Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour

Welcome to Nepal and the beginning of your Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a Himalayan Dream Team representative will meet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to rest after your international journey or take a short walk around the lively streets of Thamel.

In the evening, join us for a traditional Nepali welcome dinner and meet your guide. We will also provide a short briefing about the journey to Upper Mustang, the Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang, road conditions, altitude and the preparations for the days ahead.

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.

After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu's domestic airport for the short flight to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna and Mustang regions.

On a clear day, the flight offers beautiful aerial views of Nepal's hills and Himalayan ranges before landing in Pokhara.

Upon arrival, meet your 4WD driver and begin the overland journey toward Tatopani. Leaving Pokhara, we travel through the green hills of western Nepal toward Beni before following the Kali Gandaki Valley north.

The scenery changes gradually from populated valleys and terraced farmland to increasingly rugged mountain terrain as we approach Mustang.

By late afternoon, arrive at Tatopani, a riverside settlement whose name means "hot water" in Nepali. If time and local conditions permit, you can visit the natural hot springs before dinner.

Today's combination of a short Himalayan flight and scenic mountain drive marks the real beginning of our journey toward Upper Mustang and the Yartung Festival.

After breakfast, continue north through the spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley toward Mustang.

The road climbs through a dramatic transition in landscape. Green hills and forests gradually give way to the drier, wind-sculpted terrain of the trans-Himalayan region. Along the way, pass traditional settlements including Tukuche and Marpha, an attractive stone-built village surrounded by apple-growing country.

Continue to Jomsom, the main administrative and transport centre of Mustang, before following the Kali Gandaki north toward Kagbeni.

Situated near the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers, Kagbeni is an atmospheric medieval village of narrow lanes, traditional mud-brick houses, Buddhist chortens and an ancient monastery. It also marks the traditional gateway to the restricted region of Upper Mustang.

After the required permit formalities, continue north through the increasingly arid landscape toward Tangbe and Chhusang. Colourful cliffs, ancient cave openings and unusual rock formations begin to dominate the scenery as we enter the distinctive landscape of Upper Mustang.

Arrive in Chhusang and settle into your local lodge for the night.

After breakfast, continue deeper into Upper Mustang, where the landscapes become increasingly dramatic and the Tibetan cultural influence more visible.

Leaving Chhusang, the road climbs toward Chele and continues across the dry Mustang plateau toward Samar, a traditional village surrounded by cultivated fields, barren ridges and colourful cliffs. Along the way, Buddhist chortens, prayer flags and small settlements provide an introduction to the cultural landscape of the former Kingdom of Lo.

Continue through the high country around Syangboche and Ghiling before climbing toward Nyi La (approx. 4,010 m), the highest point of today's journey. From the pass, enjoy sweeping views across Upper Mustang's vast trans-Himalayan landscape before descending toward Ghami.

Arrive at Ghami (approx. 3,520 m), one of Upper Mustang's important traditional settlements. The village is surrounded by striking red and ochre cliffs, cultivated fields, mani walls and Buddhist monuments.

After checking into the lodge, take time to rest and acclimatize. As we cross approximately 4,000 metres today, staying well hydrated and allowing your body to adjust to the altitude is important.

Today we reach Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of Upper Mustang and the cultural heart of the former Kingdom of Lo.

After breakfast, leave Ghami and continue through an extraordinary landscape of red cliffs, barren ridges, Buddhist chortens and long mani walls. The route passes through Tsarang (Charang), one of Upper Mustang's historically important settlements.

Depending on road conditions and available time, visit significant cultural sites along the route before continuing toward Lo Manthang.

As the road crosses the high plateau, the walled city of Lo Manthang eventually appears below, surrounded by fields and the vast arid landscape of northern Mustang.

After arriving and checking into your lodge, take a gentle orientation walk through Lo Manthang's narrow lanes. The old city contains traditional mud-brick houses and important Buddhist monasteries including Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa and Chode Gompa.

The atmosphere becomes increasingly lively as local communities prepare for the Yartung Festival, which begins the following day.

Today begins the highlight of our journey: the Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang, one of Upper Mustang's most distinctive traditional celebrations.

After breakfast, join your guide and walk to the main festival areas as residents of Lo Manthang and surrounding communities gather for the opening celebrations.

The first day traditionally features strong participation from the men of the community and is especially known for its horse racing and displays of traditional horsemanship. Riders demonstrate remarkable balance, speed and control as they race across the open ground surrounding Lo Manthang and take part in riding challenges.

Alongside the horse events, the festival atmosphere includes traditional music, dancing, local dress, religious elements and community gatherings, offering a rare opportunity to experience Mustang's living cultural traditions.

Rather than following a fixed sightseeing timetable, today's program remains flexible because the exact timing of Yartung ceremonies and horse races is determined locally.

Spend the full day enjoying the festival before returning to your lodge.

After breakfast, continue experiencing the second day of the Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang.

Traditionally, the second day gives greater prominence to the women of the community. Local families gather for traditional songs, dancing, food, drinks and community celebrations, providing another fascinating perspective on the social and cultural traditions of Upper Mustang.

The festival is particularly rewarding because Yartung remains a living community celebration rather than an event created specifically for visitors. Traditional clothing, music and gatherings bring the normally peaceful streets and surrounding areas of Lo Manthang to life.

Depending on the festival schedule, there may also be opportunities to explore more of the historic walled city and visit its centuries-old Buddhist monasteries.

Your guide will follow the locally announced program so that you can experience the most important events of the day without rushing between scheduled sightseeing stops.

Spend a second night in Lo Manthang.

Today begins with the third and final day of the Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang, traditionally featuring greater involvement from the monastic community. Depending on the local program, you may witness Buddhist prayers, blessings, religious ceremonies and community gatherings marking the conclusion of the festival.

After experiencing the morning celebrations, leave Lo Manthang and begin the scenic drive south through Tsarang, Ghami, Ghiling and Samar to Kagbeni.

From Kagbeni, continue to Muktinath (3,800 m), one of Nepal's most sacred pilgrimage sites, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Arrive at Muktinath in the evening and settle into your lodge after a memorable final day of the Yartung Festival in Upper Mustang.

After breakfast, visit Muktinath Temple, one of Nepal's most sacred pilgrimage sites and an important place of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists. Explore the temple complex and its sacred water spouts before beginning the journey down through Lower Mustang.

Continue to Jomsom, the main administrative and transport centre of Mustang, before driving to Marpha, one of the region's most attractive traditional villages. Take a short walk through its narrow stone-paved lanes, whitewashed houses and famous apple-growing area.

After lunch, continue south through the spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley, where the dry landscapes of Mustang gradually give way to greener hills and valleys.

Arrive in Pokhara in the evening, check into your hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest after your unforgettable Upper Mustang and Yartung Festival journey.

After the adventurous journey through Upper Mustang, today is a well-deserved free day in Pokhara.

Relax at your hotel, stroll along Phewa Lake, explore the cafés and shops of Lakeside or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with views toward the Annapurna range when the weather is clear.

For those who would like to explore further, optional activities include boating on Phewa Lake, visiting the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls or other attractions around Pokhara.

The day also provides useful flexibility after the long overland journey from Mustang.

After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short scenic flight back to Kathmandu (25 minutes).

Upon arrival, continue by private vehicle to Bhaktapur, one of the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of Nepal's best-preserved historic cities.

Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, traditional courtyards, temples and narrow brick-paved streets. Highlights include the 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple and Pottery Square, where traditional craftsmanship remains part of everyday life.

After sightseeing, return to Kathmandu and check into your hotel. The evening is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Today is free to enjoy Kathmandu at your own pace after your Upper Mustang adventure.

You may explore the colourful streets of Thamel, shop for handicrafts and souvenirs, visit additional cultural sites or simply relax at your hotel.

Optional experiences such as a Nepali cooking class, spa treatment or additional sightseeing can also be arranged on request.

In the evening, join us for a farewell dinner, a final opportunity to celebrate your journey through Upper Mustang and the unforgettable Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang.

Your Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Jeep Tour comes to an end today.

After breakfast, you will have some free time depending on the departure time of your international flight.

At the appropriate time, a Himalayan Dream Team representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you by private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

You leave Nepal with lasting memories of the spectacular landscapes of Upper Mustang, the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, traditional horse racing and the unique cultural celebrations of the Yartung Festival.