This trekking program is developed for those people who look for the chance to observe super Tibetan Buddhist festival in Nepal and magnificent mountain view of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri in Annapurna. The Yartung festival is celebrated all over Mustang and is especially celebrated in Muktinath during August full moon day every year. It is a three day celebration and is celebrated with horse races, drinking and dancing by local Thakali people. During the three days celebration, we have the King´s (local king) activities taking place on the first, the lamas and monks on the second and the local people´s on the third. The most attractive occasion of this festival is the horse race contest by man and woman. In their language, Yartung means the end of summer; Mela means festival or fair; Yartung Mela means a festival to send off summer.

So, they celebrate this festival with enthusiasm, appreciating the good lives the summer has brought to them. By that time, they have finished harvesting the crops and they have stored the cereal at home. In fact, this festival is for making offerings to Bodhisattvas and to receive the blessings from the village chief as well as from respectable senior citizens for an auspicious journey. Their senior respectable priest, called Lama, sets the day for celebrating Yartung Mela, finding the most auspicious day in their calendar and keeping in mind the view of completion of harvesting crops. Usually, their priest chooses the full moon day called Janai Purnima for celebrating this festival. We can see the deep combination between Buddhism and Hinduism here. The main feature of this trek are; Yartung fair performed by Local People, Lamas, Monks and Horse Race competition by men and women, Muktinath temple, Jwala Mai monastery, culture dancing, Bonpo Gompa in Lupra, majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, traditional and old fashioned villages.

Yartung Festival Dates for  the year 2023: 

The upcoming Yartung Festival 2023 is going to celebrate on 15th, 16th & 17th August 2023. Our festival trek start from Kathmandu on 10, 11 & 12 August 2023.

Itinerary

Expand All Hide All

1
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara, 6-7 hours drive or 25mins flight.

Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara, 210 Km by tourist bus or take domestic flight of 25 minutes, through the Trisuli River side and it takes about 7 hrs to reach Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara we have short sightseeing/walk in places like Lake Side, Taal Barahi temple on Phewa Lake and enjoy boating. Stay overnight in hotel.

Cost Includes:

  • 2 nights deluxe room in 2** hotel in Pokhara with breakfast on twin / double basis.
  • An experienced local trekking guide for Yartung Mela Trek
  • All meals: lunch, breakfast, dinner tea, coffee and fruits during the trip. 
  • Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara domestic flight and airport taxes.
  • Lodge accommodation during the trek on twin double sharing basis.
  • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance of your guide.
  • All necessary trekking permits for the trekking.
  • Tourist bus transportation to and from Kathmandu.
  • All government taxes and office service charge.

Cost Excludes:

  • Transfers, accommodation and meals in Kathmandu 
  • All bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water.
  • Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls and wifi services during the trek.
  • Personal travel insurance and rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Any costs which arise due to alter of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc, toiletries.
  • Horse renting and porters hire if needed.
  • Tips and gratitude for guide.

Dates & Prices

We are local tour and trekking operator based in Kathmandu so we guaranty small private group departures any dates that suits your date and time. Fixed departure date for Yartung Festival 2023 is on 11th August from Kathmandu.

Trip Map

Yartung Festival Trek Map

Useful Info

A Short Note: This trip can be personalized as per your requirements that meet your time frame. The trip price will be according to Deluxe, Standard, Budget and group size so please kindly provide us your details for tailor made program.

Trip Price: US$ 799
  • Trip Duration 7 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Trip Difficulty Easy
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • AccomodationTeahouse and Lodge
  • Transportation: Domestic Flight, Bus, Car
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max Person: 12 People
  • Min Person: 2 People
  • Festival Date: August 15th
  • Max Elevation: 3800m
Show All

Need Help?

Please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you with 1-2 business days. Or just call us now

+977 9851042153 info@guideinhimalaya.com