Highlights
Moderate, 5000m
Hotel/ Guest Hosue
Domestic Flight
April To September
- Visit the Palace of Jigme parwal Biste (former king) in Lo-Manthang and the walled city (the lost forbidden kingdom of Tibet)
- Explore 13th century Luri Gumpa
- Amazing view of Upper Mustang valley, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annaurna South, Dhaulagiri
- Tibetan culture and tradition, historical caves
- Visit Damodar Kunda (the holy lake) and cultural wonders.
- See the longest Mani wall in Nepal
- Passes through the worlds deepest gorge Kaligandaki valley and the beauty of Annapurna Himalayan range.
Damodar Kunda Trek Overview
Damodar Kunda trek is the holiest pilgrimage (lake) to the Hindus which is situated at an altitude of 4890m in the base of Damodar Himalaya in upper Mustang region, Nepal.
Upper Mustang (Damodar Kunda and Lo-manthang area) was opened to the tourist in 1991. However, one should buy the special trekking permit from Nepal government (Alpine Asian Treks and Expedition P Ltd can apply your special permit) to trek to the Upper Mustang region.
The people in Upper Mustang are Tibetan Buddhist and had practiced Bon religion before Buddhism. There are some monasteries which are related to Bon-Po religion. The barren mountains, Kali Gandaki river valley, land escape, mysterious cave, the towering snow capped peaks are always attracting to the trekkers. The flat roof hose, small tiny village and rocky canyon will give you the life time experience.
Damodar Kunda trek and Upper Mustang
Trek has been visited by many tourists from around the world, waiting to come back again to quenched their adventure thrust. Upper mustang, Tibetan plateau is trans Himalayan region have rare rain. As it is dry and walking about 4000m you may feel difficulties of breathing.
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrival In Nepal Kathmandu
We will be waiting at Nepal airport to your holy visit to Nepal. welcome you and team by flowers and garlands. Transfer to your hotel. Free in the afternoon. Evening we will organize a vegetarian Nepali cultural dinner at Nepali restaurant. Night rest at Hotel.
Transportation: Private car/ van
Activities: Free evening
Take care by: Our representative
Approx time: As per your flight time.
Meal Included: Dinner at traditional cultural restaurant
Sightseeing Around Kathmandu Valley, Arrange Permit And Trip Brieffing
Breakfast will be serving at your Hotel. After breakfast drive to sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Pashupatinath, Patan durbar square, Bouddhanath Stupa. Later in the afternoon we will welcome you at our office in downtown to trip briefing and introduce your guide. We will check the list of your trekking gears or etc and if you require any more items you can buy them or rent. Night rest at Hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in the city center
Transportation: Private car/ van
Activities: Guided Sightseeing tour.
Approx time: 9:30 am- 4pm
Meal Included: Breakfast at Hotel
Drive To Pokhara By Regular Tourist Bus
Early morning (6:30 am) Check out from hotel and drive to tourist bus stand. Drive (7:00 am) to Pokhara through scenic road (approx 6 hr). On the way there will be a stop for breakfast, lunch and toilets etc. Arrive in Pokhara and transfer to hotel. Take a free evening around the lakeside. Night rest at Hotel near lake side.
Activities: Free evening
Take care by: Trekking guide
Drive by: Regular tourist bus
Taken care by: Trekking guide
Fly To Jomsom After Breakfast Trek To Kagbeni 2810m
Early morning (approx 5:30 am) drive to domestic airport and fly (20 min) to Jomsom. Take a breakfast at Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni, the gate way to Upper Mustang. The trail ascends and level trail until reaching Kagbeni Village. We will visit the peculiar colors and shapes of the Chhorten and Mani in the village and ancient Sakya-Pa Sect Buddhist Monastery. Your will have a great view of the snow capped mountain. Over night rest at Guest house.
Transportation: Domestic Flight
Activities: Trek to Kagbeni
Take care by: Trekking guide
Approx time: 5 hrs.
Meal Included: BLD from local guest house menu
Trek To Chele 3050m/10,004ft:
You will register your permit here (Kagbeni border to Upper Mustang and lower Mustang) and trek continue through the windy and sandy trails ups and downhill steps, beautiful scenic picturesque mountain cliffs. You will be welcomed at Tangbe village (the first Mustang village where the village has a medieval atmosphere) with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple garden. From there we trek forward to Chhusang village and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. Night rest at Chele in the guest house.
Approx time: 6 hrs .
Meal Included: BLD from local lodge menu
Taken care by: Trekking guide and porter.
Trek To Syanbochen 3475m:
Breakfast will be serving at your Lodge and continue trek through rocky canyon. You will have a lunch at Samar village. After lunch, the trail descend steeply to a stream and then climb up to a plateau. You keep climbing up the right fork to the Chungsi-La. Visit Ranchung cave where the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated here in 8th century. Hike to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft), offers the views of Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Night rest at local guest house.
Activities: Trek to Syanboachen
Take care by: Trekking guide and porter
Approx time: 6-7 hrs.
Meal Included: BLD from guest house menu
Trek To Ghaymi 3520m:
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few tea houses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan lifestyle. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. The third largest village in the Lo region surrounded by large fields. Overnight at local guest house.
Take care by: Trekking guide and porter
Approx time: 6-7 hrs.
Meal Included: BLD from local lodge menu
Trek To Tsarang 3560m:
The trek starts after breakfast and after crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall. This Mani wall is the longest and most spectacular stretch and Mani wall in Nepal. From the end of the wall the trail ascend up east to the village of Tsarang via passes at 3600m willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa. Over night rest at local guest house.
Activities: Trek to Tsharang (Charang)
Take care by: Trekking guide
Approx time: 6-7 hrs.
Meal Included: BLD from guest house menu
Trek To Lo-Mangthang 3840m:
After breakfast continue trek to (the lost forbidden kingdom of Tibet) Lo-Manthang. The trail descends about 150 m down from Tsarang, crosses the Charang- chu river and climbs steeply up a rocky trail. Now you will have a beautiful view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley, magnificent view of Tibetan Border. After a short descent we will reach Lo-Manthang village. Check in to guest house and after a bit erst, explore the old palace (the former king of Lo-Manthang) and ancient monastery from where is believed to spread the Budhism in Upper Mustang. Night rest at local guest house.
Activities: Trek to Lo-Manthang
Take care by: Trekking guide and porter
Approx time: 6-7 hrs.
Meal Included: BLD from guest house menu
Explore Lo-Mangthang:
This is one of the big day in this trekking. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa, situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and back. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the king's palace. King palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the former king and Queen. The king of Lo-Manthang, is highly respected by the locals and consult about the major issues, within Upper Mustang area. Night rest at Guest House.
Activities: Expore Lo-Manthang
Take care by: Trekking guide
Meal Included: BLD from guest house menu.
Trek To Yara 3850m:
The trekking trail and circumstances will be different from today. You will encounter rare trekkers and village. Just before arriving to Yara you will see uncountable caves in the rock and wall. The trail goes gently descending down before reaching Dhe village, steep down hill for about 2 hours to reach Dhe Village. After lunch you will cross the river on a metallic bridge and walk through the bank of the river. Gradual ascending up for about one and half hours will arrive to Yara. The accommodation will be in tent/ local hut.
Accommodation: Tented camp/ local hut.
Activities: Trek to Yara
Take care by: Trekking guide and porter
Meal Included: BLD from our Kitchen
Trek time: 7 hrs.
Trek To Ghuma Thanti 4890mk Via Luri Gumpa 4000m:
Your crew will serve you a tea at your tent. After breakfast Pack your gears the gears and proceed to Guma Thanti. On the way climb to Luri cave monastery Gumpa (ancient Gumpa, Ningma Pa sect). Luri Gumpa is one of the amazing mysterious Gumpa in this high barren valley. Follow the barren valley after crossing 5100m pass. Today you will have a packed lunch as there are not appropriate camping site with water source. Night rest at Camp.
Activities: Trek to Ghumua (Guma) Thanti
Take care by: Trekking guide and porter
Meal Included: BLD from our kitchen
Trekking time: approx 7 hrs
Trek To Parsye Khola 5000m:
After breakfast, pack your gears and continue your trek to Parsye Khole. Today you will cross another pass of 5200m. After the pass start descending down for 2 hours to Parsye Khole. Overnight at Parsye Khola at tented camp.
Activities: Trek to Parsye Khola
Take care by: Trekking guide and porter
Meal Included: BLD from our kitchen
Trekking time: approx 7 hrs
Trek To Damadar Kunda (4800m) And Explore Around
The most important day of this trekking. The trek starts after breakfast as other days. First the trek descends down about 3 hours then hike up to 5600m, the highest point of the trek. Finally two hours descends will bring you to Damodar Kunda, the entire destination. You will stop over night next to the lake. Serve you the dinner at your tent and night rest. Over night at tented camp.
Activities: Trek to Damodar Kunda
Take care by: Trekking guide
Meal Included: BLD from our kitchen
Trekking time: approx 7 hrs
Trek Back To Guma Thanti 4800m
After breakfast, you will return back all the way same way back to Guma Thanti. . Crossing over the 5600m high passes trail again ups and down same like before. Night rest in tented camp.
Activities: Trek to Ghumua (Guma) Thanti
Take care by: Trekking guide
Meal Included: BLD from our kitchen
Trekking time: approx 7 hrs
Trek To Yara:
Today also you come back all the all same route climb ups and down which we have done before. The trail continues downhill until reaching Yara Village. Packed lunch will be serving. Night rest at tent.
Accommodation: Tented camp.
Activities: Trek to Yara
Take care by: Trekking guide
Meal Included: BLD from our kitchen
Trekking time: approx 7 hrs
Trek To Tangye 3240m
This is a long day. You will have to start early in the morning. The trail continues steep down to Dechhyang Khola ( river) which origin is from Damodar Kunda. Then the trails steeply ascend and lead to the top of the pass where you will have our packed lunch break. After lunch, the trails goes ups and down then we are on huge plateau and cross it for reaching to Tangya village. Overnight at tented camp on full board)
Accommodation: Tented camp.
Activities: Trek to Tange
Take care by: Trekking guide
Meal Included: BLD from our kitchen
Trekking time: approx 9-10 hrs
Trek To Tetang 3040m
Today also another long day. After breakfast proceed early in the morning, cross the suspension bridge and follow the short river route. After crossing the river starts steeply climb up to reach a small pass. Then the trail goes straight to Pauha (Shelter house) where your crew will make your lunch . Here is small water tap for drinking water. After having lunch continue crossing small passes until reach the top of the hill. Then the trails steeply descend and we encounter strong wind until we reach Tetang village.
Accommodation: Tented camp.
Activities: Trek to Tetang
Take care by: Trekking guide
Meal Included: BLD from our kitchen
Trekking time: approx 9-10 hrs
Trek To Muktinath 3800m
After breakfast continue your journey through the village after passing the scenic Mani wall. Then start climb up to the wide valley. After walking the plateau, you will keep ascending until reaching the small pass from where can see the high mountains and magnificent view of Muktinath. Then, drop down to the small stream and cross by a suspension bridge. After that, enter in the village of Chhyongsar and follow the level trail until reaching Muktinath village. Today you will serve a pack lunch and dinner at the guest house at Muktinath. Overnight at guest hosue
Accommodation: Local guest house.
Activities: Trek to Muktinath
Trek To Jomsom 2720m
After breakfast trek to Jharkot village and visit ancient Sakyamuni Buddhist Monastery and Traditional Medical center. The trails follow the dusty road for a while then we follow the trekking trail until reaching Eklebhatti where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, follow again mountain road trail along Kaligandaki River to reach Jomson. Enjoy the last night in the mountain. You can invite to your support team to join a dinner. Night rest at local guest house.
Activities: Trek to Jomsom
Take care by: Trekking guide
Meal Included: BLD from local lodge
Trekking time: approx 6 hrs
Fly To Pokhara
Early morning after breakfast, fly to Pokhara with thrilling fantastic Mountain View including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna south, Annapurana I and Machhapuchere. Check in to Hotel and take an easy day around Pokhara. Night rest at Hotel.
Flight Time: 20 Min
Overnight: Hotel in the lake side.
Meal included: Breakfast only.
Drive Back To Kathmandu:
After early breakfast we take a regular tourist bus to Kathmandu at 7:30 am from Pokhara. Optional (You can take a flight instead of drive back ). Check in to Hotel and free evening in Kathmandu. Night rest at hotel.
Accommodation: Standard hotel/ deluxe hotel basis
Transport: Regular tourist bus
Meal included: Breakfast
Drive To Airport And Fly Back To Home:
Enjoy the last breakfast at your Hotel in Nepal. Take an easy morning and last minute shopping around your hotel. Later we will transfer to airport and take a flight to home. See you in your next trip to Nepal. Bye bye.
Meal included: Breakfast
Departure transfer: by private vehicles as per group size
Whats Included?
Accommodation
- 3 Nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis
- 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara on BB basis
Meals
- Full Board Camping with meals (Breakfast Lunch & Dinner) while on trek in camping
Transportation
- Arrival and departure transfers from International airport, Kathmandu.
- Guided Kathmandu sightseeing by car/ van
- Domestic Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom to Pokhara
- Land transportation Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by Tourist coach
Other
- Mustang Special Trekking Permit Fee for 15 days
- Annapurna Conservation Area ( ACAP) Permit fee and TIMS and monastery entrance while in Lo-Manthang
- Necessary camping equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.)
- Supporting staff (a professional trekking guide and porter(s), cook, kitchen boy (s)
- Kitchen and utensils
- Wages, insurance, meals, transportation and allowances of the crew
- Clients allowed taking only 15 kg. Personal luggage while on trekking.
- Local telephone SIM Card with minimum balance, battery charger
- Alpine Asian Treks service charge and government tax.
Whats not Included?
Not Included
- International airfare and Nepal visa
- Monuments entry fee in Kathmandu and Pokhara while on sightseeing.
- Personal trekking equipment( Note: Additional cost applies for single tent on camping trek)
- Lunch and dinner while in the city ( Kathmandu and Pokhara)
- Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation costs
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral water/boiled water), laundry
- Excess baggage will be charged if exceeds 20 kg
- Tipping and donation (5-10% is normal)
- Single supplement for hotel accommodation
- All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fee, transport, extra hotel night, food etc.)
- Internet date package, Hot shower, battery charging.
- Any other services which is not specified in the 'Cost includes'
Trip Reviews
Exceptional and Truly Exciting and Fulfilling
“Exceptional and Truly Exciting and Fulfilling”
The Pilgrimage trek to Damodar Kunda and Lo-manthang in Upper Mustang in Nepal has been exceptional and truly exciting and fulfilling. The trip was made comfortable and enjoyable by the excellent services rendered by the staff of Alpine Asian Treks & Exp (P) Ltd who took special care of each one of us to make it a life time experience for all of us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The northern upper part from classic Annapurna circuit (Northers part from jomsom to Muktinath)to the Tibetan border is declared as a controlled area or require a special trekking permit. Only a government licensed company can apply a trekking permit. The permit fee is US$500 for 10 days and after US$50/ additional day.
Jomsom airport is situated at the bank of Kaligandaki River in between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. The flights goes in a clear morning with good visibility. If by any reason the flight could not go to Jomsom you have to wait to tomorrow morning or drive by jeep to Jomsom. It will take one and half day to arrive to Kagbeni from Pokhara by chartered jeep.
The people in Upper Mustang (upper northern part from Jomsom Muktinath) are called Bhotias. They are more like Tibetans. The culture, tradition and religion are also more like Tibetan.