Muktinath: Yartung Festival

Tour itinerary: Kathmandu → Muktinath → Kathmandu

Experience the Yartung Festival in Muktinath, a celebration held in the Manang and Mustang districts of Nepal, featuring horse racing and various traditional activities. Occurring over three days during the full moon of August each year, locals take part in various activities such as horse racing, arrow throwing, dancing, and singing, etc to mark the end of summer. Begin the festival with a ceremony led by the senior monk of the village. On the first day, honor the head of the village, followed by monk-led celebrations on the second day. Finally, the third day is open for all other men and women who are interested in participating in horse racing. The Yartung Festival provides locals with an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of horses as well as the skill of horse riding. At the end of the festival, locals pray to Lord Buddha, make offers, and receive blessings from the seniors. Itinerary Day 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu, Nepal Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and permit preparation Day 3: Drive to Pokhara 822m Day 4: Drive to Tatopani 1190m, enjoy a natural hot spring Day 5: Drive to Kagbeni 2800m via the Deepest gorge in the world Day 6: Drive to Ghiling 3570m via Sammar, Syangboche la Day 7: Drive to Tsarang 3560m via Dhakmar Day 8: Drive to Lo Manthang 3840m feet via Sungda la and Lo la Day 9: Drive to Chhoser 3897m, visit caves and monasteries Day 10: Yartung festival celebration in Lo-Manthang (First Day) Day 11: Yartung Festival exploration and rest Day 12: Drive to Yara village 3607m, explore around Day 13: Drive to Chhusang village 2980m Day 14: Drive to Marpha 2,650m via Muktinath Day 15: Drive to Pokhara 822m via Beni and Kusma Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight or drive Day 17: Final Departure