- Destination:Nepal
- Total Duration:22 Days
- Trip Grade:Moderate
Trip Overview
Mustang Damodar Kunda has been recently open for global tourists from the start of the millennium. It is a famous sacred site for Hindu followers as well as the nature lovers. The Kunda or the lake is located in the rain shadow area that lies on the northern side of beautiful Annapurna massif. At the elevation of 5400 m, Lake resembles an open challenge to any adrenaline seekers, extreme adventure lovers to take on the journey towards the lap of high Himalayas in Upper Mustang region. And to add some chill on this extreme trip, the pilgrims usually take a dip in the cold chilling water of Damodar Kunda which they believe rinses them from all their sins.
Mustang Damodar Kunda camping trek is probably best experienced in the month of August especially during full moon as it marks the huge festival and thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit the lake to perform various rituals and cultures. It exhibits the true connection between people, culture and its basis on the nature. The lake is situated in the protected area on the foothill of Damodar Himal and lies between the landmass of Kagbeni and Muktinath in Upper Mustang. Unusually this moderate hard trek is still jam-packed with challenges of high altitude. A gradual but high elevation takes great toll on both physical and mental well-being of any trekker. Mustang Damodar Kunda camping trek includes trekking through the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang and several hidden villages in the region. The trek is designed with adequate rest days and acclimatization periods in between passing through high and low altitudes so as to provide your body and mind time to rest and heal for the next day’s walk.
Mustang DamodarKunda camping trek starts with exciting flight to Jomsom shortly after your arrival in Kathmandu and then reaching Pokhara. From Jomsom, we will begin our trip towards DamodarKunda via Kagbeni and Upper Mustang. We also visit the land of salvation in Muktinath temple and its premise. With the best views of Annapurna massif, we progress further on the foothill of the mountains, we cross the beautiful villages and reach culturally rich Lo Manthang. We visit the historical and holy sites. The lake destinations are located couples of days walk away of the northern Mustang and close to Tibetan border. We will be visiting some of the high points that hit the high altitude above 5330 m. Thus, it is mandatory to have basic physical wellbeing.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Sightseeing and preparation for trek in Kathmandu
- Day 3: Fly to Pokhara
- Day 4: Fly to Jomsom 2720m then trek to Kagbeni 2800m
- Day 5: Trek to Chailey 3100m
- Day 6: Trek to Syangmochen 3800m
- Day 7: Trek to Tsarang 3560m
- Day 8: Trek to Lo-Manthang 3840m
- Day 9: Exploration day.
- Day 10: Trek to Yara 3900m
- Day 11: Trek to GhumaThanti 4800m
- Day 12: Trek to DamodarKunda 4890m
- Day 13: Exploration day
- Day 14: Trek to GhumaThanti 4800m
- Day 15: Trek to Yara 3900m
- Day 16: Trek to Tangye 3240m
- Day 17: Trek to Tetang 3040m
- Day 18: Trek to Muktinath 3700m
- Day 19: Trek to Jomsom 2720m
- Day 20: Fly to Pokhara 820m
- Day 21: Fly to Kathmandu
- Day 22: Final departure
Detail Itinerary
A warm welcome, as our representative will receive you and transfer you to your respective hotels and provide you valuable information regarding your stay, refreshments etc.
We will drive around wonderful sightseeing spots in Kathmandu. We will visit major tourist areas that are enlisted in UNESCO’s World Heritage sites such as Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and SwayambhunathStupa etc. Afterwards, we will visit Thamel market place to purchase necessary items and equipment for trekking.
We will have to require permits for your visits to Mustang first and then take a flight to Pokhara. We will take some time to preparation and orientations on the trip. You can stroll around lakeside in the evening.
We will take an early flight to Jomsom. Jomsom is at windy location thus as soon as the wind resides, we head for Kagbeni for the night camp. The first day of the trek may take a toll as we walk on the rugged surface with edgy stone paths. Enjoy views of Tukuchehimal, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.
We start early trekking. Firstly we have to produce our permits to local authority before heading to Upper Mustang. Hugging the touchline on the left bank of the Kali Gandaki River, we walk along and ascend up stream to reach ancient Tangbe village. We continue the trail to Chhusang village then descend back to the river shore, cross an iron bridge and view 16 small caves. We then take steep ascent till we reach Tsaile for tented camp night stay.
We start the day with on the rough road filled with unstable pebble as we approach big canyons site and reach a small pass. We then take a gentle mountain flank descending the cliff to reach Samar village. From here, we further climb up and down several steep hills before reaching Ranchung Cave chorten. Shortly after visiting the cave we walk pass meadow to reach Syangmochen.
Today soon after the breakfast we start ascending. As we pass through the Ghiling valley before crossing Nyi-La pass to reach Ghami village. Then we cross a suspension bridge and pass along the longest Mani Wall in Mustang and then reach Tsarang Village.
First we visit some historical monuments then start descending TsarangKhola gorge and cross an Iron Bridge over the river. We ascend rocky gully and enter the valley of wide desert-like landscape to reach Lo-La. Then we descend to plain trail and then we climb up the plateau of Lo-Manthang.
An amazing as we will be exploring the magnificent valley of Lo-Manthang. We visit different monumental sites that are historically significant and culturally rich. We visit the gombas, sacred caves, trading route to Lhasa, forts and also the former royal family and their palace.
We leave Lo Manthang and ascend gradually to the less travelled valleys of Yara. We cross Lo la pass at 3960m and Dhi La pass 3950 m elevation before reaching Dhi village. Descending from there towards Kali Gandaki River and enter the narrow valley then cross PuyungKhola to reach Yara for the night camp.
We are heading towards GhumiThanti today. First we visit the Luri Cave Monastery then we proceed through barren valley before crossing the high pass.
Today we continue our journey crossing another high pass that elevate over 5600 m. Trekking through highs and lows we soon reach the holy area of DamodarKunda where we will set up a tent for the night stay.
We explore the surroundings of the lake.
We retrace back to GhumaThanti.
We further retrace back our journey to Yara Village.
We will have to start early today for a difficult journey. We start the journey to DechhyangKhola, origin of DamodarKunda. We explore the area and enjoy the views of the landscape. We then precede the trip to Tangya village.
We will be walking a long trip today. Starting early we ascend through the path crossing several bridges we cross a pass to reach Paha. Then from there on passing a couple of passes we start descending towards Terang village.
Today we are heading quickly towards mani walls before climbing to a valley. We get to see beautiful mountains and picturesque view of Muktinath region. Soon we enter in Chhyongar village then reach Muktinath for the night.
An amazing descent follows as we drop to Jharkot village and EkleBatti. We head on to the rugged trail, following the Kali Gandaki River soon reach Jomsom for the camp stay.
After breakfast we arrive at Jomsom airport for our flight to Pokhara. In Pokhara we take out time to visit some monuments and around the valley.
Today we fly back to Kathmandu. It is recommended to take vital resting time after such a long tiring journey. You can choose to visit local market and buy souvenirs for loved ones.
This is your final day. Our representative will drop you at the International airport some 3 hours prior to your flight time by our representative. Thank you and have a safe journey.
" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.
I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back"
I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt
I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host.
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip. Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared. Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest. On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!
We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme. His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.
Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.