Yartung Festival in Mustang: Horse Races at Muktinath and Lo Manthang (2027 Dates)
Sristi Adhikari
Nepalese celebrate numerous festivals as there are diverse people. Yartung Festival is one of the most popular festivals which is grandly celebrated in the Upper Mustang, Nepal.
This vibrant festival is celebrated with a traditional horse race while offering you a closer insight of ancient culture, fearless horse riders, colorful traditions, music, and mountain communities of the mustang region. The Yartung festival is celebrated for three days during the full moon day of August (Janai Purnima) in Lo Manthang, Ranipauwa or Muktinath.
This unique festival is more than just a religious gathering but is a living testament of rich history, mythology, culture, and timeless Himalayan spirit of Mustang. Those who want to experience Mustang beyond its famous cliffs, monasteries and mountain scenery, can discover a different side of the region at Yartung Festival in Mustang.
Continue reading our blog for more about the Yartung festival in Nepal.
Quick Facts of Yartung Festival 2027
- Festival Name: Yartung Festival
- Celebration date: 17 to 19 of August, 2027
- Celebrated by: Traditional Tibetan Buddhists Communities
- Destination: Lo Manthang, Muktinath
- Main attraction: Traditional horse racing and horsemanship
What is the Yartung Festival?
Yartung is a Tibetan word where “Yar” refers to Summer and “Tung” means the end which in general means the “Farewell to summer”. Yartung is a festival which celebrates the end of harvest season.
It is grandly celebrated for three days by traditional Tibetan Buddhists in the Mustang region. When local communities finish harvesting, they celebrate it with traditional dancing, drinking, archery, and horse racing.
The main highlight of the festival is horse racing which is why it is also called “Horse festival”. During the Yartung festival, locals also offer prayers to Buddha for a prosperous year ahead.
History and Origin of Yartung Festival
Yartung festival originates back to the establishment of Lo Manthang as a city. Upper Mustang was formerly known as the kingdom of Lo and was restricted to outsiders until 1992.
The festival showcases the heritage of ancient Lo Kingdom along with surrounding areas like Salome and Baragung Muktichhetra. According to historical events, the celebration of Yartung festival began in Mustang region when early kings and communities used to celebrate the victory of territorial expansion before unification of Nepal.
They used to celebrate the victory with mass gathering, horse racing, archery competition and worshipping the god. Legends say that their grandfather used to ride horses to mark victory which evolved into a tradition of celebrating ends of summer pasturing.
Over the period of time, the ceremony received Buddhist elements like masked Cham dance, prayers and offering ritual while preserving the original competitive events of the horse racing festival. The preservation and continuation of centuries old festivals, Tibetan culture and dialects is due to the region‘s isolation from outer people.
Locals of Mustang life revolve around horses as they are not only the source of transportation and trade but also symbolises their status and wealth in the society. Every household has at least one horse which they treat as a member of the family.
Importance of Yartung Festival
Yartung is not only a festival but it is a means which brings local people together and helps strengthen their bond while preserving the centuries old Tibetan culture and practices. For the Loba people of Upper Mustang and other ethnic communities, Yartung serves as a time where they can relax freely without having to work in the agricultural field for the next plantation period.
After harvest season fields get covered with snow due to winter. So, they celebrate this period and pray for blessings from monks and village elders.
Click here for what local people do during winter closure.
As horse and ponies were traditionally important for transportation, trade and movement across the difficult Himalayan terrain, they highlight their importance via horse racing and showcasing skills like:
- Scooping scarves from the land
- performing feats while mounted.
Besides horse racing, archery competitions are also held and locals pay visits to monasteries and gompas offering prayers and receiving blessings for prosperous life and good year ahead. They also pay visits to the local king or prince, village elders, and senior residents for blessings.
Yartung Festival Date in 2027
Yartung Festival in 2027 will be celebrated from 17 to 19 of August. Though the festival is celebrated for three days, the celebration begins days ahead.
Yartung is one of the Nepal festivals which will fall in August in 2027 and the timing shifts to the traditional Tibetan lunar calendar. However, it is usually celebrated on the full moon day of Janai Purnima.
Yartung festival is celebrated in both Manang and Mustang region particularly in places like:
- Manang side: Braga, Manang, Tanki Manang, and Khangsar.
- Mustang: Muktinath and Lo Manthang .
Yartung Festival Celebration: A Three-days Breakdown
The Yartung festival in 2027 will be celebrated for three days as usual, which starts on the full moon day of Janai Purnima. The three days hold different importance and set of protagonists.
Day 1: The Day of the King, Lo-Gyelpo
The first day begins with a religious ceremony which is performed by senior monks of the monasteries. It is a day for honoring the local king of Lo Manthang, Lo-Gyelpo.
The king led the way of the grand procession wearing outfits made from silks and turquoise jewelry outside the eastern fields of walled City. Then, the village elites and skilled horsemen show their horsemanship while racing their ponies.
Day 2: The Day of the Monks
The second day is dedicated to monks while shifting the focus of horsemanship on the first day towards spirituality. The quiet and meditative monks showcase their full energy by performing masked cham dances at the center of stage.
They perform ritual and lead prayer to ward off evil spirits while sealing the merit generated during the festival.
Day 3: The Day of the Common Locals
The final day of Yartung festival is dedicated to commoners and is one of the most energetic days. All men and women from 19 villages of Mustang region gather together and participate in fair competitions.
Men compete in horse racing and showcase the horsemanship skills with full gallop. Yartung is also known as the horse racing festival in Nepal.
Here, men perform death-defying stunts which is why Yartung is also known as the “Kentucky Derby of Mustang”.
Khata Picking Stunts
The men display a dangerous Khata (blessing scarf) scooping stunt by leaning low while riding the horse at full speed from the ground. They also show stunts like standing while riding a horse and hanging off the running horse with the balance of one leg over the saddle and other one dragging on the ground and stretching both arms.
Target Game
Local youth also flaunt their rock throwing skills and target shooting skills via archery. Sometime, King of Lo himself joins the race and showcases his horse riding skills.
Community Feast
Locals from 19 villages bring prepared foods, Chang (local barley beer), and Butter tea on the third day. They share their feasts among each other which you can also taste.
How to Reach Upper Mustang for the Yartung Festival in 2027?
Reaching Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang for the Yartung Festival demands enough preparation and careful planning. You can reach Upper Mustang from Kathmandu in following ways:
Planning to Witness Yartung Festival in 2026?
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Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight
First, you have to take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara that offers magnificent views of the Himalayas. Domestic flights run daily and make you reach Pokhara within 25 to 30 minutes.
Pokhara to Jomsom Flight
After that take, you again have to take a short yet scenic flight that takes you to Jomsom which is quite closer to Upper Mustang. From Pokhara you can also reach Jomsom via overland route by booking a private vehicle or shared jeep.
Jomsom to Lo Manthang (Trek or Drive)
From Jomsom, you can either choose to take a jeep ride or go on a Lo Manthang trek through the rugged landscapes of the region. If you want to visit via trekking make sure you plan your Upper Mustang trek 2027 with Awesome Holidays Nepal.
Yartung Festival of Lo Manthang vs Muktinath
Yartung festival is a popular Tibetan festivals of Nepal which is celebrated in both Manang and Mustang district. For most iconic experience Lo Manthang and Muktinath wins over Manang.
| Feature | Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang | Yartung Festival in Muktinath |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Upper Mustang, (Lo Manthang) | Lower Mustang (Ranipauwa, Muktinath) |
| Setting |
|
Sacred pilgrimage area surrounded by the Kali Gandaki and Mustang mountains |
| Cultural character |
|
|
| Accessibility | Demands Upper Mustang Restricted Area permit | Easier to reach via Jomsom |
| Festival atmosphere | More traditional, remote and closely connected with the communities of Upper Mustang |
|
| Other activities | Horse races, processions, religious ceremonies, dances, archery, music and communal feasting | Horse races, dancing, singing, local gatherings, rituals and community celebrations |
Final Thoughts on Yartung, Horse Racing Festival Nepal
The Yartung Festival in Mustang is celebrated by the Tibetan influenced Buddhist communities in the trans-himalayan region of Nepal. This vibrant, dusty and soulful festival is celebrated marking the end of harvest season while strengthening the mountain peoples bonds.
Yartung Festival is often known as Mustang’s traditional horse-racing festival, but it is much more than a competition. It is a vibrant celebration that showcases how centuries-old culture, traditions, and customs continue to be practiced and passed down through generations in one of the harshest regions of Nepal.
When traveling to Muktinath for the Ranipauwa celebrations or Upper Mustang for Yartung in Lo Manthang, make sure you plan your journey with Awesome Holidays Nepal so that the festival can turn an ordinary Mustang journey into a much more culturally immersive Himalayan adventure in 2027.
FAQs
Expand AllWhat is the Yartung Festival in Mustang?
Yartung is a festival which celebrates the end of harvest season. It is grandly celebrated for three days by traditional Tibetan Buddhists in the Mustang region.
When is the Yartung Festival celebrated in 2027?
Yartung Festival in 2027 will be celebrated from 17 to 19 of August.
Where is the Yartung Festival held – Muktinath or Lo Manthang?
Yartung Festival is held in both Muktinath and Lo Manthang.
Why is the Yartung Festival celebrated in Nepal?
Yartung is celebrated to mark the end of the summer or monsoon season. It refers to the completion of seasonal agricultural work, and the beginning of the winter period which is celebrated by communal festivities, prayers, horse races, and cultural traditions.
What does the word "Yartung" mean in Tibetan?
Yartung is a Tibetan word where “Yar” refers to Summer and “Tung” means the end which in general means the “Farewell to summer”.
How long does the Yartung Festival last?
Yartung festival last for three days but the celebration begins days ahead.
Is the Yartung Festival a UNESCO recognized event?
No. The Yartung Festival is not a UNESCO recognized event.
Do I need a special permit to attend the Yartung Festival in Lo Manthang?
Yes. As a foreign travelers entering Lo Manthang and the Upper Mustang restricted area need the required Restricted Area Permit and then you can only attend the Yartung.
How much does the Upper Mustang restricted-area permit cost in 2027?
The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is USD 50 per person per day.
Can I attend the Yartung Festival without going to Upper Mustang?
Yes, you can experience Yartung around Muktinath and Ranipauwa in Lower Mustang.
What is the weather like in Mustang during August 2027?
Upper Mustang during August is quite dry, mild and warm where day time temperature ranges from 20°C to 28°C and at night it plummets to 8°C to 11°C.
Is the Yartung Festival safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Yartung Festival safe for solo female travelers. But make sure you a hire a licensed guide from Government certified trekking agency like Awesome Holidays Nepal.
What food is served during the Yartung Festival?
Food items like Tsampa, Thukpa, Momos, Tibetan Bread, Khapse, Dried Yak Meat, Rice with Cow Ghee and drinks such as Chang, Butter Tea (Salty Tea), Local Arak / Homemade Alcohol are served during the Yartung Festival.
What is "chang" and why is it served at Yartung?
Chang is a traditional local alcoholic beverage made from fermented wheat or barley which is served during Yartung because it is part of Mustang’s customary hospitality and communal celebration.
What is the difference between Yartung Festival and Tiji Festival?
Yartung is harvest ending celebration centered on horse racing, music, dancing, and seasonal traditions, while Tiji is a spring Buddhist ritual in Lo Manthang centered on masked dances and the story of Dorje Jono.
Are women allowed to participate in Yartung horse races?
Yes, during queens day, women can participate in Yartung horse races.
What traditional dances are performed during Yartung?
Syabro Dance, Cham Dances, Cultural Group & Loba Folk Dances are performed during Yartung.
Which ethnic groups celebrate Yartung Festival in Mustang?
Loba People, Thakali and Gurung People amd locals of smaller settlements like Ghami, Ghilling, Charang, and Chhosar celebrate Yartung Festival in Mustang.
Can I combine the Yartung Festival with the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Yes, you can combine the Yartung Festival with the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Are there flights from Pokhara to Jomsom during August?
Yes, flights from Pokhara to Jomsom operate during August.
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