Highlights
Strenuous, 5600m pass to Lake
Hotel/ Guest Hosue
Private Jeep
April To September
- Visit the ancient Royal Palace of Jigme Parwal Bista (the former King) in Lo-Manthang.
- The holy high-altitude lakes and witness the birthplace of sacred Shaligram stones.
- Discover the mysterious 13th-century Luri Gumba and ancient meditation caves carved into vertical cliffs.
- Breathtaking vistas of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, and Annapurna South.
- Walk along the longest Mani wall in Nepal and authentic Tibetan-border traditions.
- World's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki Valley.
Damodar Kunda Trek Overview
Upper Mustang trek region is situated behind the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, also known as the ancient forbidden kingdom or "Little Tibet." This arid, high-altitude desert is home to stunning Himalayan vistas, ancient cliff caves, and a rich Tibetan Buddhist culture complete with age-old chortens and monasteries. East of the walled capital of Lo-Manthang lies the ultimate destination of this journey: Damodar Kunda.
Situated at an altitude of 4,800 meters, this sacred lake holds immense spiritual significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. For Hindus, a bath in its pristine waters is believed to wash away a lifetime of sins, and the area is renowned as the source of sacred Shaligram (ammonite) fossils. This trek perfectly combines dramatic high-altitude landscapes, historical wonders, and deep spiritual exploration alongside a wonderful series of Himalayan peaks.
Meal & accommodation in Damodar Kunda Trek:
Enjoy comfortable twin-share rooms in local lodges with shared bathrooms. Your lodge will provide all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) from a standard and delicious menu.
Trekking Gear in Damodar Kunda Trek
Required equipment varies by season. Essential items include proper clothing and rain gear. For a complete packing list, visit our website or contact our trek manager.
Ready for your adventure? Contact us to book or learn more!
Our Hotel in Kathmandu; Green Eco Resort
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Welcome arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) & Welcome Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing & Full Trek Preparation Briefing
Day 03: Scenic Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m)
Day 04: Private 4WD Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni (2,800m) via Jomsom
Day 05: Adventurous 4WD Drive to the Walled City of Lo-Manthang (3,840m)
Day 06: Exploration Day in Lo-Manthang: Namgyal Gompa & Tingkhar
Day 07: Scenic Drive from Lo-Manthang to Yara Village (3,850m)
Day 08: Trek from Yara to Ghuma Thanti (4,890m) via historic Luri Gumba (4,000m)
Day 09: Trek from Ghuma Thanti over a 5,200m pass to Parsye Khola (5,000m)
Day 10: Trek over a 5,600m pass to the Holy Damodar Kunda Lakes (4,800m)
Day 11: Trek back from Damodar Kunda to Ghuma Thanti (4,890m)
Day 12: Trek from Ghuma Thanti back down to Yara Village (3,850m)
Day 13: Note: Flex day/Buffer day for weather or rest
Day 14: Scenic 4WD Drive from Yara to the Holy Temple of Muktinath (3,800m)
Day 15: Private 4WD Drive from Muktinath back to Pokhara
Day 16: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu & Free Evening
Day 17: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for Final Departure
Day to Day Itinerary
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, an Alpine Asian Treks representative will warmly welcome you with traditional floral garlands. You will be transferred via private vehicle to your hotel (such as our peaceful Green Eco Resort) or similar. In the evening, enjoy an authentic welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing & Trek Preparation
Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of Kathmandu's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the ancient architecture of Patan Durbar Square, and the massive Buddhist stupa at Bouddhanath. In the afternoon, we gather at our downtown office for a thorough trip briefing with your guide to check gear and finalize permits.
Scenic Flight to Pokhara
Take a morning transfer to the domestic airport for a breathtaking 25-minute scenic flight to Pokhara, offering spectacular views of the snow-capped Central Himalayas. After checking into your lakeside hotel, your guide will take you for a relaxing walk around beautiful Phewa Lake.
Transfer to Kagbeni via Jomsom (2,700m)
We start early in a private 4WD jeep, heading deep into the Kali Gandaki River Valley. The rugged road rewards you with magnificent, up-close views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. We reach Kagbeni, the historical, medieval gateway into Upper Mustang. In the afternoon, we explore the town's ancient Sakya-pa Buddhist monastery and winding earthen alleys.
Drive to the Walled City of Lo-Manthang (3,840m)
Today we drive into the heart of Upper Mustang. Our 4WD vehicle maneuvers through a surreal, Martian-like high desert landscape punctuated by red cliffs and white-washed settlements. Crossing the windy Lo La Pass (3,850m), the historic walled capital of Lo-Manthang suddenly opens up below us. After checking in, we explore the ancient Royal Palace and local monasteries.
Explore Lo-Manthang, Namgyal Gompa & Tingkhar
A dedicated day to absorb this majestic kingdom. We hike or ride horses up to Namgyal Gompa, a hilltop monastery that serves as the local community court. We continue to Tingkhar, the last major village to the northwest near the Tibetan border. Alternatively, you can spend the day exploring the massive red walls of Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and interacting with local lamas.
Drive to Yara Village (3,850m)
Leaving the main tracks behind, our route changes dramatically today as we head into a much more remote, less-traveled territory. We drive down steep descents through unique wind-carved landscapes, cross riverbeds, and look up at countless ancient sky caves carved high into the cliff faces before reaching the quiet farming outpost of Yara.
Trek to Ghuma Thanti (4,890m) via Luri Gumba (4,000m)
Your trekking crew will serve morning hot tea at your lodge. After packing your gear, we begin our foot trek with a climb up to the mysterious Luri Cave Monastery. Belonging to the Nyingma-pa sect, this centuries-old structure features stunning, well-preserved Buddhist frescoes painted right onto the cave walls. From here, we cross a 5,100-meter pass and descend into the high, silent valley of Ghuma Thanti.
Trek to Parsye Khola (5,000m)
We continue walking deeper into the wild, high-altitude wilderness. Today's trail requires us to cross another demanding pass at 5,200 meters. The effort is rewarded with unparalleled panoramic isolation. From the top of the pass, we descend steadily for about 2 hours until we reach our overnight camp/lodge spot at Parsye Khola.
Trek to Holy Damodar Kunda (4,800m) & Explore
The defining day of our journey. The trail begins with a gradual descent for about 3 hours before tackling a long, steady climb up to 5,600 meters, the absolute highest point of our trek. Standing on top, the pristine, sacred lakes of Damodar Kunda unfold below. We make a final 2-hour descent to the edge of the holy lakes to settle in and explore the sacred surroundings.
Trek Back to Ghuma Thanti (4,890m)
After enjoying a serene morning sunrise over the sacred waters, we begin our return journey. We retrace our steps back across the 5,600-meter high pass, navigating the high-altitude terrain back down to the familiar settlement of Ghuma Thanti.
Trek to Yara Village (3,850m)
We continue our descent through the high desert plateaus. The trail offers a long, spectacular downhill walk, letting you admire the massive scale of the Mustang canyons from a completely different perspective as we head back to the warmer altitudes of Yara Village.
Drive to Muktinath (3,800m)
Today, we board our 4WD vehicles and head towards the famous pilgrimage hub of Muktinath. Driving past historic Mani walls and across vast high plateaus, we climb a small ridge where the majestic sight of Muktinath temple and the surrounding snow-capped peaks comes into view. We cross a small stream and pass through Chhyongsar village before arriving at our guesthouse.
Drive back to Pokhara
Enjoy your final breakfast in the high mountain air before embarking on a long, scenic drive back down along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Watch the landscape change completely from arid desert back into lush green forests. Arrive at Pokhara and check into your lakeside hotel for a celebratory evening.
Flight back to Kathmandu
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your leisure around Pokhara's lakeside for shopping or café visits. In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon landing, you will be driven back to your hotel for your final night in Nepal.
Private Transfer to Airport for Final Departure
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel. Take care of any last-minute souvenir shopping around the city. Our private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and drop you safely at Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home.
Whats Included?
Accommodation
- 3 Nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis
- 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara on BB basis
Meals
- Full meals (Breakfast Lunch & Dinner) while on trek to damodar Kunda
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
- Annapurna Conservation Area ( ACAP) Permit fee and monastery entrance while in Lo-Manthang
- Supporting staff (a professional trekking guide and porter(s)
- 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
- 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
- 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
recommend company in Nepal
We were recommend this company from our friend. Best Tour operator in Nepal Thanks a lot for Alpine Asian Treks, we feel much adventure trekking tour through this company, Our guide was friendly and very helpful. We recommend this company to this trekking.
Germany, 2023
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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Travel Infos
Restricted Area Permits & Regulations
Upper Mustang borders to Tibet and contains fragile heritage sites, the Government of Nepal protects it as a Restricted Area.
High Altitude Safety & Acclimatization
This trek crosses a maximum altitude of 5,600 meters. There is a risk of Altitude sickness (AMS). Our itinerary is specifically crafted to include gradual driving and trekking stages to let your body adjust naturally. We highly recommend:
- Drinking 4 to 5 liters of water daily.
- Walking at a slow, steady pace ("Bistarai, Bistarai").
- Informing your professional guide immediately if you experience early symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
Best Season: May to September
Unlike the rest of Nepal, Upper Mustang and Damodar Kunda lie completely inside the Himalayan rain shadow. This means the summer monsoon rains rarely cross the mountains into this high desert. The months of May, June, July, August, and September offer stable weather, blue skies, and excellent trail conditions. However, temperatures can still drop rapidly at night, and high passes are always prone to strong winds.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the first leg of the Upper Mustang trip is done comfortably via 4WD jeeps, the section from Yara to Damodar Kunda is a true foot trek. It is physically strenuous, requiring you to cross multiple high passes over 5,000 meters and sleep at high altitudes. Prior trekking experience and solid physical cardio fitness are highly recommended.
The indigenous people of Upper Mustang are known as the Bhotias (or Mustangis). Heavily influenced by their close proximity to Tibet, their vibrant culture, language, dress, and religious practices closely mirror traditional Tibetan Buddhism.
Jomsom airport sits in a windy mountain gorge where visibility changes quickly. If flights are canceled due to weather, we immediately switch to our backup plan: arranging a rugged, private 4WD chartered jeep to safely drive you down through the Kali Gandaki valley. The drive takes around one to one-and-a-half days back to Pokhara.
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