Mustang Yartung Festival Trek – 14 Days
Trip Overview
Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
- Cultural Experience: Witness traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals, monks performing pujas, horse racing competitions, and local dances.
- Scenic Beauty: Explore the arid yet stunning landscapes of Upper Mustang, with its canyons, red cliffs, and views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Ancient Heritage: Visit ancient monasteries, chortens, and the walled city of Lo Manthang, the cultural hub of Mustang.
- Tibetan Influence: Immerse yourself in the Tibetan culture preserved in the region, as Mustang shares a historical and cultural link with Tibet.
The Mustang Yartung Festival Trek offers a blend of cultural immersion and scenic trekking in the mystical landscapes of the Mustang region in Nepal. The Yartung Festival is celebrated primarily in Lo Manthang and other parts of the Mustang region to mark the end of the summer and the harvesting season. It features horse racing, traditional dances, music, and rituals conducted by monks, making it an exceptional experience for trekkers and culture enthusiasts.
Best Season for Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
The Mustang Yartung Festival happens in August, when the full moon and Janai Purnima are both present. If you want to see the festival itself, late summer is the best time to make the trek. Mustang is in a rain shadow, which means that even during the monsoon, it doesn’t rain as much as it does in other parts of Nepal.
If you can’t go in August, though, the spring (April–May) and fall (September–November) seasons are great times to go trekking because the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are nice.
What Makes Mustang Yartung Festival Trek Special?
This hike is special because it combines a high-altitude adventure with a deep dive into the culture.
- The Yartung Festival is the best part. It has exciting horse races, lively dances, chanting monks, and people dressed in traditional clothes.
- The trek takes you through the dry landscapes of Mustang, which are marked by steep cliffs, flat plateaus, and monasteries that have been there for hundreds of years.
- Visiting Lo-Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang, makes the experience even better because you get to see a way of life that hasn’t changed much in hundreds of years.
How Difficult is Mustang Yartung Festival Trek?
The hike is considered to be moderate to hard. There are no technical climbing sections, but the high altitude (up to 3,800–4,000 meters), long walking hours (5–7 hours a day), and dry, windy weather in Mustang make it hard.
Trekkers should be in good shape, be able to walk on uneven ground, and be ready for basic living conditions in remote villages.
Permits Required
You need special papers to trek to Mustang during Yartung. You will need:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang, which for the first 10 days, costs $500 per person, and for each day after that, it costs $50.
- An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is also mandatory, because Mustang is in this protected area.
- Also, most travel agencies, like our Skyline Treks, will get you a TIMS card and a licensed guide. This is because trekking alone is not permitted in Upper Mustang.
Safety and Precautions
- To avoid altitude sickness, get used to the higher altitudes slowly.
- In Mustang’s dry climate, drink plenty of water and don’t drink too much alcohol.
- Bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen with you to protect yourself from the sun, which is strong at high altitudes.
- Get a government-licensed guide who has worked in the area before and knows the rules of the land.
- Get full travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and getting you out of trouble.
- Know the basics of mountain safety and always have a personal first-aid kit with you.
Training and Preparation
Preparation is key for the Mustang Yartung Festival Trek.
- Before the trip, hikers, runners, or cyclists should work on their cardiovascular fitness.
- Strength training for your legs and core will make it easier to walk long distances, and practice hikes with a loaded daypack will help your body get ready.
- Being mentally ready is just as important. Mustang is far away, and you need to be okay with staying in rustic places with few amenities and weather that can change at any time.
Mountain Views
People often call Mustang’s landscape a high-altitude desert, but the nearby peaks of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna make it look even more beautiful. The hike has great views of empty cliffs, deep gorges, and wide valleys. The colors of the landscapes change a lot at sunrise and sunset, which makes this one of the best places in Nepal to take pictures while trekking.
Altitude Sickness and Prevention
There is a chance of getting Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on this trek because the heights are close to 4,000 meters. To avoid problems, you should take your time going up, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy meals. During the acclimatization phase, don’t drink alcohol or take sleeping pills.
Be on the lookout for signs like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and tiredness. The best thing to do if they get worse is to go down right away. Diamox and other medicines may help, but you should always talk to your doctor before you go.
What to Expect During Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
You can expect a mix of cultural experiences and adventures in faraway places. Every day, you walk for 5 to 7 hours over a range of terrain, from dusty valleys to windy ridges. You can stay in simple teahouses and eat local food like dal bhat, Tibetan noodles, and momos.
There are horse races, monk blessings, traditional dances, and parties that bring the whole community together during the Yartung Festival. This trek isn’t so much about luxury as it is about experiencing nature and culture in their most basic forms.
Why Choose Skyline Treks for Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
Skyline Treks is a well-known name in Nepal’s trekking scene. They offer professionalism, safety, and local knowledge. We take care of everything, from permits to guides to transportation, so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Our guides know Mustang’s unique terrain and cultural differences very well, which helps trekkers get the most out of both the festival and the trek. Skyline Treks also offers personalized care, emergency preparedness, and ethical tourism practices that help local communities.
Things You Should Know
- The exact dates of the festival are based on the lunar calendar and are confirmed closer to the event.
- You can’t hike alone; you have to go with a licensed guide and agency.
- In remote areas, things like electricity, the internet, and hot water are not always available.
- You need cash because there are no ATMs or card machines along the trail.
- Even in the summer, nights are cold, so you need to wear warm clothes.
- Always ask before taking pictures of locals and be careful in monasteries to respect cultural norms.
Is Mustang Yartung Festival Trek for Me?
This hike is best for people who have hiked at high altitudes before and are in good shape. If you’re looking for a cultural festival with rough terrain instead of just a pretty hike, this is the place for you. But it might not be right for you if you’re a total beginner, don’t like basic housing, or have health problems that get worse at high altitudes.
Meals
The food on the trek is filling but simple. You can expect to find traditional Nepali food like dal bhat, momos, Tibetan food like thukpa and simple international food like noodles, rice, and soups. Food is harder to find than in lower trekking areas, and hygiene is very important. Only eat freshly cooked food and drink safe water.
Accommodation
You can stay in local teahouses and lodges. In bigger villages like Lo-Manthang, the facilities are nicer, but in smaller villages, they might be very basic, with shared bathrooms and not much heating. Rooms can fill up quickly during the festival, so it’s best to book ahead through your agency.
Plan Your Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
You should plan on taking about 12 to 15 days for the trek, which includes going to the festival, getting used to the altitude, and coming back. Get your permits and book with an agency months in advance, especially in August when there are a lot of festivals.
Bring enough cash for the whole trip and plan for 1–2 extra days in case of bad weather or travel delays. Make sure your insurance covers trekking at high altitudes, and get ready for the tough conditions in the Himalayas both physically and mentally.
Highlights
- Going to the lively Yartung Festival, which has horse races, dances, and parties.
- Looking around Lo-Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang.
- Hiking through Mustang’s deserts, cliffs, and caves that are thousands of years old.
- Getting to know Tibetan Buddhist traditions and monasteries through cultural immersion.
- Panoramic views of the Himalayas that are different from empty plateaus.
Why Choose Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
This trek is different from others because it lets you see one of Mustang’s most important cultural festivals while walking through a remote and restricted Himalayan kingdom.
The mix of beautiful scenery, deep spirituality, and celebrations that happen once a year makes it a truly unique experience. This trek is more than just a walk in the woods; it’s also about history, culture, and tradition. It’s an adventure that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Packing List, Gears, and Equipments
- Trekking boots that are already broken in and sandals for the lodge
- Clothes in layers (base, insulation, and outer shell)
- For cold nights, wear a warm down jacket, gloves, and a hat.
- Sleeping bag that can handle temperatures of -10°C or lower
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and trekking poles
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Water bottles that can be used again and tablets that clean water
- First-aid kit with medicine for high altitudes
- Money, permits, and copies of your passport
- A camera, a power bank, and a light travel towel
Mustang Yartung Festival Trek cost for 2025, 2026 and 2027
The cost for the Mustang Yartung Festival Trek varies depending on the number of people in the group. Here’s a breakdown:
| Number of Pax | Mustang Yartung Festival Trek Cost per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2 | $1980 |
| 3-5 | $1950 |
| 6 to 9 | $1900 |
| 9 to 15 | $1850 |
| 15+ | $1800 |
Itinerary
Kathmandu to Pokhara Drive
Start your trip with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara that takes about 6 to 7 hours. You can see terraced fields, fast-moving rivers, and the Himalayan foothills along the way. The drive is a great way to get a taste of Nepal’s different landscapes and rural life.
When we get to Pokhara, check into the hotel and spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake or walking around the lively Lakeside area. This overnight stay gets you ready for the trip to Mustang.
Drive by private Jeep from Pokhara to Jomsom (2743m)
After breakfast, take a scenic drive or jeep ride from Pokhara to Jomsom. We’ll pass through winding roads, rivers, and beautiful villages along the way. The trip gives us a wide view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and lets us see Mustang’s dry landscapes for the first time. When we get to Jomsom, which is 2,743 meters high, we check into the hotel and take some time to relax and get used to the new environment. Take in the mountain air and explore the small town before we start the trek tomorrow.
Trek to Lubrak (2900) 3-4 hours
Start the hike from Jomsom to Lubrak after breakfast. The trail goes up slowly through Mustang’s dry landscapes, passing small villages, prayer flags, and rocky cliffs. Along the way, we can see the mountains and the Kali Gandaki valley from a distance.
The hike is moderately hard and takes about 3 to 4 hours, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the unique landscape. When we get to Lubrak at 2,900 meters, we check into the teahouse or lodge and spend the evening relaxing in the peaceful mountain setting.
Lubrak Trek to Sangbochen (3,800m) through Chungshi Rangjung gompa
After breakfast, keep going from Lubrak to Sangbochen. The trail goes through the historic Chungshi Rangjung Gompa, an old monastery on a hill that gives you a taste of Mustang’s rich Tibetan Buddhist culture.
The path goes up slowly through rocky areas, dry cliffs, and small villages, giving us great views of the valleys around us. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to walk to Sangbochen, which is 3,800 meters high. When we get there, we check into the teahouse or lodge and rest up for the higher-altitude trek and the festival.
Trek from Sangboche to Dhakmar (3450m), 6-7 Hours
Start the hike from Sangboche to Dhakmar after breakfast. The trail goes down a little bit before going back up through rocky cliffs, dry riverbeds, and traditional Mustang villages. Enjoy the wide views of the dry valleys and distant Himalayan peaks along the way.
The trek takes about 6 to 7 hours and gives us a chance to see local culture, prayer flags, and monasteries hidden in the landscape. Once we get to Dhakmar, which is 3,450 meters high, we check into the lodge and relax. Take in the peaceful beauty of this remote Himalayan village.
Trek from Dhakmar to Lo-Manthang 3840m/6-7 hours via Ghar Gompa and Marang-La Pass.
After breakfast, leave Dhakmar and head toward Lo-Manthang. Along the way, we’ll pass through the historic Ghar Gompa, a monastery that gives you a taste of Mustang’s spiritual history. The trail goes up slowly to the Marang-La Pass, where we can see the valleys and dry landscapes around us from a high point.
The hike takes about 6 to 7 hours and goes over rocky trails and some sandy areas. Check into the lodge or teahouse when we get to Lo-Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. Spend the evening getting ready for the Yartung Festival by exploring the town’s narrow streets, old monasteries, and local markets.
Trek from Thingkar village and visit Monastry and Caves in Chosar. Stay in Chosar. There are many things to do in Chosar.
After breakfast, leave Dhakmar and head toward Lo-Manthang. Along the way, we’ll pass through the historic Ghar Gompa, a monastery that gives you a taste of Mustang’s spiritual history. The trail goes up slowly to the Marang-La Pass, where we can see the valleys and dry landscapes around us from a high point.
The hike takes about 6 to 7 hours and goes over rocky trails and some sandy areas. Check into the lodge or teahouse when we get to Lo-Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. Spend the evening getting ready for the Yartung Festival by exploring the town’s narrow streets, old monasteries, and local markets.
Morning hike to Kuncholing (an amazing landscape) and after lunch return back to Lo Manthang.
After breakfast, go on a morning hike to Kuncholing, a place known for its beautiful scenery, like steep cliffs, valleys that look like deserts, and views of the mountains from all sides. Take pictures, think quietly, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Mustang’s one-of-a-kind landscape.
After lunch in Lo-Manthang, take your time exploring the city’s monasteries, streets, and markets in the afternoon. If you decide to stay in Lo-Manthang for the night, you’ll have time to rest and get ready for the Yartung Festival.
Explore Lo – Manthang (Yartung First Day)
Spend the day at the Yartung Festival after having breakfast, taking in all the exciting events that happen on the first day. In the center of Lo-Manthang, you can see colorful parades, traditional dances, and community events. The town is full of music, chanting, and the excitement of people getting ready for the main events of the festival.
This is also a great chance to talk to the locals, see how they live, and learn about the unique culture of Upper Mustang. In the evening, go back to the lodge or teahouse for a good night’s sleep.
Second Day Yartung festival and Relax
After breakfast, go to Lo-Manthang for the second day of the Yartung Festival. You can watch or take part in horse races, traditional dances, and other cultural events that honor the community and its traditions.
You can also relax and explore the town at your own pace on this day. You can go back to monasteries, visit local shops, or enjoy the views of Lo-Manthangfrom all around. At night, go back to the lodge or teahouse to spend the night, thinking about all the great cultural things you saw at the festival.
Third Day Festival and Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara (3650m)
After breakfast, join in the third day of the Yartung Festival in Lo-Manthang, where you can see the last celebrations, traditional dances, and community ceremonies. After the morning celebrations, start your trek to Yara. The path will take us through dry landscapes, small villages, and trails with prayer flags on them.
The hike to Yara, which is 3,650 meters high, takes a few hours and has beautiful views of the valleys and mountains around it. When we get there, check into the teahouse or lodge and relax while you think about how rich the festival is in culture and how beautiful the scenery was on the way there.
Visit Luri Gompa and Trek from Yara to Tsarang (3620 m)
Start your day with a trip to Luri Gompa, an old monastery in the hills that gives you a look into Mustang’s spiritual history and amazing views of the surrounding area. After we visit the monastery, keep hiking from Yara to Tsarang.
The trail is not too hard, and it goes through traditional Mustang villages, terraced fields, and rocky cliffs. When we get to Tsarang, which is 3,620 meters high, check into the lodge or teahouse. Before you spend the night, take some time to walk around the village, visit the local monasteries, and enjoy the quiet mountains.
Drive to Jomsom (2700m)
After breakfast, drive back to Jomsom from Tsarang or Lo-Manthang. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of the Kali Gandaki valley, dry cliffs, and traditional Mustang villages.
When we get to Jomsom, which is 2,700 meters above sea level, we check into our hotel and take a break. You can walk around the small town, shop at the local market, or just relax before the trip to Pokhara. Staying overnight in Jomsom guarantees a comfortable and easy rest before the last part of the trip.
Drive Back to Pokhara and Fly to Kathmandu in the evening flight.
After breakfast, drive back to Pokhara from Jomsom, taking in the beautiful views of the Kali Gandaki valley one last time. Take a domestic flight to Kathmandu in the evening. When we get there, check into the hotel and relax after the trip. You can spend the night shopping, exploring the area, or just relaxing.
This is the end of your Mustang Yartung Festival Trek. We hope you enjoyed every minute of this one-of-a-kind cultural and trekking trip with Skylike Treks, and we hope to see you again in Nepal for another adventure.
Include/Exclude
What's Included
- Upper Mustang Special Trekking Permit fees for 10 days per person US$ 500 only.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (A.C.A.P) entry permit fees
- Accommodation and 3 meals a day Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B, L, D) while on the trek in lodge (Tea House)
- English speaking licensed holder local expert trekking Guide and a porter for 2 persons
- All programs are according to itineraries on full board.
- All land transfer as per above itinerary
- Wages, equipment, insurance and other facilities to guide and porter
What's Not Included
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Kathmandu/Pokhara hotel room and all accommodation such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (B, L, D)
- Domestic Flight: Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara (If you required)
- Personal spending money and all bar bill i.e. soft, hard drinks, laundry, telephone bills & tips for Nepali staffs.
- Personal Travel Insurance & Medical evacuation (In case of Emergency)
Reviews
Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
The Yartung Festival was vibrant and full of energy, and thanks to Pasang Sherpa, we had the best vantage points and insights into the local customs. His warmth and expertise made this trek unforgettable.
Michael Thompson: - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
The Yartung Festival was vibrant and full of energy, and thanks to Pasang Sherpa, we had the best vantage points and insights into the local customs. His warmth and expertise made this trek unforgettable.
Michael Thompson: - United States Yartung Festival Trek
This was my first trek in Mustang, and witnessing the Yartung Festival was such a unique experience. Our guide, Tsering Sherpa, was amazing—he explained every tradition in detail and made sure we were comfortable throughout
Emily Davis - United States Yartung Festival Trek
This was my first trek in Mustang, and witnessing the Yartung Festival was such a unique experience. Our guide, Tsering Sherpa, was amazing—he explained every tradition in detail and made sure we were comfortable throughout
Emily Davis - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
Celebrating the Yartung Festival in the stunning Mustang region was incredible. Pemba Sherpa made the entire trek seamless and brought the culture to life with his stories and connections with the locals
Daniel Clark - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
Celebrating the Yartung Festival in the stunning Mustang region was incredible. Pemba Sherpa made the entire trek seamless and brought the culture to life with his stories and connections with the locals
Daniel Clark - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
The Mustang Yartung Festival Trek was a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Our guide, Sonam Sherpa, was fantastic at coordinating everything and helping us feel part of the local celebrations
Ashley Martinez - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
The Mustang Yartung Festival Trek was a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Our guide, Sonam Sherpa, was fantastic at coordinating everything and helping us feel part of the local celebrations
Ashley Martinez - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
Yartung Festival in Mustang was a highlight of my travels. Karma Sherpa was an outstanding guide—his knowledge of the traditions and the local people gave us unparalleled access to the festivities.
John Robinson - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
Yartung Festival in Mustang was a highlight of my travels. Karma Sherpa was an outstanding guide—his knowledge of the traditions and the local people gave us unparalleled access to the festivities.
John Robinson - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
I will never forget the energy of the Yartung Festival! Trekking with Chhiring Sherpa made it even better—his friendly demeanor and ability to connect with locals made us feel like part of the community
Sarah White - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
I will never forget the energy of the Yartung Festival! Trekking with Chhiring Sherpa made it even better—his friendly demeanor and ability to connect with locals made us feel like part of the community
Sarah White - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
This trek was a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Nima Sherpa made sure we enjoyed every bit of the Yartung Festival and shared fascinating insights about the Mustang region.
Christopher Adams - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
This trek was a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Nima Sherpa made sure we enjoyed every bit of the Yartung Festival and shared fascinating insights about the Mustang region.
Christopher Adams - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
The Yartung Festival was such a lively and colorful experience. Rinzin Sherpa was an exceptional guide, always ensuring we were comfortable and involved in the celebrations
Megan Johnson - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
The Yartung Festival was such a lively and colorful experience. Rinzin Sherpa was an exceptional guide, always ensuring we were comfortable and involved in the celebrations
Megan Johnson - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
From the breathtaking landscapes of Mustang to the vibrant Yartung Festival, this trek had it all. Our guide, Tenzing Sherpa, went above and beyond to make this trip unforgettable. His knowledge and enthusiasm were inspiring
Andrew Wilson - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
From the breathtaking landscapes of Mustang to the vibrant Yartung Festival, this trek had it all. Our guide, Tenzing Sherpa, went above and beyond to make this trip unforgettable. His knowledge and enthusiasm were inspiring
Andrew Wilson - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
Experiencing the Yartung Festival in Mustang was beyond magical! Our guide, Dawa Sherpa, ensured we didn’t miss a single moment of the festivities. His deep knowledge of the cultural significance made it even more meaningful
Jessica Miller - United States Mustang Yartung Festival Trek
Experiencing the Yartung Festival in Mustang was beyond magical! Our guide, Dawa Sherpa, ensured we didn’t miss a single moment of the festivities. His deep knowledge of the cultural significance made it even more meaningful
Jessica Miller - United States FAQs
How long is the Mustang Trek?
The Mustang Trek typically takes 10 to 16 days, depending on the route and itinerary, including travel to and from the region.
What is the festival celebrated in Mustang?
The Yartung Festival is a prominent festival celebrated in Mustang, along with other events like Tiji, reflecting its rich Tibetan Buddhist culture.
What is the speciality of Mustang?
The specialty of Mustang lies in its unique blend of Tibetan-influenced culture, ancient monasteries, and dramatic arid landscapes. It is home to the walled city of Lo Manthang, vibrant festivals like Yartung, and stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Mustang offers a rare mix of spirituality, history, and natural beauty.
What is the Yartung festival?
The Yartung Festival is a traditional celebration in Mustang, Nepal, marking the end of summer and the harvest season. It features horse racing, cultural dances, feasts, and religious rituals, reflecting the region’s Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
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