Located on Tibetan plateau, Mustang is known as a mystique valley and the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal. It is also known by the name ‘Mini Tibet of Nepal’ with amazing spaces like thousand years old monastery, local tribes, caves, and beautiful scenic landscapes. Apart, there are amazing rock formations that you simply pleasure your eyes.
As part of my adventures in the region I have led many Manasalu Trekking, Mardi Himal Trek and even the Annapurna Sunrise Trekking runs that crisscross across Mustang and Manang districts. During these treks I have lucky to figure out the history and importance of the Yartung horse race for trekking team and it is an amazing one to share it here.
So here it is all about the Horse Racing Festival. It is believed to be originated from Tibetan origin from an exhibition of horse strength and riders’ abilities with authentic expression over cultural respect. Here, the riders ride horses like warriors on mountain slopes. Here are some facts about this high mountain horse race of Mustang.
Week-Long Festival
This is not a single day celebration, but a week-long festival. In the initial three days, there are dancing and merry-making practices. The local community of Mustang organizes cultural dances and present in the group. Later, for the next two days – there is a practice of worshipping at the Gumbas. Finally, in the last day horse racing takes place. The main attraction of Yartung is the final day – when the riders race at an elevation of 5416 meters from the sea level.
Yartung – Meaning
This festival begins after hectic harvesting. It is seen as a means for entertainment where everyone in the community participates in relaxing, singing and dancing. Yartung means the end of summer and the meaning has now turned out to be relaxation for farmers. During this festival, the farmers who had been busy on their farm all get together and participate entirely in the festival throughout the week. They get to refresh over there.
Date of celebration
There is not any fixed date regarding when they celebrate it. They plan to organize it after they complete harvesting crops – basically during July or September. Generally, they celebrate during September, but if harvesting work is finished earlier, the locals decide to celebrate it in July as well. Usually, the priest chooses the full moon day of Janai Purnima for this festival.
Historical
Even the locals don’t have any idea about the origin of this tradition. However, there is the belief that during the old days when there were several small states, everyone was trying for expansion of territory. Celebrating with horse ride began after the victorious party that the people achieved thereby winning over another state. They all come up with their cultural dress and the riders act like they are into war.
Riders Detail
Riders, from Manang and Mustang, take part in this horse race festival. They ride like warriors over the mountain slopes. There will be almost 100 riders who take part in the race from all the villages around. There is no age restriction, and hence from young to old – they participate in the race. There exist young riders of age 16 years too old as much as 55 years in age. They all go through huge practice before the race and finally participate in it. Meanwhile, they also train horses and keep them fit for this racing event.
To win the race, the rider has to be fast and skillful. They will have to pick up a silk ritual scarf from the ground in full gallop as well.
Locals are strongly committed to the preservation of their culture through this festival. They believe that this festival not only reflects their cultural belongingness but creates bonding among the people around them.
About The Author
Aksharika is an avid traveler who loves to travel and explore new places. Since 2000, she has been working as a trekking guide for Green Society Adventure, a reputed travel agency in Nepal and has trekked with many nationals along the plains, hills and Himalayas of Nepal. Get in touch with her to talk about travels at aksharika[@]greensocietyadventure.com
