23/07/2025
In Mustang, preparations have neared completion for the celebration of the Yartung festival celebrated annually on the occasion of Janai Purnima, replacing feet with hooves. The festival scheduled 5 to 9 will is a must see for all domestic international tourists.
The Yartung tradition dates back to the first settlements in the region, when locals would celebrate the end of summer months, bringing people from all over the region together for worship, celebrations, horse races and archery competitions.
Any unflattering comment about one’s horses would and still leads to a competition on such occasions, which also showcases the deep connection between an owner and their horse, the locals shared.
The festival is said to have been celebrated by the early kings of the then-divided states and is continued in the region with horses being an integral part of people’s livelihood. It is also believed to bring good luck when riding a horse during the occasion.
Yartung is a combination of the local tongue - Yar and Tung, meaning ‘summer’ and ‘farewell’.
Horses and people of Mustang have been coexisting for over a thousand years and will continue to do so still. In the early days, people were said to flaunt their horses during the summer gathering and would even compete in races to see who had a better and faster horse. The tradition continues to this day. Now, each household has at least one horse, and they are treated much like their own family members.
Picture Courtesy: Sonam Dorjee Gurung
Dont believe us, See it for yourself. Our fixed departure is on August 6.
Need at least a group a five. A guaranteed lifetime experience.