Description

1. Witness thrilling horse races across dusty plains 

2. Immerse in colorful costumes, haunting songs, and mesmerizing dances

3. Join monks in sacred rituals and feel the blessings of the peak

4. Savor local delicacies and toast with warming chang

5. Explore Lo Manthang, trek lunar landscapes, and meet the yak caravans

In the heart of the Himalayas, where ancient traditions dance with heart-pounding thrills, lies the Yartung Festival. This three-day spectacle in Upper Mustang is a kaleidoscope of vibrant costumes, haunting folk songs, and mesmerizing dances that tell stories older than time. Immerse yourself in the hypnotic chants of saffron-robed monks and feel the blessings echo through the valleys.

The celebration commences with a brief ceremony within the walled city. Over three days (allocated for men, women, and monks respectively), participants ride their horses from the town's gate eastward, spending the day in fields indulging in food, drink, and traditional Loba, Tibetan songs, and dances under tents. Family members are expected to partake in this festival. In the late afternoon, horse riders engage in races and showcase skills across fields, racing towards the village. Spectators witness riders racing at full speed, picking up Tibetan blessing scarves from the ground or aiming at stationary targets, often executing daring maneuvers like hanging from the horse with one leg hooked on the saddle.

But the Yartung Festival is more than just spirituality. Feel the ground tremble beneath the thunderous hooves of sturdy Tibetan ponies and skilled jockeys as they race across the dusty plains. The air crackers with the energy of the cheering crowd and the determination etched on the rider’s faces.

Indulge your senses in a feast of local delicacies, each bite a burst of unique flavors. Warm your soul with mugs of change, the potent barley wine that flows like the spirit of the festival itself.

The Yartung Festival is your gateway to the enchantment of Upper Mustang. Explore the ancient city of Lo Manthang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where mud-brick houses whisper tales of the past. Trek through lunar-like landscapes, dotted with monasteries and yak caravans, each step revealing a new piece of Mustang’s magic.

Beyond the festival, connect with the warmth and resilience of the Mustang people. Share stories and laughter, forge connections that transcend language and culture, and carry the spirit of Mustang long after you return home. Embark on an enriching expedition as you pack your spirit of adventure and anticipate the enchantment of the Yartung Festival. This transformative journey promises to captivate you, leaving an indelible impact and forever altering your perspective.