Damodar Kunda Trek

  • Damodar Kunda Trek

Overview

Highlights of the Damodar Kunda Trek:

  • Different Community with majority of Gurungs, Thakali and Dhaulagiri I - 8163m, Sita Chuchura 6611m, Nilgiri 6940m, Thapa Peak 6015m, Tukuche Peak 6920m, Tilicho peak 7134m, Thorong Peak 6484m, Yakawa Kang 6482m, 7035m, Brikuti 6364m, Chuungian Chanma Himal 6165m, Mustang Himal 66234m, Arniko Chuli 6034m. 
  • Holy Lake Damodar Kunda.
  • Dramatic Landscapes of Upper Mustang, Walled City Lo-Manthang, Luri Gompa.

There are numerous off the beaten trails which are stupendous and alluring. Annapurna region of Nepal holds astounding places which are either famous for cultural people or mountains. Damodar Kunda Trek is probably the most enticing walking journey.  It covers scintillating journey of last forbidden kingdom of Nepal Upper Mustang. Unique Adventure International always advocates for smart traveling. Henceforth, travel planners of this trekking agency based in Nepal prepared the package comprising of two iconic places of Nepal. If you want to experience Upper Mustang Trekking adventure and also would like to add the majestic Damodar Lake which holds great significance among Lord Vishnu followers.

Damodar Kunda Trek journey is elongated version of Upper Mustang Trek. Once trekkers reach Lo Man Thang the journey further extends to Damodar Kunda via Yara and Ghuman Thanti. This lake has great history with it regarded as the head of Lord Vishnu. According to religious script Barah Puran the river Kaligandaki resembles the Lord Vishnu lying all the way to Nawalparasi district of Nepal. It is believed that the source of Kaligandaki River the Damodar Kunda is head, Muktinath is mouth, Shaligram Chakra is chest, Ru Ru Area in Palpa district is waist, Devaghatam is knee and Gajendra Moksha Dev Dham in Nawalparasi as the feet. Such elaborated version written in auspicious book of Hinduism really showcases the importance of this lake. Moreover, another section also reveals that Lord Krishna once visited the lake and directed the sons of Kuber (God of riches) to take dip in the lake to get relieved from sins. Therefore, according to myth those who take 3 dip in this lake would get its sins washed away. Such is the scale of its importance. Moreover, trekkers can experience mystical valley of Upper Mustang area. If the time is during Tiji Festival then this would be double whammy.

Join the team of Unique Adventure International for the significant journey of Hindu pilgrimage. Damodar Kunda Trek can be the most holy walk of your life as well as the most scenic Himalayan adventure.

 

Itinerary Details

Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to hotel

On your arrival, you will be acknowledged by our representative of Unique Adventure International at the Airport (TIA). You will be then transferred to the hotel where you can either hang around or relax in the afternoon. You will have traditional Nepalese dinner where we take pleasure of Nepalese cultural program as well. We will be staying in a hotel for Overnight.

Day 02 : Stay in Kathmandu and sightseeing, overnight at hotel

After breakfast sightseeing around the cultural heritages enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage List in Kathmandu will be organized. Initially, you will be taken to Pashupatinath followed by Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupa where we can even enjoy the view of beautiful Kathmandu valley. Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and other two major sub cities Patan and Bhaktapur will be visited as well which are entirely conserved and clarifies the ancient times of Nepal. After the whole day trip, we will be staying overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Depart to Pokhara and sightseeing, overnight at hotel

Early in the morning, you will reach your destination at Pokhara after a drive for nearly 5-6 hours. You will have an incredible panorama of river and scenery all the way throughout your drive. Or, you may also take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara for about half an hour. After refreshments in the hotel, you can visit around lakeside area go for boating at renowned Fewa Lake. We will be staying overnight in the hotel.

Day 04 : Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni, overnight at guesthouse 

Today, 20 minutes flight from Pokhara to Jomsom will be taken with the leader of Unique Adventure International and you. After arrival at Jomsom, we walk for almost 3 hours and reach our targeted site, Kagbeni and stay overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 05 : Trek to Chele, overnight at guesthouse 

Early in the morning we travel further towards Chele from Kagbeni followed along the bank of Kaligandaki. We pass through the villages of Tangbe and Chunksang. We need to come across a bridge over Kaligandaki and ascend abruptly for around 35 minutes to reach Chele Village. We will be staying overnight at guesthouse. The entire trek will last in almost 6 hours.

Day 06 : Trek to Syambochen, overnight at guesthouse 

We depart from Chele and initiate our trek to Syangboche. We pass through the point Taklam La (3240m.), Baga La, Yemdo pass (4000m.) and Dzong La (3550m.). In a while, you will be walking through fascinating communities of Samar, Yemdo, and Bhona. Finally, we enter Shyangbochen after trekking for approximately 7 hours and stay overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 07 : Trek to Charang, overnight at guesthouse 

As in the barren areas in Mustang on our way to Ghami, the majority of houses are built out of stones, mud and a combination of mud, pebbles with roof of straw. After the hike for 5 hours, we reach to Ghami and stay overnight in lodges available. The marvelous views of the landscape the tender curve of the north and the irregular mountain gorge in the east west are fascinating elements of the trek. We walk for roughly 5 hours which brings us to Charang, a large thicken village inhabitant of people of Lo, actually of Tibetan origin. The adjacent Gompa and aged monastery are supposed to be around 500 years old which are enclosed by several finest religious wall paintings..

Day 08 : Trek to Lo-Manthang, overnight at guesthouse 

On this day, we walk towards the capital region of Mustang, Lo-Mangthang. The 300 meters long and 150 meters wide wall has protected the area against robbery and the vicious winds. The small area of Lo-Mangthang has population of more than 1000 people whose houses are associated by fine rope stone lanes. The entire trek completes in about 4 hours and stay at the guesthouses.

Day 09 : Explore and rest at Lo-Manthang, overnight at guesthouse 

Today we have a free and relaxing day at Lo Manthang; we can explore around Lo Manthang and visit, low caste settlements, king’s palace, herbal medical school, monasteries, and more for the entire day. 

Day 10 : Trek to Yara (via Dhi, Dri), overnight at guesthouse 

After breakfast we leave the village of Lo Mnathang and keep gentle ascending to reach Day-La with sandy path. The trail slightly mounts on the ridge viewing the scenic landscapes until reaching small pass. Then, we walk through a steep and dusty descent in the narrow path. We again come to a wide plateau and tumble down the wobbly and knee crunching trail reaching Dhi village. After lunch we pass suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and ascend a steep path. Then, we chase down the upstream of Puyung Khola viewing the astonishing landscapes and countless caves at the stone walls. Eventually, after approximately walking for 7 hours from Lo Manthang, we reach Yara village.

Day 11 : Trek to Ghuma Thanti (4856m.), overnight at tented camp

Today, we mount visit the fascinating Luri Cave Monastery. Shortly, we pursue the desolate gorge after crossing 5100meter pass. Today we need to prepare pack lunch due to inappropriate cooking possibilities on the trip. We then walk down and reach to Ghuma Thanti where we will be staying overnight at tented camp. Our entire trek completes in about 7 hours.

Day 12 : Trek to Damodar Kunda, overnight at tented camp

Today, the trail continues with climbing up and falling down. After crossing another 5600meter pass we will reach to the High Altitude Damodar Kunda. Even today we need lunch packs due to cooking impossibilities in the trail. Today's trek completes in almost 10 hours and we stay at campsite overnight.

Day 13 : Rest day in Damodar Kunda, overnight at tented camp

We can walk around and enjoy the high altitude Damodar Kunda/Lake and relax for rest of the day. 

Day 14 : Trek to Ghuma Thanti, overnight at tented camp

Today, we return back through the same way crossing over the 5600m high pass. Again, the trail continues with ups and downs. We will prepare our lunch in tiny watercourse, Bas Khola in the trail. After completing the total trek in 8 hours, we will stay at the tented camps overnight.

Day 15 : Trek to Yara, overnight at guesthouse 

Early morning we walk through the same route and climb up to return. The trail persists downwards until we reach Yara Village. Our trek completes in 7-8 hours and stay overnight at guesthouse at Yara.

Day 16 : Trek to Tange, overnight at guesthouse 

Today is a difficult and lengthy day for us with walk for almost 8 hours. Therefore early morning, we take a small and abrupt ascent and then extended flat way trail. Then we descent to Dechhyang Khola and the origin is Damodar Kunda. The black fossils of marine animals, Saligrames can be found everywhere. Then the track sharply ascents and leads us to the peak of the pass where we have our packed lunch break, which should be prepared in Yara due to cooking impossibilities in the trail. After lunch, the trail continues with ups and downs and then we are on a huge plateau and cross to reach Tangya village. We can witness several big Chhortens over here. 

Day 17 : Trek to Tetang (via Paha), overnight at guesthouse 

Today is a hectic day too with 9-10 hours long walk. Early morning we leave the village, cross the bridge and pursue the short river route. We steeply climb up to reach a small pass after crossing the river. Then after we arrive to Paha (shelter house), we prepare our lunch. We continue crossing many small passes and reach the top of the hill after lunch. It will take around 2 hours. Then the trail abruptly moves down and we encounter strong airstream and finally reach Tetang village. We can have an outstanding view of Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri Himal, Tukuche Peak, and other snow capped peaks during the trail. 

Day 18 : Trek to Muktinath, overnight at guesthouse 

Early in the morning, we walk through the village after crossing beautiful Mani walls. Then, we climb up to the broad valley and keep ascending until we reach small pass where the mountains and picturesque view of Muktinath becomes spectacular. Then, we descend to the diminutive watercourse and cross by a suspension bridge. Subsequently, we come across in the village of Chhyongar and follow the trail and arrive at Muktinath crossing Kani/gate. Later in the evening, we explore to sacred place of Tibetan Buddhist and Hindus. We can also visit the beautiful 108 brass water spurts. Muktinath is a temple of lord Vishnu, a Hindu god. It is believed that when we visit to Muktinath Temple, we become free from the cycle of birth and rebirth. There is a presence of another Buddhist monastery below the temple where the combination of water-earth-fire shows immense religious significance of Muktinath. And we can also have the superb view of Dhaulagiri I and Nilgiri Himal. Today's trek comes to an end in almost 6 hours.

Day 19 : Trek to Jomsom, overnight at guesthouse 

Today, we depart from the village, walk down to Jharkot community and visit the prehistoric Sakyamuni Buddhist Monastery along with Traditional Medical Center. Then, we walk through the filthy street trail for a while and prefer shortcut left trail and reach Eklebatti where we have our lunch. After lunch, we again hike through the dusty and strong airstream road path along the Kaligandaki River and finally reach to Jomsom. Today after the total journey of approximately 5 hours, we will stay overnight at the guest houses available.

Day 20 : Fly to Pokhara, overnnight at hotel

Early in the morning, we fly back to Pokhara which takes about 30minutes and transfer to Hotel. Today is a free day so you can relax and rest on your own, or you may travel around Pokhara and visit the remaining arresting sites. 

Day 21 : Back to Kathmandu, overnight at hotel

Today you fly from Pokhara back to Kathmandu by a domestic flight. You can have refreshment and rest for yourself and stay overnight at hotel.

Day 22 : Departure to your own destination

After Breakfast, you depart for Airport or for your next destination with the help of Unique Adventure International.

Trip Inclusion

What is included?

  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast as per the programme.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with hot beverage and snacks whilst on trekking.
  • Cosy guesthouse accommodation whilst on trekking.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) fees.
  • An experienced fluent English speaking guide trained and licenced by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation
  • Highly experienced trekking porter(s).
  • Staff food, accommodation, clothing, salary & insurance.
  • All necessary ground transportation.
  • Airport transfers.
  • All governmental procedure.
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at typical Nepali restaurant.

What is not included?

  • Meals at Kathmandu.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Bar and beverage bills.
  •  Your Travel Insurance.
  • Rescue & Evacuation.
  • Gratitude (tip) for staff.

FAQs

Recommended Gear Lists:

  • Good wind/rain jacket
  • Warm fleece jacket or jersey
  • Good boots, either light-weight trekking boots or light full leather boots
  • Good -20 Sleeping bag (which can be rented or buy in Kathmandu)
  • A comfortable day pack, preferably with a waistband.
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear
  • Hiking shorts
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Light and expedition weight thermal bottom
  • Fleece or wool pants
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
  • Thin, lightweight inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Hiking boots with spare laces
  • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Other necessary equipment:

  • Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
  • Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
  • Basic First Aid Kit (We also provide comprehensive first aid medical kit and Oxymeter)
  • Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
  • Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
  • Water bottles (2 bottles recommended)
  • Toiletries
  • Small wash towel

Note

Whatever conditions the stated itinerary follow, are for the visitors who prefer full package programme. At the same time, we also serve you based on your choice. The selection of itineraries and the staff depends on your choice and financial procurement. We have options for any partial visit as per your requirement regarding your interest and financial condition.

Note

We would like you to know that although we try to follow the program given above, at times local trails or weather conditions may compel us to make slight changes if necessary. The itinerary may also vary slightly subject to our trekkers' acclimatization rates. This odyssey goes into untamed territory above the timberline, so we seek to request maximum flexibility if and when required for the safety of your trip and your life. Thank you so much for your understanding. We value your precious life.

Trip Price

US $ 2,790 per person

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Quick Fact of the Trip

  • Trip Duration : 22 days
  • Best Season : Spring & Autumn
  • Country : Nepal
  • Min Altitude : 2758 meter
  • Max Altitude : 5600 meter
  • Trip starts : Kathmandu
  • Trip ends : Kathmandu
  • Group size : Min – 2

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