Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour

1st day - Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour
Your adventure Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour starts from the Kathmandu airport where you will be warmly welcomed. One of the Himalayan Dream Team’s representatives Greeting you will set up a comfortable hotel transfer in a central area of the city. After checking in, you are free to rest or stretch your legs with a short walk around the crowded area of Thamel populated with shops, small cafes, and traditional handicrafts.

Later enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner in a very famous local place. Besides the local food, you will be given talks about the Yartung Festival in Upper Mustang and the great adventure to come.

2nd day - Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour
After a hearty breakfast, you will be involved with a guided tour of the main attractions of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites which uniquely show the country’s culture and religiosity.

• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): This is an ancient Buddhist stupa, located on top of a hill which is admired and sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. It has stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley, and quite a few people from both religions visit the site.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Nepal’s most sacred Hindu Temple, where you can experience Hindu rituals and rituals of cremation along the Bagmati, and learn more about the local customs and practices.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Once a royal palace complex of the Malla Kings, and still home to superb Newari architecture, this site contains temples, courtyards, and the famous Kumari Ghar - the residence of the Living Goddess.
• Local Markets: End the day by wandering around and taking in the atmosphere of the busy vegetable and spice bazaars of Kathmandu, while capturing colorful photography of the local streets.

Return to your hotel in the evening and prepare for the scenic flight to Pokhara the next morning, the gateway to the Annapurna region and onward to the mystical landscapes of Upper Mustang.

3rd day - Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour
This morning, take a 25-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city. On clear days, the flight offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) standing proudly above the valley. Upon arrival, our jeeps will be waiting to begin the exciting journey towards Mustang.
From Pokhara, continue with a 3–4 hour jeep drive to Tatopani, following winding mountain roads along the Kali Gandaki River. The route offers dramatic Himalayan scenery, rural villages, terraced farms, and glimpses of everyday Nepalese life. You’ll also pass through sections of the world’s deepest gorge, making this drive both scenic and adventurous.
In the evening, take the rest of the workout you have done at the hot springs of Tatopani, which are world renowned for their healing action. A gentle soak in the waters is a well received remedy for the aches from the journey and the strains that come with the upcoming undertaking

4th day - Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour
After breakfast, continue your journey deeper into the Kali Gandaki Valley with a jeep drive from Tatopani to Chhuksang. During the drive, you will also be able to notice how the beautiful Kali Gandaki river flows next to the road, and the stunning views consisting of cliffs and small mountain side villages.

The first stop along the journey for the aparthotel is Jomsom, considered to be the main town in Mustang, right after is Kagbeni, the official entry point in the Upper Mustang. The area is especially relavant due to the entry and exit points that allow access to the historically protected region. Kagbeni is also considered to be a historical treasure, as the area is filled with small cross shaped streets, and old bricked structures, along with a temple that highlights the influences of the Tibetan civilization.

For the entirety of the trip, and especially during the evenings, Chhuksang is located next to the river surrounded by large cliffs and peculiar shaped stones, allowing the guest to relax in a beautiful view. The lodges in the area are extremely comforting, especially after a long day of exploring the Great Mustang. Chhuskang is a small town in the region that is mainly focused on tourism.

5th day - Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour
Today’s journey takes us further into the heart of Upper Mustang with a 3–4 hour jeep drive from Chhuksang to Ghemi (3,520M). The road unfolds through striking desert-like landscapes, colorful cliffs, and deep valleys that highlight Mustang’s unique Himalayan terrain.

En route, we stop at Samar, a traditional Mustang village where you’ll enjoy a tea break and a warm encounter with a local family. This short stop offers a glimpse of the hospitality and simple lifestyle that define the Mustang region.

we  will continuing on, we pass through the area’s dramatic red organ-pipe cliffs, which give Upper Mustang region its character. That along with the new parts of Ghemi will give us a taste of the traditional lifestyle.

In Ghemi, one of Mustang’s most historic settlements, we’ll visit the ruins of the old palace, a site that reflects the deep-rooted cultural and political history of the region. The evening is free to stroll through the village and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere surrounded by rugged Himalayan scenery.

6th day - Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour

After breakfast, take a 2 to 3 hour jeep ride from Ghemi to Lo-Manthang, where the capital of Upper Mustang rest behind earthen walls. Walled and remote, this city evokes the prized relics of many centuries past. En route, see Lo Gager Ghar Gompa and the Charang Monastery, two of the many notable places of Buddhism.

Arriving in Lo-Manthang, explore its 15th-century walled city with whitewashed houses, the King’s Palace, and centuries-old monasteries such as Jampa Gompa (God House), Thubchen Gompa, and Chodey Gompa with its Monastic Museum. Along the way, you may encounter yak caravans and interact with locals, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural life of Mustang.

7th day - Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour

Yartung Festival in Lo-Manthang – Boys’ Day
Today is the start of one of Upper Mustang's most extraordinary cultural events – the Yartung Festival. Day 1 is Boys' Day. The celebration begins when the Lama (Khenpo) and royal family arrive. These rituals include a ceremonial welcome where a divine horse is ridden by a decorated riderless horse and locals call out 'Lhagyal Lo' in offer of blessings.

By afternoon, the atmosphere comes alive with horse races and daring stunts at the edge of the village. Riders display incredible skill, racing at full speed, throwing stones at targets, and snatching ceremonial scarves (khatas) from the ground. The festival continues with music, dancing, and the sharing of chang (local barley wine), creating an atmosphere of pure celebration.
Festival focus: Boys’ Day – rituals, horse races, music, and dancing

8th day - Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour

Yartung Festival in Lo-Manthang – Girls’ Day (Kyi Pal Ma)

After breakfast, enjoy more of Lo-Manthang’s monasteries and local sites, then join the community for Day 2 of the Yartung Festival – Girls’ Day (Kyi Pal Ma). On this day, young women are honored by their families and villagers. Girls are served chang, butter tea, and traditional food, while they perform unique songs and dances passed down through generations.

Throughout the day, locals make offerings of incense, wine, and grains to the gods, believed to remove obstacles and bring prosperity. The festival is filled with color, laughter, and heartfelt community spirit, making it a rare cultural experience for visitors.

Festival focus: Girls’ Day – honoring women with songs, dances, and offerings

9th day - Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour
Yartung Festival in Lo-Manthang – Monks’ Day & Drive to Jomsom via Muktinath

The final day of the Yartung Festival is dedicated to the monks, with sacred rituals, prayers, and blessings that conclude the three-day celebration. It is a spiritual highlight, blending devotion with community festivity.

After the festival, begin the return journey with a jeep drive from Lo-Manthang to Jomsom. The route passes through picturesque villages such as Tsarang, Ghami, Ghiling, Samar, and Kagbeni, each offering a glimpse into Mustang’s traditional lifestyle. At Muktinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, pause for a short visit before continuing down the Kali Gandaki Valley.

By evening, arrive in Jomsom, Enjoy quiet time and long walks and on return step out to the small local market to remember the Yartung Festival in upper Mustang as the unique experience it represents.

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive from Jomsom to Pokhara, a journey of around 6–7 hours. The route takes you through rural Nepal, offering changing landscapes, terraced fields, and glimpses of everyday village life along the Kali Gandaki Valley. It’s a final chance to absorb the dramatic contrasts of Mustang’s arid terrain gradually blending into the lush hills of lower Nepal.

By afternoon, arrive in Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city and a relaxing lakeside haven. After checking into your hotel, take time to unwind and enjoy the comforts of your accommodation. In the evening, you may wish to stroll around Lakeside Pokhara, lined with cafés, shops, and a peaceful view of Phewa Lake, the perfect place to reflect on your unforgettable Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour.

Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast before setting out to explore the highlights of Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside paradise. Your first stop is the World Peace Pagoda, a hilltop stupa that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Pokhara city, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna range. The tranquil surroundings make it an ideal place for quiet reflection and photography.

Afterwards, enjoy a peaceful boating excursion on Phewa Lake. The colorful wooden boats and the shimmering reflection of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) and the Annapurna mountains on the water create an unforgettable scene.

In the evening, return to Lakeside Pokhara for dinner in one of its many vibrant restaurants, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of this charming town. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the serenity and beauty of Pokhara before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, drive straight to Bhaktapur, one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for a guided cultural tour.

Enjoy lunch at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, surrounded by ornate temples, palaces, and courtyards that showcase the finest examples of Newari art and architecture. In the afternoon, continue your guided exploration of Bhaktapur, often called the “City of Devotees.” Highlights include the 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and the lively Pottery Square, where artisans still practice traditional crafts.

By evening, return to Kathmandu. The rest of the night is free to relax at your hotel, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy your final evening in Nepal at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Kathmandu with time to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel, where colorful shops are filled with handicrafts, pashmina shawls, singing bowls, and prayer flags perfect for last-minute souvenirs.

Optional Nepali cooking class:  For those seeking a deeper cultural experience, join an optional Nepali cooking class. Under the guidance of local chefs, learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as momos, dal bhat, and Nepali curries, before enjoying your creations as a farewell meal.

The rest of the day is yours to relax—perhaps with a cup of Nepali tea at a local café or to simply reflect on the incredible experiences of your Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour.

Today marks the conclusion of your unforgettable Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour. After breakfast and some leisure time, a representative from the Himalayan Dream Team will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.

As you depart Nepal, you’ll take with you cherished memories of Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, vibrant Yartung Festival celebrations, and the warm hospitality of the Mustang people—an experience to treasure for a lifetime.