gumba is a serene journey through the striking landscapes, passing traditional villages, terraced fields, and gently rolling hills in Mustang. Along the way, trekkers can admire ancient monasteries, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the timeless rhythms of local life. It is relatively short but culturally rich segment provides an immersive experience into the heritage and tranquility of Upper Mustang.

Likewise, from Ghar Gumba to Lo Manthang takes you deeper into the heart of Upper Mustang, traversing dramatic arid landscapes, rugged cliffs. Along the route, trekkers encounter ancient monasteries, mani walls, vibrant local culture, and heritages. At this section, you’ll have a both visually stunning and culturally enriching, culminating in the arrival at the walled city of Lo Manthang, the cultural and spiritual center of Mustang.

Its a festival day so you’ll witness the vibrant opening ceremony of the Yartung Festival. On this opening day, celebrations include prayers and spiritual rites led by monks, traditional music and dancing, and local preparations for the upcoming competitive events that follow on the subsequent days of the festival.

On the second day, the Yartung Festival usually begins in the late morning, once the community and visitors gather at the designated open ground or racecourse. This day is the highlight of the festival and features the main horse racing events, where skilled local riders compete in traditional attire, showcasing speed, strength, and horsemanship.

Alongside the races, spectators enjoy traditional music, folk dances, and festive cheering, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere. Local families come together to socialize, share food and drinks, and celebrate the successful completion of the summer season.

Its a third and a final day of the Yartung Festival closing celebration is typically begin in the morning with community gatherings and closing rituals. This day focuses on award ceremonies for the winning riders, final horse races, and performances of traditional music and dances, allowing both locals and visitors to partake in the festive spirit.

People also engage in socializing, feasting, and exchanging blessings, marking the conclusion of the harvest season celebrations. Usually, the festival winds down by late afternoon, after which villagers return to their homes, and the ceremonial spaces are respectfully cleared.

Another day staying here presents an opportunity to explore its many remarkable sights, including the Tall Champa Lakhang (God House), the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Raja’s Palace, while enjoying panoramic views of the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding Himalayas. Beyond Lo Manthang, two other valleys are particularly worth visiting.

In the western valley of Tingkhar, travelers find the Raja’s summer palace, Kimling, Phuwa, and the Namgyal Gompa (Monastery of Victory), which is one of the newest and most active monasteries in the region. In the eastern settlement of Chhoser, visitors can explore the historic Chhoser Gompa and its ancient cave dwellings, which once formed part of a vital trade route to Lhasa via the Korala border. Accessing the centuries old caves is best done with a private jeep, as they located outside a town and require at least seven hours on foot.

Traversing to Dhakmar Village provides a scenic descent through the rough landscapes, passing through terraced fields, narrow gorges, and traditional settlements. Along the way, trekkers witness the serene rhythm of rural life, ancient mani walls, and prayer flags fluttering against the backdrop of the arid mountains.

Dhakmar itself, perched on a hillside, presents a panoramic vista of the surrounding valleys and is popular for its peaceful atmosphere and authentic local culture. At this segment of the day trip combines natural beauty with cultural immersion, making it a memorable part of the Lo Manthang journey.

From Dhakmar the way goes down to until Ghami (3,460m) the huge greenery village in Mustang where we can see the ancient monastery and stupas with. You can see the local houses here like caves. After the trail goes ascends until Nyi La pass and descends to Samar through the same route. We fix our camp to stay overnight here or we can stay at the Dhakmar lodge. And Lo Manthang to Dhakmar distance is 14 kilometers/8.70 miles and takes about 6 hours to complete.

Begins with a scenic descent toward Chhusang, following a picturesque downhill trail. From Chhusang, the path gently climbs to Tangbe, a charming village known for its whitewashed homes, narrow alleys, and apple orchards. From Samar to Kagbeni section, you’ll have a spectacular vista of the vibrant red stone cliffs. This dramatic landscape perfectly captures the raw beauty of the entire Mustang territory.

Later Lunch, walk along the old route that follow the windswept banks of the Kali Gandaki River, where rugged cliffs and the world’s deepest gorge frame your path. As you walk, you’ll witness the stark beauty of Mustang blending into the lush landscapes of lower valleys, with Himalayan peaks rising dramatically in a distance.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before taking a bus through the majestic Kali Gandaki Corridor, exploring the windy valley. If time permits, search of sacred Shaligram fossils, believed to originate from the holy Damodar Kunda.

According to Hindu mythology, these black stones represent Lord Vishnu, transformed into stone by a powerful curse from his devoted follower, Vrinda. On the return journey, take in the breathtaking scenery, with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Machhapuchhre.

It is the final day of your journey, as your guide and porters accompany you to your hotel in Pokhara. It is also the moment to express gratitude by offering tips for their dedication and hard work in making your trek comfortable. Afterward, the guide and porters will return to Kathmandu by the night tourist bus, concluding your memorable Yartung Festival tour in Upper Mustang.