Royal Yartung Festival Trek 2026

• Trekking

Royal Yartung Festival Trek 2026 – Mustang’s Ancient Celebration of Horse Racing

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.

Trekking and Expedition Details

The journey to witness the Yartung Festival is also an expedition through some of Nepal’s most spectacular landscapes.

• Trekking Difficulty:Moderate to strenuous due to high altitude and rugged terrain.
• Duration:Typically 12 to 15 days, including acclimatization, trekking to Lo Manthang, festival days, and return.
• Climbing:While Mustang is not a mountaineering destination, some trekking passes can be steep and rocky, requiring fitness and good stamina.

Permits and Access

• 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.
• Permits must be arranged in advance, typically through authorized trekking agencies.
• Guides and porters are mandatory for trekking in Mustang.

Airports and Travel Logistics

• Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu):The main international gateway.
• Domestic Flights:From Kathmandu, travelers usually fly to Jomsom (2,700 m), the gateway to Mustang treks.
• Trekking Route:The trek begins from Jomsom or Kagbeni and follows the Kali Gandaki valley upstream before ascending into Mustang’s desert plateau.

Flights are subject to weather conditions, so flexibility in scheduling is necessary.

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

Why Choose the Mustang Yartung Festival Trek?

1. 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.
2. Remote and Untouched:Mustang remains one of Nepal’s most isolated regions, preserving an ancient way of life and stunning natural beauty.
3. Spectacular Scenery:The stark, desert-like landscapes contrasted by snow-capped Himalayan peaks make the trek visually breathtaking.
4. Spiritual Experience:Engage with deeply religious communities practicing Tibetan Buddhism in their most authentic form.
5. Adventure:The combination of trekking and festival activities offers a fulfilling and varied experience for culturally curious adventurers.