Yartung Festival trek is a fabulous journey into the Himalayan cultural kingdom of Mustang in Nepal. Tucked away in the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, Upper Mustang is a land of ancient Tibetan culture, dramatic desert landscapes, and centuries-old monasteries. Once a restricted kingdom, this remote region now welcomes travelers seeking adventure without the rigors of high-altitude trekking. The Yartung Festival is one of the most vibrant summer celebrations in Nepal’s Mustang region, observed in villages across both Lower and Upper Mustang. In Lower Mustang, festivities take place in settlements such as Muktinath, Khinga, Tetang, and Phelak. In Upper Mustang, the celebrations in Tsarang and Lo Manthang hold particular cultural significance, with each community observing the festival according to its own dates and traditions.
Etymologically, Yar translates as “summer,” while Tung means “end.” Thus, Yartung signifies a festival that bids farewell to summer. Far more than a seasonal celebration, Yartung is a rich tapestry of social, cultural, religious, and ecological traditions in Lo Manthang, the historic and once-forbidden kingdom of the Nepalese Himalayas. Held annually in August, the festival unfolds over three vibrant days filled with sacred rituals, traditional performances, communal gatherings, horse racing, and other community activities.
The Yartung Festival trip is a hybrid adventure that combines flights, scenic jeep journeys, and trekking through the spectacular landscapes of the Upper Mustang region. The journey begins with a morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a scenic drive to Marpha. From Marpha, you will continue by jeep towards Chhusang, where the trekking portion of the journey begins. From Chhusang, the trek takes you through Samar, Syangboche, and Ghiling. You will then continue trekking to Ghami, Dakmar, and Tsarang, experiencing the distinctive landscapes, villages, monasteries, and cultural heritage of Upper Mustang along the way.
From Tsarang, the trail continues towards Yara/Ghara and eventually to Lomanthang, the historic walled city and cultural heart of Upper Mustang.
In Lomanthang, you will have the opportunity to experience the vibrant three-day Yartung Festival, one of the most important traditional festivals of the region. The festival offers a unique insight into the cultural traditions, horsemanship, music, rituals, and community life of Upper Mustang. Following the festival, you will spend a day exploring Chhosyar and the surrounding areas, visiting its remarkable landscapes, villages, caves, and cultural sites. Finally, you will drive back towards Lete and continue to Pokhara, from where you will take a flight back to Kathmandu, bringing this memorable journey through Upper Mustang to an end.
