Mustang Yartung Festival: A Cultural and Trekking Expedition in Nepal’s Hidden Kingdom

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Mustang Yartung Festival: A Cultural and Trekking Expedition in Nepal’s Hidden Kingdom

Budget

NPR 1000

Per Person

Rating

No review has been posted yet

Duration

15 Days

Trip Overview

Nestled deep in the rain-shadowed northern reaches of Nepal lies the ancient kingdom of Mustang, a remote and mystical region renowned for its Tibetan Buddhist culture, arid landscapes, and dramatic mountain vistas. Among the many vibrant cultural celebrations in Mustang, the Yartung Festival stands out as a spectacular event that combines horse racing, traditional music, dance, and community bonding. Coupled with an exhilarating trek through rugged Himalayan terrain, the Mustang Yartung Festival offers travelers a unique blend of cultural immersion and adventure.

What is the Yartung Festival?

The Yartung Festival is an annual horse racing festival held in Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. It is celebrated in the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar (usually in July or August) and marks an important social and cultural occasion for the Mustang community.

The festival features thrilling horse races on the arid plateau, accompanied by traditional music, masked dances, feasting, and communal celebrations. It’s a time when villagers from across Mustang gather to honor their equestrian skills and celebrate unity, fertility, and prosperity. The horses raced here are prized and carefully bred, reflecting Mustang’s deep connection with Tibetan culture.

Location and Community

Mustang Region: Located north of the Annapurna mountain range, Mustang is a high desert region on the Tibetan plateau, famous for its barren canyons, ancient monasteries, and well-preserved Tibetan culture.

Lo Manthang: The historic walled city of Lo Manthang sits at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) and serves as the heart of the Mustang kingdom. The population mainly consists of Tibetan Buddhists who maintain centuries-old traditions

The local community is known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, including traditional dress, language, and religious practices.

Package Highlights:

Why Choose the Mustang Yartung Festival Trek?

Cultural Authenticity: The Yartung Festival is one of the few remaining traditional horse racing events on the Tibetan plateau, offering a rare insight into Mustang’s unique heritage.
Remote and Untouched: Mustang remains one of Nepal’s most isolated regions, preserving an ancient way of life and stunning natural beauty.
Spectacular Scenery: The stark, desert-like landscapes contrasted by snow-capped Himalayan peaks make the trek visually breathtaking.
Spiritual Experience: Engage with deeply religious communities practicing Tibetan Buddhism in their most authentic form.
Adventure: The combination of trekking and festival activities offers a fulfilling and varied experience for culturally curious adventurers.

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Trip Information

Start : Kathmandu
Finish : Kathmandu
Difficulty : Moderate
Max Altitude : 3800m
Group Size :
Season :

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Cost Includes

Restricted Area Permit and local taxes
Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Jomsom-Kathmandu)
Accommodation during trekking (guesthouses and teahouses)
Full board meals during trekking and festival days
Professional English-speaking guide and porter services
Festival access and cultural briefings
Basic medical and emergency support

Estimated Cost: $2,500–$3,500 USD per person, depending on group size and service level.

International airfare
Personal trekking equipment and clothing
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Tips for guides and porters
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and drinks

Essential Info

Permits and Access

1 Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Visitors must obtain a special permit to enter Upper Mustang. The permit costs approximately $500 USD per person for 10-15 days and is issued by the Nepalese government.

2 Permits must be arranged in advance, typically through authorized trekking agencies.

3 Guides and porters are mandatory for trekking in Mustang.

Airports and Travel Logistics

1 Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu): The main international gateway.

2 Domestic Flights: From Kathmandu, travelers usually fly to Jomsom (2,700 m), the gateway to Mustang treks.

3 Trekking Route: The trek begins from Jomsom or Kagbeni and follows the Kali Gandaki valley upstream before ascending into Mustang’s desert plateau.

Extra Info

Essential Equipment and Preparation

Clothing: Layered outfits for cold mornings and warm afternoons, windproof and waterproof jackets
Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are essential due to the high altitude and intense sun
Backpack: 30-40 liters for daily essentials; porters carry main luggage
Additional Gear: Walking poles, headlamp, water bottles, basic first aid kit, camera
Fitness: Good physical condition is important due to altitude and trekking difficulty; acclimatization days are included to prevent altitude sickness

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Mr. Sonam G. Sherpa

Mr. Ang Dawa Sherpa