Damodar Kunda

Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek

  • Trip Duration23 Days
  • Trip GradeStrenuous
  • Max. Altitude5600 M
  • Cost Starting FromContact Us
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Transportation: Private Transport + Flight
  • Accommodation: Lodge + Camping
  • Max. Altitude: 5600 M
  • Min. Group Size: 02 Minimum - 10 Maximum

Highlights

  • The hidden kingdom, Off the beaten path, ancient culture, Tibetan culture and life style, medieval aged cave monasteries with precious arts,
  • Scenic flight between the two Himalayan giants Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Mt. Annapurna (8091m), holy temples, well preserved Himalayan wildlife
  • Tibetan Buddhism, hundreds of years old monasteries treasured with precious artifacts, beautiful landscape of Tibetan plateau. 
  • Explore the valleys above Lo, Luri Gompa and Yara, and to trek the remote route from Tetang to Muktinath
  • Get to know more closer to Tibetan culture and holy holy lake Damodar Kunda and culture wonders.

Damodar Kunda ( Lake ) is a famous hindus religious pilgrimage place situated in rain shadow area of annapurna range. Damodar Kunda is also know as holy lake situated in the evelation of 4849M. It is one of the entire destination to Hindhu pilgrimage. During the full moon of Auguest every year, there is a big festival celebration. Numbers of Hindhu and Bhuddhist devoteers are visiting in full moon of August. The best season to visit Upper mustang combine with Damodar Kund is spring to till beginning of autumn season ( April to September) every year. Festival time will be really great idea to explore Damodar Kund.

Views are great along the trails to Damodar Kund. we hike up to some viewpoints a bit higher than the lakes to catch up the best view of mountains and fantastic landscapes. The Tibetan plateau and Damodar Himal to the north,  Annapurna Himalayan massive to the south can be seen amazing vews. The Damodar lakes are located three days walk north east of the main Mustang trekking route  ( we need to buy the specail trekking permit from Nepal Government to trek to Upper Mustang Regain). Before 1991 Upper mustang was completely restriction to trek but Now it has been open to the trekkers but only in group basis ( at least 2 people in a group ) . 

Damodar Kunda lies on restricted upper mustang between Kagbeni and Muktinath locally called "Charang the land of hilly lakes. The are two versions of the Kali Gandaki river origin ; One will say, the river comes from a lake near the Tibetan border by the name of Damodar-kund north east of Muktinath (a 2-3 day trip per foot away). Others will say the river appears from a crack of the Dongmar mountain north west of Lo Mantang and that the waters of Damodar kund are unique to themselves. The people in Upper Mustang are Tibetan Buddhist and they 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 roofted houses, small tiny village and rocky canyon will give you the life time experience.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon on arrival in Kathmandu Mount Trails representative will welcome you by garland and transfer to your hotel. you will have a time for refreshment. Evening we will walk down to local market to ASON ( SPICY MARKET ) . Dinner at typical Nepali traditional restaurant with cultural shows.

After Breakfast at Hotel, we start our day sightseeing around kathmandu valley. Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, Patan durbar square. At the end of the day visit our city office for the final meeting before adventure start with our trek/tour leader, support staffs and other team.we will have lunch on the way to sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.

we will have early breakfast at hotel. we drive to Bus stand if we are taking regular tourist bus to pokhara or we can fly to pokhara if you wish to have more time to explore around in lakeside area. Arrive in Pokhara and transfer to hotel. Evening, we can ride boat on few lake with beautiful sunset views. Free evening around the lakeside.

Drive to Pokhara airport early in the morning to catch up your flight to Jomsom. Upon we arrive in Jomsom we proceed towards Kagbeni. The trail ascends and level trail until reaching Kagbeni Village, which is doorway to upper Mustang region. We will visit the peculiar colors and shapes of the Chhorten and Kani in the village and ancient Sakya-Pa Sect Buddhist Monastery. Your will have a great view of the snow capped mountain today on the way to kagbeni.

we start our day after having breakfast at mountain guest house. Trek goes through the windy and sandy trails ups and downhill steps, beautiful scenic picturesque mountain cliffs. Check in your permit on the way and reach Tangbe village (the first Mustang village where the village has a medieval atmosphere) with narrow alleys among white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. 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. Overnight camp at Chele village.

Breakfast at mountain Lodge and continue trek through rocky canyon trail. We will have a lunch at Samar village. After lunch, we descend steeply to a stream and then climb up to a plateau. We 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 hills. Overnight at Syanboche village.

After breakfast, we start our day hike up hill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few tea houses, chortens and local villages. we will see the Tibetan local lifestyle and their culture . We cross mountain passes, 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 Ghaymi village.

We proceed our trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall. This 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.

Today explore the old palace and ancient monastery from where is believed to spread the Budhism in Upper Mustang. After breakfast 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 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.

Visit the palace and around, 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 current king and Queen. The king of Lo-Manthang, is highly respected by the locals and consult about the major issues, within Upper Mustang area.

Trek 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 reach Dhe Village. After lunch we 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 bring us to Yara. The accommodation will be in tent.

Wake up; tea will be serving at your tent. Pack the gears and procced 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. After that, we follow the barren valley after crossing 5100m pass. Your lunch will be making at the breakfast place as there are not appropriate camping site with water source.

After breakfast, pack your gears and continue your trek to Pase Khole. Today we cross another pass of 5200m. After the pass we start descending down for 2 hours to Pase Khole. Overnight at Pase Khola.

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 2 hours descends will bring you to Damodar Kunda, the entire destination. You will stop over night next to the lake. Serve you the dinner and night rest.

After breakfast, we 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.

Today also we come back all the all same route climb ups and down which we have done before. The trail continues downhill until reaching Yara Village. We will serve you pack lunch on the trail.

This is a long day. We 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 us to the top of the pass where we 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)

Today also we have big day. After breakfast we proceed our trek early in the morning, cross the suspension bridge and follow the short river route. After crossing the river we start steeply climb up to reach a small pass. Then the trail goes straight to Pauha (Shelter house) where we make our lunch break. Here is small water tap for drinking water. After having lunch we continue crossing many small passes until we reach the top of the hill. Then the trails steeply descend and we encounter strong wind until we reach Tetang village.

After breakfast we will start our journey through the village after passing the scenic Mani wall. Then we start climb up to the wide valley. After walking the plateau, we keep ascending until reaching the small pass from where we can see the high mountains and magnificent view of Muktinath. Then, we drop down to the small stream and cross by a suspension bridge. After that, we enter in the village of Chhyongar and follow the level trail until reaching Muktinath village. Today we will serve you a pack lunch and dinner at the lodge. Overnight at lodge.

After breakfast we head off to Jharkot village where we see the ancient Sakyamuni Buddhism Monastery and Traditional Medical center. The trails follow the dusty road for a while then we follow the trekking trail until reaching Eklebhatti where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we follow again mountain road trail thought Kaligandaki River to reach Jomson. Enjoy the last night in the mountain. You can invite to your support team to join a dinner.

Early morning after breakfast, we fly to Pokhara with thrilling fantastic Mountain View including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna south, Annapurana I and Machhapuchere.

After early breakfast, we take a walk to regular tourist bus station to catch up bus to Kathmandu at 7:30 am from Pokhara or we can charter a private transport instead. Free evening in Kathmandu. Optional ( we will take a flight instead of drive back )

We will transfer to airport for final departure back home sweet home. Or we will be on hand to advice and assist with your onward travel arrangement.

Trip Cost Details

Cost Include

  • Arrival pick up and drop off from International airport. 
  • Kathmandu day guided sightseeing by private transport. 
  • 3 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu on standard hotel basis with bed and breakfast 
  • 2 Nights accommodation in pokhara on standard hotel basis with bed and breakfast. 
  • Flight to and from Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara
  • Domestic airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Land transportation Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu
  • Mustang Special Trekking Permit Fee
  • Annapurna Conservation Area ( ACAP Permit fee )
  • Full Board Camping with meals (Breakfast Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
  • Necessary camping equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen equipment etc.)
  • Supporting staff (a professional trekking guide and porter(s), cook, kitchen boy(s) as well as their necessary wages, insurance, meals, transportations and allowances
  • Clients allowed taking only 15 kg. Personal luggage while on trekking. 

Cost Exclude

  • International airfare and visa fees 
  • Monuments entry fees while on sightseeing  in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 
  • Personal trekking equipments( Note: Additional cost applies for single tent on camping trek)
  • Lunch and dinner while in kathmandu and pokhara 
  • Travel and medical insurance for any kind of emergency evacuation. 
  • 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% of cost you paid )
  • Single supplement for hotel accommodation 
  • Any other services which is not mentioned above in 'Cost includes' section. 

Trip Map

Useful Info

What Makes This Trip Different? 

Mount Trails believe in the quality services with great vlaue to our guests.  Your safety and satisfaction is our concern. We are a team of professional, experienced, well trained and licensed local guides who knows the destination much better than others. Not only this but also we give benefits the local communities and helps to conserve natural resources which reduced in costs and consumption.

Mount Trails Trekking and Adventures works for social causes with some non-profit organization http://letsgocool.org concerned with environmental conservation and preservation includes Orphan children who need better education and the better life. We are supporting for the cause with some of our profits to a certain organization so that we can make their life better and bring happiness in thier life. We believe that education and healthy children make more stable and better future of Nepal. For donation, Sponsorship or any kind of Voluntourism, please contact to our orginization  [email protected]  

What to take

This is a very active trip, meaning you will be on the move most of the time, so pack as lightly as possible. We provide one porter for every two travellers; your trekking gear will be carried by the porter in a duffel bag that we will provide. The maximum the porters are allowed to carry 15 kgs per trekker means 30 kgs from 2 trekkers . Unnecessary luggage can left in Kathmandu Hotel and its absolutely free of cost. .

Important to note

Please read the Checklist section of this trip notes for additional details of what you need to bring for the trek on this trip. You will need to bring a comfortable medium sized day pack to carry the things that you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt. The weather is subject to change in high altitude so layered clothing is recommended throughout the year.

Trip Note

Our Trekking Group

The trekking group to Tsum valley Nepal depends on the number of persons but we normally take in 02-20 persons in a group. However, if you are in a bigger group of more than 10 persons, we can manage the Tsum Valley Trekking accordingly. The maximum number 20 is the outcome of generally organized group treks. But, we are good at organizing treks for any group size you require. 

Besides the trekking group, we have our local staffs to assist you as well. Trekking does not just mean traveling around; it will be more rewarding if you can gain good bunch of information of the areas you travel. So, we provide you with guides for that and in order to assure easy travel experience, we have porters who would carry on your luggage. We will facilitate you with 1 porter between 2 trekkers. Our porter carry maximum of 20 kg weight. 

Guides and Porters

For trekking group of 1 to 5 people, we provide – 1 Guide and Porter (1 porter between two trekkers ).

For trekking group of more than 5 people, we provide – 1 Guide, 1 Assistant Guide and Porter (1 porter between two trekkers ).

Accomodation

Our overnight stay would be on Tea Houses/lodges during Trekking of Tsum Valley.  Twin sharing comfortable beds and common bathroom will be provided. The place is clean and hygienic. However, if you require a single supplement accommodation, it can also be made available on request at an additional cost of US$ 200. But still you need to be aware that single supplement accommodation may not be available at all the places during your Tsum valley trek Nepal. 

Meals

Tsum Valley Trekking would let you experience typical Nepali food, special mountain foods and other cuisines including international cuisine like Indian, Tibetan, Italian, and Continental. You can always make your choices from the food menu available there. We will have breakfast and dinner at lodge/tea houses mostly whereas we will have the lunch on our way. 

While in Kathmandu, your accommodation is at tourist standard hotels facilitated with Attached Bath, A/C, 24 hours running hot/cold shower, Internet service and others. The facilities provided here is of 2 to 3 star standard hotel.

Complementary

We offer welcome dinner, farewell dinner and breakfasts during your stay in Kathmandu. 

Transportation

The means of transportation are private cars/vans and public bus. Pick up and drop from airport to hotel, and hotel to airport will be done by private transportation. Also, we will be driving from Kathmandu to Arughat and from Khudi to Kathmandu by Bus.Tsum valley trek Nepal will start with a drive from Kathmandu to Arughat. From Arughat, we walk all the way to our destination. While returning, we take a bus from Arughat to Kathmandu. 

Safety and Precaution

It is necessary that you take in good precaution during your travel to avoid any difficulties in your Trekking of Tsum Valley.  As the Manaslu Tsum valley trek leads to higher altitude range, you need some trustworthy, experienced, qualified and well-equipped people around you. Your safety is assured by the local trek guide and other staffs. 

Since these hikes take you on the remote Himalayan region, it is very essential that you are accompanied with the very experienced, qualified and well-equipped leader such that your trek runs safe and successful one. All our guides at Mount Trails are trained and licensed from Nepal Government, certified from TAAN and Nepal Mountaineering Association with experience over many years. So, this is a double assurance for your safety and to make sure that you are in the correct and professionals hand. Thus, you need not worry about anything; we are here only at your service.

Health Issues

Regarding health issues, we are well aware that you are likely to get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Going up high at faster pace is too harmful and can be fatal as well because of less oxygen. Some general symptoms of AMS are mentioned clearly on this link : http://www.mounttrails.com/altitude-sickness-in-nepal-himalaya.html