Damodar Kunda Lake Trek

Trip Facts
Trip Type:	Pilgrimage and Adventure
Accommodation:	Hotels in Cities, Tea House & Camping During Trek
Grade:	Challenging
Max Altitude:	5,450 m/17,881 ft
Transportation :	Private Vehicle/ Flight
Group Size :	2 To 15 Pax
Duration :	22 Nights/23 Days

Highlights of The Trek

Visit Sacred Damodar Kund (4,890 m) in northern part of Annapurna in Upper Mustang Restricted Area
Great views of Damodar and Annapurna Range including Chhib Himal, Kharsang Peak, Gyajikang, Himlung, Bhrikuti Peak etc·
Visit Restricted Upper Mustang Valley and Walled City of Lo- Manthang
Visit Champa Lakhang of Maitreya Buddha, The Red Thugchen Gompa and Chyodi Gompa in Lo-Manthang
Witness the Sacred Tibetan Buddhist Gompas including Luri Gompas
Visit Former Royal Palace of King of Mustang and admire the Mountain Views
Cross high passes of Kyumu La (5,300m) and Batsyak La (5,450m)
Trek Into Nyi La Pass at 3,950 m, Serthang Pass (3,975 m), Cha Cha Pass (4,040 m) and Gyula Pass (4,077 m)
Trek through the Isolated Villages, Farm Lands and Deserted Hills
Visit Sacred Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to Living Goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Fly to Pokhara- 25 Minutes & Sightseeing

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m/8,900 ft)-15 Minutes & Trek to Kagbeni- (2,804 m / 9,200 ft)-3 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,130 m/10,270 ft)-6 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Geling (3,600 m/11,810 ft)-6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Charang (3,560 m/11,680 ft)-7 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,600 ft)-4 Hours

Day 09: Acclimatization Day in Lho Manthang

Day 10: Trek to Yara (3,600 m/11,811 ft)-6/7 Hours

Day 11: Trek to Luri Gompa (3,950 m/12,959 ft)- 4 Hours

Day 12: Trek to Ghuma Thanti (4,600 m/15,092 ft)-6 Hours

Day 13: Cross High Passes to Damudar Kunda (4,890 m/16,043 ft) -8 Hours

Day 14: Exploration Day in Damodar Kunda

Day 15: Trek back to Ghumna Thanthi- 7 Hours

Day 16: Trek back to Yara- 7 Hours

Day 17: Trek to Tangge (3,360 m/)- 7 Hours

Day 18: Trek to Paha and to Chusang (2,980 m/) - 8 Hours

Day 19: Trek to Muktinath (3,802 m/12,475 ft) -7 Hours

Day 20: Visit Muktinath Temple and trek down to Jomsom- 6 Hours

Day 21: Fly back to Pokahra-20 Minutes

Day 22: Fly back to Kathmandu-25 Minutes & Visit Patan Durbar and Swyombhunath Stupa

Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Damodar Kunda (4,890 m) is a Holy Pond in the Northern Part of the Annapurna Range situated in the Restricted Upper Mustang close to Tibetan border. Damodar Kunda, the source of Kaligandaki River has been mentioned in Hindu Holy Book, Baraha Puran as the head of Lord Vishnu. Other legend says Lord Krishna visited this lake and told sons of Kuber, a Hindu God of Wealth to take dip and cleanse their sins. It comprises of three ponds; Brahma, Rudra and Ananta Kunda. During full moon of August each year, many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit this lake.

Apart from the religious view, Damodar Kunda Trek is a real privilege of trekking into the forbidden kingdom of Lhomanthang and beyond close to Tibetan border. The view point just above the lake offers the magnificent views of Damodar Himal Range, Annapurna Range and few Tibetan peaks including Mustang peak, Muktinath peak, Bhrikuti Peak, Saribung Peak, and Arniko peak. Great Mountain views, landscapes, high passes, off the beaten trail and the primitive Tibetan culture of this region enrich trekkers the unique adventure and experience of lifetime.

Our adventure begins with scenic flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. Then we trek to Kagbeni and follow the trail to Upper Mustang Trek to Lhomanthang. From Lhomanthang, we head further north to Damodar Kunda passing Yara and Luri Gompa. Between Ghumna Thanthi and Damodar Kunda, we pass two high passes of Kyumu La (5,300m) and Batsyak La (5,450m). After spending couple of nights at the pond, we can either retrace back to Yara and exit to Muktinath Temple via Tangge and Chusang Or continue our adventure to next level by trekking down to Lost Phu Valley in Manang crossing Saribung Pass (6,020 m) and end our adventure in Besisahar. Flying out from Damodar Kunda to Pokhara by Helicopter is always a great option for pilgrimage trip.

The Best Season for Damodar Kunda Trek is around the year except in extreme winter as local from upper region leave village to save themselves from cold and snow. Even in monsoon is the great option as this is rain shadow region. We stay at Tea Houses/Lodges till Yara and do Tented Camping beyond.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our office representative welcomes you with Garland and takes you to hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have briefing on trek by our Trek manager and Trek Guide. Then we will take you for dinner to make you introduced with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Pokhara- 25 Minutes & Sightseeing

After breakfast, we drive to Domestic Airport for 25 minutes flight to Pokhara. In Pokhara, we visit Devi’s fall, Mahadev Cave, Tibetan Refugee Camp, Bindabasini Temple and do boating at Fewa Lake to visit Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake. In the evening, we walk around Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m/8,900 ft)-15 Minutes & Trek to Kagbeni- (2,804 m / 9,200 ft)-3 Hours

After early morning breakfast, we drive to airport for flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom, we trek to Kagbeni passing by Eklebhatti. As a part of our trail, we walk on the flatten riverbed of Kaligandaki River with the view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri and Annapurna Mountains. Kagbeni in the confluence of Kaligandaki River and Jhong Khola is the last village of Lower Mustang and entry point to Upper Mustang. There is famous Red Painted Gompa in Kagbeni which is more than 1000 years old.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Kagbeni.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,130 m/10,270 ft)-6 Hours

After we start from Kagbeni, we get to the Restricted Area of Upper Mustang where our permits are checked by the Authority. The trail takes you up the East Bank of Kali Gandaki River that climbs over many ridges as it heads North. In the dry season, it is possible to trek the entire route up the river along the sand and gravel of the River Belt.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Chele.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Geling (3,600 m/11,810 ft)-6 Hours

The climb from Chele is up a steep spur to a cairn at 3,130 m. Here, we can enjoy the view of Gyagar Village across a Huge Canyon. A long wall of packed earth encircles Gyagar and its field. The climb continues as long, steep, treeless, water less slog along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rocks at 3,540 m. Here the trail makes a long gradual descent to some Chortens on ridge, then descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. Then we climb above Samar to a ridge then descend into a large gorge past Chorten painted in red, black, yellow and white. Along the way, the Annapurna Mountain is still visible far to the South. From here, we will descend to Geling with its extensive field of Barley at 3,600 m.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Geling.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Charang (3,560 m/11,680 ft)-7 Hours

From Geling, our trail climbs gently through fields up the center of the valley, passing below settlement of Tama Gaun and an imposing Chorten. It rejoins the direct trail and then becomes an unrelenting climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La Pass at 3,950 m, the highest point of the trek. Charang is a field of Maze, Willow trees and Houses separated by Stone Walls at the top of the large Charang Cho Canyon. The huge 5 storied white Dzong and Red Gompa are perched on the edge of the Kali Gandaki Gorge on the East end of the Valley.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Charang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,600 ft)-4 Hours

After breakfast, we continue to descend around 100m , and cross the Charang Chu River and climbs steep up a Rocky Trail to a Cairn on a ridge opposite the village at 3,580 m. Then we enter the Thulung Valley. Now our trail turns North and climbs gently as the valley climbs to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo. We continue climbing the trail and cross a Steam and arrive at grand wide a desert like landscape painted in every hue of Grey and Yellow. Finally from the ridge at 3,840 m, we see the view of the Walled City of Lo.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lo Manthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Acclimatization Day in Lho Manthang

We spend extra night at Lho to get the proper acclimatization. In this day, either we can stay in Lho and visit the village or can go for excursion to either to Chosar village which has many caves and monasteries or to Namgyal Monastery. In Lhomanthang, we visit the major Temples inside the walls, are Champa Lakhang (God House) which houses the massive 45 ft. Statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, The Red Thugchen Gompa with several large images of Sakyamuni, Avolokitesvara and Maitreya, and The Chyodi Gompa of the Sakya Sect which has several Monks in residence and is the site of the Annual Mani Rimdu Festival in many which is referred as 'Tigi' in Lo Manthang. They are all supposed to have been built in 1420. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the city is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community. Though the people call themselves Lobas- people from Lo, they are very much Tibetan and practice a sophisticated culture and economy. The King's Palace is an imposing 4 Storey building in the center of city. It is the home of the Ex King - Jigme Parbal Bista. The Honorary title "Bista– a high caste title in Nepali" was conferred by the King of Nepal. Though his duties were largely ceremonial, he was respected by the people and consulted about many issues by villagers throughout Lo.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lo Manthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Yara (3,600 m/11,811 ft)-6/7 Hours

Today our trail leads to Dhi La Pass (3,950 m) on a gradual ascend from where we can see the entire view of Lho Manthang village and we continue to Dhi village. From the village, we descend to a small river and climb to the Yara village which hosts many caves on stone walls.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Yara.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Luri Gompa (3,950 m/12,959 ft)- 4 Hours

Today we trek to Luri Gompa also known as Luri Cave on a gradual ascending trail walking through the river. Luri Cave (Upper and Lower) which were built in 14th century considered as sacred to Tibetan Buddhism and contains some of the earliest and most beautiful Buddhist Mural paintings in the Mustang Region. The Gompa covered with red wash is perched on 100 m high cliff.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Luri Gompa.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek to Ghuma Thanti (4,600 m/15,092 ft)-6 Hours

From Luri Gompa, we descend to the main trail heading up from Yara to the sacred Damodar Kunda Lake. We continue and as we gain the altitude, we arrive at the grazing area and reach an open grassy ground which offers the fabulous view of Mt. Dhaulagiri. Further we climb to the pass at 4,940 m from where we descend to Ghuma Thanti which is a pilgrim’s shelter to Damodar Kund.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Ghuma Thanthi.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Cross High Passes to Damudar Kunda (4,890 m/16,043 ft) -8 Hours

Today we trek to our final destination, Damodar Kunda. We pass Kyumu La at 5, 300m from where we get the great views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I before descending to Parche Khola. From the river, we make a steep ascend and make a long cross on hilltop to hilltop to reach the Batsyak Pass at 5,490m which gives the view of Dhaulagiri and Damodar Himal. Then we descend to another stream in an open valley and walk on broad valley to the sacred Damodar Kunda.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Damodar Kunda.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Exploration Day in Damodar Kunda

We spend another night in Damodar Kunda. You can perform Puja and take Holy Dip if you are on pilgrimage trip. This day, we walk around the flatten valley and climb a small hill above pond to get the view of mountains.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Damodar Kunda.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Trek back to Ghumna Thanthi- 7 Hours

We retrace back to Ghumna Thanthi following the same trail.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Ghuma Thanthi.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Trek back to Yara- 7 Hours

We trek back to Yara following the same route via Luri Gompa.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Yara.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Trek to Tangge (3,360 m/)- 7 Hours

Today we start early as we need to cross a river which gets high after the sun. We descend to the Dhechyang Khola which often gets black where fossils called Shaligram can be found. Then we climb to Serthang Pass at 3,975 m from where we see mountains including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri. After spending few times, we descend several levels of brown barren lands to Tangge.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Tangge.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 18: Trek to Paha and to Chusang (2,980 m/) - 8 Hours

This is a long day as we are trekking to Chusang village also called Tetang. We start early morning on descending trail and climb a pass at 4,150 after crossing Yak Khola. Then we descend to Paha where we can have our lunch. From Paha to Chusang is long and challenging as we walk on one hill to another hill. After reaching at Cha Cha Pass at 4,040 m, we descend down to valley of Narshing Khola and Chusang village.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Chusang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 19: Trek to Muktinath (3,802 m/12,475 ft) -7 Hours

We begin our trek on ascending trail to Gyula Pass at 4,077 m from where we can see the panoramic view of peaks of Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri range. Then we continue to Muktinath passing through the beautiful villages of Jhong and Thinkar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Muktinath.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 20: Visit Muktinath Temple and trek down to Jomsom- 6 Hours

In the morning, we visit Sacred Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is a famous pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. In one of the Temple complex, a sacred fire and spring of water glows from the ground. It is believed that who takes a bath in 108 taps within the premises suppose to be pure. After visiting Temple, we start walking down with beautiful landscape crossing Jharkot and Kagbeni to Jomsom.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jomsom.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 21: Fly back to Pokahra-20 Minutes

After early breakfast, we walk to airport and fly back to Pokhara. You can rest whole day in Pokhara. In the evening, you can walk around Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 22: Fly back to Kathmandu-25 Minutes & Visit Patan Durbar and Swyombhunath Stupa

After breakfast, we fly back to Kathmandu. You can consider doing sightseeing of Patan Durbar Square and Swyambhunath Stupa. In the evening, we will host Grand dinner to mark the success of Damodar Kunda Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with Office Representative.
3 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
2 Nights in Pokhara with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
10 Nights/11 Days All Inclusive Trek in Upper Mustang Region with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in local Tea Houses/Lodges.
7 Nights/8 Days Camping Trek with Sleeping Tent, Dining Tent, Toilet Tent, Kitchen Group, Porters and all the arrangements.
Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara Airfare and Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu Airfare.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
Kathmandu full day sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project, ACAP Fees and Trekkers Information Management System, TIMS Fees.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
UPPER MUSTANG SPECIAL PERMITS OF USD 500/- PER PERSON.
24/7 Hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at Airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Meals other than breakfast except mentioned.
Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.