Yartung Festival Jeep Tour 2025 and 2026

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you'll be greeted by a team member who will assist with your transfer to the group's hotel. Once you've checked in, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we'll convene for a group meeting over dinner at one of the renowned restaurants in the city.

 

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for an exciting day ahead. Our first stop is the renowned Swayambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple." This ancient stupa, perched on a hillock in the northwest of Kathmandu, is one of Nepal's holiest sites. For centuries, it has stood as a symbol of faith and harmony for both Buddhists and Hindus. From here, you will have an excellent vantage point to capture panoramic views of Kathmandu City.

Next, we visit the temple of Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred cremation site and a living cultural heritage site. Built in the 5th century, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Lord Shiva. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to witness and photograph Hindu rituals, including puja ceremonies and cremations along the sacred Bagmati River, offering a deep dive into the spiritual life of the local people.

In the afternoon we continue our tour to vibrant Kathmandu Durbar Square. This historic site is one of the three old royal palaces of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and showcases the most spectacular legacy of Newari traditional architecture. At Durbar Square, you will capture the intricate and beautiful Nepalese architecture of ancient times, with local people still worshipping in the shrines.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before heading to the domestic airport for a scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara. As you embark on the Yartung Festival Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, you'll be treated to breathtaking views from your window seat, capturing the stunning Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges that encircle the Pokhara Valley. Upon arrival, a professional from our office will manage your airport pick-up and transportation to the hotel.

Pokhara, renowned for its magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, and the five peaks of Annapurna, serves as the gateway to numerous adventurous treks. Known as the "City of Lakes," Pokhara boasts several beautiful lakes, with Fewa Lake being the most accessible and picturesque. In the afternoon, you can take a boat ride on Fewa Lake, enjoying its serene beauty. Spend your time exploring, relaxing, and dining by this tranquil lake. In the evening, indulge in some shopping along the vibrant streets lining the lake, filled with colorful shops and a lively atmosphere.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your Mustang Yartung Festival journey with a four-wheel jeep drive from Pokhara. The drive takes you along winding roads with views of mountains, local lifestyles, farms, rivers, and gorges. Enjoy the scenic drive and the glimpses of rural Nepalese life. In the evening, unwind and relax at the natural hot spring of Tatopani, known for its therapeutic properties. Soak in the hot springs and let the warm waters soothe your muscles, preparing you for the adventure ahead.

Start your day with breakfast in Tatopani, followed by a jeep drive to Kagbeni. Along the way, visit the charming Marpha village, renowned for its apple orchards and local apple brandy. Continue to the bustling market in Jomsom and explore the Muktinath Temple, a revered religious site for both Hindu and Buddhist communities, symbolizing the religious harmony of Nepal and India. After exploring the Muktinath temple and its surrounding town, return to Kagbeni for an overnight stay, experiencing the unique culture and hospitality of the Mustang region.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before visiting the Kagbeni Monastery and Buddhist School. After exploring Kagbeni, your guide will check your special Upper Mustang permit, marking the start of your journey into Upper Mustang. You'll first cross the Kaligandaki River near Chhusang village by jeep, then ascend through a series of picturesque villages: Chella, Samar, Syangboche, Bhina, and Ghiling, finally arriving at Ghami village. The day's drive offers breathtaking landscapes, especially from the vantage points in Syngboche and other scenic spots. This private tour allows you the flexibility to stop anywhere along the route to take photos and soak in the stunning views. Throughout the day, you'll encounter traditional farmer houses, yak caravans, and vibrant Tibetan culture, providing a rich tapestry of local activities and sights to enjoy.

Today, you'll set out on an enriching journey to Lo-Manthang, beginning with a visit to the renowned Mustang Lo Gager Ghar Gompa, a significant monastery in the region. Your day will include a tour of the Charang Monastery before heading to the historic city of Lo-Manthang. In Lo-Manthang, explore the "Jampa Gompa," the oldest monastery built in the early 15th century, also known as the "God House." Visit the impressive "Thubchen Gompa," a large red assembly hall and monastery from the late 15th century, and the "Chodey Gompa," now the main city gompa, along with the Monastic Museum. Throughout your day, you'll encounter domestic yaks and cattle caravans, marvel at the stunning mountain views and landscapes from the passes and immerse yourself in the local culture through visits to a Buddhist school, traditional arts, the king's palace, and observing local activities. In the evening, experience the vibrant Yartung Festival, a highlight of your journey, celebrating with the locals and enjoying the rich cultural heritage of Mustang.

On the second day of the Yartung Festival celebration, start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to visit many notable monasteries and temples. Lo Manthang beautifully captures the essence of Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. Hiking is the best way to explore the hidden areas of this incredible city, which is nestled among desolate terrain. In the morning, drive to Chhoser village, a trip that takes about an hour from Lo-Manthang. If you're lucky, you might spot blue sheep and other wildlife along the way. In Chhoser, visit the village's Buddhist school and the intriguing sky caves. After exploring Chhoser, return to Lo-Manthang to immerse yourself in the vibrant Yartung Festival, which typically begins around noon. In the evening, return to your tea house for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's cultural experiences.

On the third and final day of the Yartung Festival, you will continue to explore Lo-Manthang's rich heritage. Begin your day by touring the city's monasteries and Buddhist schools, soaking in the sights of this predominantly Buddhist region, home to the Lhoba and Bon tribes. Visit the Champa Lhakang, a significant Buddhist temple featuring a massive Buddha statue and intricate Mandala paintings on the walls. Then, take a short stroll to the Namgyal Gompa, a nearby courthouse that also serves as a place of worship. Join the locals in celebrating the last day of the Yartung Festival after 12 PM. Engage with the community, observe the traditional dances and ceremonies, and experience the local customs firsthand. After the festival, return to your guest house for dinner and an overnight stay, cherishing the memories of this unique cultural event.

After an energizing breakfast, your Yartung Festival Jeep Tour in the Upper Mustang will begin the journey back to Jomsom with the expert guidance of the Himalayan Dream Team. The drive will take you through the picturesque landscapes and quaint villages that define this unique region. As you travel, you'll pass through the charming villages of Tsarang, Ghami, Ghiling, Samar, and Kagbeni. Each of these villages offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and stunning natural beauty. At Kagbeni, your special Upper Mustang permit will be checked one final time before you continue on your way. Upon arriving in Jomsom, you'll be allocated rooms where you can unpack and relax after the day's journey. Take some time to unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere of Jomsom. Once settled, you're free to explore the market area of Jomsom. Stroll through the vibrant streets, interact with the locals, and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs to remember your adventure. As evening falls, return to your accommodation for a well-deserved dinner. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've gathered during your Yartung Festival Jeep Tour in the Upper Mustang. Enjoy a restful night, rejuvenating for the next leg of your journey with the Himalayan Dream Team.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we'll set off on the final leg of our journey back to Pokhara. Retracing our steps, we will drive along the same scenic route that brought us to Jomsom.

As we travel, we'll have the opportunity to revisit any interesting sightseeing spots or landmarks that captured our attention on the way up. The beauty of the return trip is the flexibility it offers—we can stop whenever something catches our eye, allowing us to capture photographs and savor the moments that make this journey so special.

The drive to Pokhara takes approximately 6-7 hours. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel, where you can relax and unwind after the day's travel. Enjoy the comforts of your accommodation and perhaps take a leisurely stroll around Pokhara, reflecting on the incredible adventure you've had in the Upper Mustang region.

We'll start the day with a leisurely breakfast in Pokhara. Afterward, we'll head to the World Peace Pagoda, which offers sweeping panoramic views of Pokhara city and Phewa Lake. This serene location provides a perfect backdrop for taking in the stunning scenery.

After descending from the pagoda, we'll enjoy a boating excursion on Phewa Lake. The colorful boats and the stunning reflection of the snow-capped Annapurna range offer fantastic opportunities for relaxation and appreciation of nature's beauty.

We'll end the day with dinner in the bustling town of Pokhara before heading back to the hotel. This day promises to be delightful, capturing the serene beauty and the enchanting atmosphere of Phewa Lake.

Short 25 min. flight to Kathmandu after which you will be transported to the hotel. Rest of the day for free spending.

After breakfast or lunch, depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to the international airport or if you leave by evening, you can put your luggage at the Hotel and enjoy the city one final day.