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Yartung Horse Festival Kimaling (in festival dress), Mustang Nepal - Tibetan Heartland Upper Mustang Yartung Festival with Margie Thomas, Nepal
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Tibetan Heartland Upper Mustang Yartung Festivalwith Margie Thomas

Celebrate the pageantry of the Yartung horse festival in the walled city of Lo Manthang.

Nepal
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 14 reviews

17 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: YTMT
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 17 Days
Activities
  • 4x4 jeep
  • Day Walks
  • Tibetan Pony riding
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 13 nights lodge
Meals
  • 13 Dinners
  • 13 Lunches
  • 16 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

54kg of CO2-e PP per day

(868kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Accompanied by Margie Thomas (in conjunction with a highly experienced local guide) whose knowledge and personal connections ensures an authentic experience
  • Explore the long forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang, whose cultural horizons stretch to the borderlands of Tibet
  • Celebrate the pageantry of the annual Yartung horse festival parade with the Royal family, Amchi and Loba community in Lo Manthang. Set with a background of the Tibetan border and remote mountain ranges, we’ll also celebrate another Yartung in a remote settlement with the locals as special invited guests.This is as breathtakingly authentic as it gets
  • Spend time with the last of the nomads at their high summer camp
  • Visit Chosar village and immerse yourself in an ancient culture showcasing ornate dress sets not found elsewhere
  • Complimentary e-copy of Tsoshar: A rich cultural heritage in Upper Mustang, e-book by Margie Thomas

Overview

Mustang is a wildly beautiful region of Nepal, and this trip takes you into an incredibly dramatic environment. The Kingdom of Mustang preserves some of the last vestiges of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. Situated in the rain shadow of the monsoon, on the border of Nepal and Tibet, tourism is still strictly controlled and limited. It’s one of the finest Himalayan destinations for both its dramatic mountain landscapes and rich cultural legacy.

This trip departure coincides with the Yartung horse festival which has been celebrated for centuries in Mustang with equal participation from lay and monastic communities. In local language, YAR means summer, and TUNG means to celebrate, which marks the end of summer and preparation for the harvest season. The exact day of the festival is fixed after consultation with the local monastic community and the Tibetan lunar calendar, to align with the full moon

This itinerary follows remote trails and ancient trade routes to nomad camps, isolated settlements and Upper Mustang’s oldest gompa (8th century) at Lo Gekar. These settlements, set amid fields of barley and buckwheat, and home to impressive chortens and simple monasteries, reflect the abiding Tibetan Buddhist culture. The terrain is striking; a semi-arid desert with dramatic deep ravines, caves and rock shelves, flanked by snowy peaks. A highlight is the visit to Lo Manthang, where the King of Mustang reigned over his tiny kingdom and surveyed a world still culturally closer to the heartland of Tibet than to the markets, temples and chaos of Kathmandu. We travel in 4x4 jeep and take walks and riding forays on our unique Tibetan ponies to nearby villages.

While on this trip you’ll have up close and personal guided tours of monasteries and explore the walled city of Lo Manthang, including meeting the restorers of the jaw-dropping Thubchen gompa. We’ll meet some interesting people like the Amchis (Tibetan healers), as well as witness the skills of the local horsemen. We’ll visit Chosar village on horseback (it’s like riding through rural Tibet 1,000 years ago) and the cave monastery Nyiphuk, Jong cave and Garfuk monastery. You'll ride traditional sure-footed Tibetan ponies (no previous horseriding experience is necessary) and see a thrilling demo of wild horse riding skills. The Chosar villagers will showcase their culture, where the ladies wear the most extraordinary traditional dress in all Upper Mustang. Their costumes and jewellery are just amazing.

This tour is accompanied by Margie Thomas in conjunction with a highly experienced local guide.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. A pre tour briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag. This evening we will head out for dinner, a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals: Nil

This morning we take a flight west to Pokhara. Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest town and in good weather we are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna Range. We’re met by our jeeps where we load our gear and begin the drive to Tatopani, staying a short stroll to the hot springs. Drive approx 3-4 hours Overnight Lodge, Tatopani

Meals: B,L,D

Today we continue on our drive, leaving Tatopani via Jomsom and Kagbeni to reach Chuggsang on the banks of the mighty Kali Gandaki River. We'll walk across the river to visit the 15th century Gompa Gang, which is under restoration. In Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, we collect our restricted area permits. Drive approx 5-6 hours Overnight Lodge, Chuggsang

Meals: B,L,D

Drive to Ghemi via Samar where we’ll stop on the way for tea and meet with a local family. We pass dramatic red organ-pipe eroded cliffs, and explore the old part of the village enroute. In Ghemi we’ll explore the ruins of the old palace which is being renovated and re-purposed into a luxury hotel. The original frescoes are being carefully restored with great skill by master painters. Drive approx 3-4 hours Overnight Lodge, Ghemi

Meals: B,L,D

We continue by jeep to the 15th century walled city of Lo Manthang. The ancient capital is situated on a high altitude plateau with white washed walls enclosing around 150 homes, gompas and a palace. We’re here to witness the first day of the traditional Yartung Horse Festival which has been celebrated for centuries in Upper Mustang. The entire village stop their work in the fields to mark the end of a healthy crop season with festivities, songs, dances and wild horse races. Attending this traditional local festival is a unique experience few travellers ever witness. Drive approx 2 - 3 hours Overnight Lodge, Lo Manthang

Meals: B,L,D

Day 1 of Yartung is Boys Day, which begins with an auspicious welcome for the Lama or Khenpo, who leads the parade ahead of the royal family members, on a horse decorated with finery such as intricately woven decorative blankets and elaborate horse trappings. The Khenpo guides a riderless or ‘empty’ horse which is meant for the deities. They call to the protective deities of the village by crying out “Lhagyal Lo’ several times. In late afternoon exuberant locals display their horsemanship on a track at the edge of the village. The villagers cheer them on with much merriment, traditional singing, dancing and drinking of chang, a local spirit made from fermented barley. The horse riders demonstrate death-defying wild riding skills by racing at breakneck speed and throwing rocks at stationary targets. With nerves of steel, they hang precariously from their horses to snatch up khatas (ceremonial scarves) from the ground. The excitement is palpable.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we set off early to ride to Chosar village. On the way we’ll climb the ruins of Khechoe Dzong built around 1380 by Ame Pal, the first King of Mustang. From here you can see all the way to the Tibetan border. We can visit an intricate & extensive network of once-inhabited caves nearby. In Chosar village we will see a cultural showcase where the ladies and gentlemen wear the most extraordinary traditional dresses in all Upper Mustang. Overnight Lodge, Chosar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we walk up through Chosar village passing the house where the 17th Karmapa took refuge on his escape from Chinese-ruled Tibet in 2000. We’ll meet our Tibetan ponies to the north of the village then ride (or walk) toward the Tibetan border, passing Nyamdo (4,168m) and the nomad grazing pastures and small settlement of Chumjung (4,170m) approx. (2 hours’ walk). Tibetan is spoken in this particular village. We meander toward the traditional & picturesque settlement of Kimaling, where we visit a local family who make unusual rugs & weave beautiful traditional garments. We then make our way on horseback to the small settlement of Kimaling, where we join the locals to celebrate their Yartung. Attending a local festival where few western tourists have been is an authentic and unforgettable experience. We join in the festivities of blessings, pujas, singing and dancing, replacement of the prayer flags, and then watch the horses race. All set against a dramatic landscape on the Tibetan borderlands. As the sun sets we make our way by car back to Lo Manthang. Overnight Lodge, Lo Manthang

Meals: B,L,D

Free morning in Lo Manthang. Afternoon visit to nomad camp The morning is spent exploring the walled city. After lunch we head off on our Tibetan ponies on an excursion through a stunning landscape to visit the last of the nomads with their herds of goats and yaks. We witness the handling and milking of the goats and watch the sun set over this atmospheric landscape. Return to Lo Manthang by vehicle early evening for overnight. Overnight Lodge, Lo Manthang

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we drive to the royal capital of Tsarang. We spend time with Tsewang Jonden Bista, the nephew of the Last King of Mustang. Tsewang who was born and bred in Tsarang has an in-depth knowledge of the local customs and traditional practices and because of his connections you’ll have a royal insight into the region and access to places and people many tourists could only imagine. Overnight Maya's Heritage Inn (owned by Tsewang Bista, our cultural attache)

Meals: B,L,D

From Tsarang we make our way through dramatic landscapes and the small settlements of Yara and Ghara to visit the cave monastery of Luri Gompa. Luri Gompa is carved from the cliff face and is a marvel of ancient Tibetan Buddhist devotion. Its dome-shaped inner sanctuary is adorned with exquisite frescoes and painted trailing lotus flowers depicting ancient mythology and Tibetan Buddhist traditions and myths. There’s evidence on the walls of a timeline kept by a monk who meditated in the cave monastery possibly centuries ago. As we leave Luri, we’ll take time to observe a colony of vultures on the opposite cliffs. Overnight Maya's Heritage Inn

Meals: B,L,D

We have a full day in Tsarang today to explore the ruins of the old Royal Palace and visit Lekshey Choeling nunnery, where we experience a very special welcome by the girls studying there. Later we will visit the magnificent 15th century monastery for a welcome puja just for our group. Overnight Maya's Heritage Inn, Tsarang

Meals: B,L,D

We bid farewell to Tsarang and drive (approx 3 hours) to Samar via Lo Gekar, visiting the 8th century Ghar Gompa which is one of the oldest active gompas in Nepal. We follow stunning ridgelines toward the Kali Gandaki river where we’re afforded dramatic views of deep gorges and ancient rock formations. The charming Annapurna Lodge at Samar is in a stunning location with excellent mountain views. Overnight Lodge, Samar

Meals: B,L,D

We continue our descent to Jomsom today in our 4x4 jeeps where we visit the ancient Guru Rinpoche monastery and see some incredible artefacts from 14th and 15th century Tibet. We celebrate with local musicians as we spend our last night in Mustang. Overnight Lodge, Jomsom

Meals: B,L,D

Our drive through rural Nepal, from Jomsom to Pokhara, enhances our experience of dramatic landscapes and daily rural life. From Pokhara we fly late afternoon, back to Kathmandu where we then transfer to our hotel. Drive approx 6-7 hours. Overnight Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals: B

Today has been set aside for a free day to explore Kathmandu at your leisure. A half day sightseeing tour can be booked on request at an additional charge. Overnight Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals: B

Your trip concludes today. This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flights.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 1 Sep 2027 and 1 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 1 Sep 2027 – ends 17 Sep 2027 (17 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Accompanied by Margie Thomas in conjunction with a highly experienced local guide
  • Lodge accommodation on trek, twin share (we cannot guarantee single rooms at all lodges)
  • Good quality accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin share basis
  • 16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
  • Flights Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu.
  • An extra 5kg luggage allowance for internal flights, total 20kg
  • Special permit to Upper Mustang US$600
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Airport transfers on day 1 & day 17 and when additional nights in Kathmandu are booked through our office
  • 4x4 jeep to carry all personal and group equipment
  • Entry ticket to Monasteries in Lo Manthang
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
  • Complimentary copy of Tsoshar: A rich cultural heritage in Upper Mustang, e-book by Margie Thomas
  • Porter's insurance
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Please allow US$50 for monastery visits and donations in upper Mustang
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips

About your guide

This tour is accompanied by Margie Thomas in conjunction with a highly experienced local guide. Margie has undertaken all number of treks in Nepal and the Indian Himalaya, including numerous visits to Upper Mustang. In August 2013 Margie accompanied Lonely Planet author Stan Armington on a trek to Upper Mustang, and within a year had returned for a second visit. It was these extraordinary journeys and their many experiences that inspired her to devise personal and behind the scenes journeys to Lo Manthang. After the success of her trips in previous years, Margie is looking forward to returning with this newly devised itinerary which encompasses the comforts of staying in Lodges in Upper Mustang with day walks and forays on horseback to outlying villages. She is keen to share her passion for this unique corner of the Himalaya and its people.

Upper Mustang Yartung Horse Festival with Margie Thomas

Reviews (14)

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This journey was fantastic in all respects. Margie Thomas was very knowledgeable about and well-connected to the Upper Mustang region. The Nepali guides and drivers were excellent.

Richard|California, United States
21 Sep 2026
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At every single turn, I never ceased to be amazed! The natural beauty of the country was perfectly highlighted by the tour leader and local guides. I was continuously impressed by the level of knowledge, the quality of accommodations, the level of experience of the local guides - everything! Couldn't recommend it highly enough!!

Laurynda|Victoria, Australia
4 Sep 2026
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This was an extraordinary journey!

Margie, and her brilliant team - Harkar, Sankar, Bibal, Dipen, Sangbo and Chimme - could not have provided a better experience in every way.

The landscape and cultural experiences have left an overwhelming impact. Margie, the philanthropic work you have provided to these beautiful people granted our group a very deep, heartfelt experience.

I feel blessed to have had this opportunity, and to have shared it with a great group of people.

Special thank you to the joyous Tsewang, who provided so many wonderful memories for us all, and the best smile in Mustang!

Kym

Kym|Tasmania, Australia
2 Sep 2026
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This exciting trip with Margie Thomas was comparable with the best trips I've done.

Helen|New South Wales, Australia
1 Sep 2026
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Outstanding cultural tour of Mustang

Monica|Victoria, Australia
31 Aug 2026
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Amazing opportunity to visit the vast beautiful area of Upper Mustang and to engage the amazing communities

Sue|NSW, Australia
29 Sep 2025
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Fabulous cultural trip and lovely group of people.

Leonie|WA, Australia
25 Sep 2025
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An excellent tour. I very much enjoyed all aspects of this tour. The Cultural experience the beautiful scenery, meeting people, and the wonderful food.

Janice|New Zealand
18 Sep 2025
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The Upper Mustang has a surreal feel to it. It speaks to the soul. The people are extraordinary as if embedded in time.

David|WA, Australia
17 Sep 2025

Responsible Travel

Regenerative Travel ProjectsPorter Welfare10 Pieces Initiative
Breathtaking views as we trek down towards Thame | Monika Molenda
Restoring Learning in Thame Project
 
Restoring access to digital education through the installation of a computer lab and smart classroom technology, helping rebuild learning opportunities for students affected by climate-related disasters.
 
In Nepal's Solukhumbu region, the remote mountain village of Thame is recovering from a devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that destroyed homes, infrastructure, and critical community services — including the local school and its computer lab. With students displaced and relocated to temporary learning facilities, access to quality education has been severely disrupted, particularly in digital learning.
 
The Rebuilding Digital Education in Thame project aims to address this gap by equipping the newly relocated Thame Basic School with a computer lab, smart boards, and essential digital infrastructure. This will enable students and teachers to access modern, technology-enabled education in one of the most remote regions in the world.
 
With support from the World Expeditions Foundation, this project will fund the installation of computers, smart boards, printers, and classroom infrastructure to support both students and teachers. The outcome? Improved digital literacy, more engaging and interactive teaching, and equitable access to education for a community rebuilding after disaster.
 
The project is led by Himalayan Trust Nepal, a long-standing organisation working closely with local communities, schools, and government partners to deliver sustainable education and development outcomes across the Khumbu region.
 
Support our work
Our Commitment to Porters in Nepal
 
Porters are central to every trek we run in Nepal, and we are committed to their safety, wellbeing, and fair treatment.
 
We ensure fair pay, enforce strict load limits (max 30kg), and provide proper clothing, equipment, meals, and safe accommodation.
 
Porters have equal access to medical care, insurance, and emergency support as our travellers.
 
You can trek knowing your journey supports responsible and ethical practices.
Help us keep the places that inspire us clean by taking part in our 10 Pieces litter initiative | Lachlan Gardiner
Cleaning Up Wilderness Trails
 
Our 10 Pieces initiative is a simple, voluntary way to give back while you trek.
 
Travellers are encouraged to collect 10 pieces of litter each day along the trail, helping protect these fragile environments.
 
You'll find more details in your client portal once you book, and your tour leader will introduce the initiative at your first group meeting in Kathmandu.

Extra trip info

Why Book With Us
  • Trip accompanied by Margie Thomas whose wealth of personal connections provides an unsurpassed dimension to the tour.
  • Receive a souvenir World Expeditions kit bag.
  • Delivering immersive travel experiences since 1975 – with deep expertise in the Himalaya.

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