Trekking to the trans-Himalayan region during Upper Mustang and Damodar Kunda gives plenty of opportunities to explore the ancient Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage, landscape, and monasteries.
Your Gateway to Himalayas
Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek
Trip at a Glance
Duration18 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
DurationNepal
Maximum Altitude4,890 m
AccommodationHotel/Tea House/Tented Camp
Starts/EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking
Best TimeMarch to November
Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek in Nepal explores a restricted area with distinct dry, arid landscapes and spiritual cultures. Our 17-day trek to Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda differs from any other trek in Nepal. It is one of the least-visited treks because of the isolation it takes to see the centuries-old monasteries.
If you want a less-crowded trekking package in Nepal, the Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek is the best option. You trek to the lost forbidden kingdom, Lo Manthang (3,840 m), and the holy Damodar Lake (4,890 m).
Trekking to Lo Manthang, the upper part of Mustang is an excellent venture. Visiting the holy Damodar Lake is an exceptional part of the journey. So far, the Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek is one of our favourite off-the-beaten treks in Nepal. It is a teahouse plus a camping trek. We do a teahouse up to Yara and switch to camping from there to Damodar Kunda until we return to Yara.
During the trek, you spend the night in remote settlement areas. Tibetan Buddhism highly influences the locals, and their traditions and culture resemble many Tibetans. Along the Mustang Damodar Kunda trekking routes, you come across ancient monasteries, chortens, and mani walls.
Introduction of Damodar Kunda (Lake) in the Upper Mustang Region
Damodar Kunda (4,890 m) is a holy lake situated at the lap of Damodar Himal in the Upper Mustang region. The lake flows southward through the rainshadow valley at the eastern edge of the Annapurna range.
According to Hindu mythology, this lake has tremendous religious values. We all believe our sins go away after bathing in it. During the full moon in August, pilgrims visit this lake, lighting up the festivity in the area.
The outline you can see during the Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek
- Explore the retired trans-Himalayan region, Upper Mustang
- Enjoy off-beat, adventurous, less-crowded trekking
- Get to see diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to arid, barren hills
- Cross many passes and remote villages
- Come across centuries-old monasteries, mani walls, and chortens
- The trail crosses many passes
- Spend the night in Lo Manthang and see the lifestyle of the locals, who are highly influenced by Tibetan culture.
- Explore the holy Damodar Kunda (lake)
- Enjoy the teahouse and camping trek
- Witness breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, such as the Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Bhrikuti Peak, etc.
Views during Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trekking Route
The Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek offers breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna regions. The trek provides gorgeous scenery of lush valleys and further presents the arid, barren views of the Mustang region. Along the way, you also see remarkable views of gorges and sky caves.
Himalayan mountains like Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) are seen during the trek. Other peaks are Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Nilgiri Peak (7,061 m), Bhrikuti Peak (6,476 m) during the Upper Mustang and Damodar Kunda Trek.
How difficult is Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek?
Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trekking is considered a problematic trek in Nepal. This trek is ideally recommended for trekkers with some previous trekking experience, but trekkers without previous experience can also do it. The trekking route is off-beat and requires 6 to 7 hours of daily walking. You cross some passes on the way to Lo Manthang. There are numerous steep and rugged sections along the way.
Training for Trek to Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Route
To prepare for the trek to Upper Mustang Damodar Kundu, you can take short hikes around you. The Upper Mustang and Damodar Kunda Treks demand stamina and long-distance walking ability. Running, cycling, and swimming are also great ways to prepare.
Why is our upper Mustang Damodar Kunda trek package for 2024 special?
We offer the best Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek itinerary and cost for 2024. Our experienced crew has extensive knowledge about the trail so that you can expect a very informative and smooth venture. Likewise, our team members are amiable and helpful.
You will have a hassle-free Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trekking with us. Moreover, our transparent policy, no hidden charges, and easy booking system make it easier for travellers to make the booking.
Itinerary
This is our standard and recommended Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek Itinerary.
Trip PlanExpand all
We pick you up from Kathmandu airport as per your flight landing time on your arrival day. Our airport representative will assist you in check-in at the hotel and leave you to freshen up.
You meet with our manager to brief the program, settle the payments, address your needs and introduce your trekking guide in the evening.
Today, you have a free day because we will make the necessary permits for Upper Mustang Trek for you.
You can explore Thamel, a tourist hub and visit some world heritage sites around Kathmandu Valley. Your trekking guide will meet you in the evening to give you a duffle bag and help you buy or rent other necessary trekking gear if you need it.
Your trekking guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and walk to the tourist bus station. The journey offers the beautiful scenery of landscape as well as mountains. You reach Pokhara by afternoon. Check-in the hotel for a refresh. Then you can visit the Phewa Lake and explore the Lakeside Market. Free evening.
After breakfast, we drive to the Pokhara airport and take an early flight to Jomsom. It is a short but scenic flight to Jomsom airport. You can see Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Annapurna I, Mount Fishtail with surrounding Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from the plane window. After landing at Jomsom airport, we ride on a local jeep to Chhuksang village for our first night in the mountain. The drive offers phenomenal mountain landscapes.
Our trek begins from Chhuksang. We trek following a riverbank of Kali Gandaki River. On the way, we can see sky caves among the cliff walls. A steep ascent leads us to Chele village, and we continue ascending to Chotare Lopcha pass (3,625 m). The views from this place are wonderful. We then walk on a winding path to Samar village.
From Samar, we descend and cross a stream to ascend to Samar La (4,000 m) pass. From Samar La top, the views of Lapcha Pass, Lhakpa Pass, and the Ghiling village are mind-blowing. From here, we pass by Chyangsi Cave and reach Ghiling village.
We leave Ghiling after our breakfast to start our trek to reach Dhamkar. Today, we cross several passes like Ghami La and Nhi La on our hike. Further, we walk alongside stone walls to reach the fields of Dhakmar village. On the way, we pass by many stupas and chortens. Dhakmar village offers beautiful mountain views.
The trekking route ascends further to Tsarang village. We cross alpine meadows and pass by the Ghar Gompa. This monastery is more than 1200 years old. We then cross Chongo La pass and descend to Gekar. Walking through farming fields, we reach Tsarang. The trail continues passing by numerous chortens and mani walls to Lo Manthang.
First, we cross a steel bridge and pass by Marang village. From here, ascend to Lo La Pass enjoying splendid views of Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, and Bhrikuti Peak. From the Lo La pass, the route descends to our last destination of the day, Lo Manthang.
We spend an extra day in Lo Manthang and take this time to explore the village and nearby areas. We hike to Garphu and Nyapu gompas. And then we explore some caves and follow the trading route to Lhasa. We get to see numerous ruins of forts.
We leave Lo Manthang by taking a short climb up to a glacial valley with views of the reddish brown historical walled city during the return Some unforgettable images of the Lo as we slowly move on. On reaching the ridge we are greeted by some stunning views as we trek along the ridge for around an hour There is a descent down to the village of Dhi where we take lunch. It is a good day, the air is fresh with the meadows and farming fields near the riverside. After lunch, we cross the river to follow a path along the left bank to reach our overnight destination Yara.
The trail ascends to Luri Cave Monastery. We explore this fascinating monastery and follow a barren valley crossing a 5,100-meter pass. The trail soon leads us to Ghuma Thanti for a night's stay.
From Ghuma Thanthi, the trail continues to ascend and descend. Today, we cross another 5,600 meters high pass to reach Damodar Kunda. The top of the pass offers excellent views.
We take a rest day at Damodar Kunda and explore this holy lake. We explore the nearby areas and relax.
We retrace the path back to Yara. From here, we take a local jeep and driver to Jomsom. We spend the night in a comfortable teahouse in Jomsom.
Our last day of the venture flies back to Pokhara from Jomsom. From here, we take another flight back to Kathmandu. The remaining day is free in Kathmandu.
Our team will drop you off at the airport and bid you our last goodbye.
If the above itinerary doesn’t meet your needs, we can design a Tailor-Made Program based on your travel plans and requirements,Reach our travel experts.
Cost Includes
- All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car
- Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu, inclusive of breakfast
- One night accommodation in Pokhara, inclusive of breakfast
- Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara flight tickets, inclusive of domestic airport taxes
- Pokhara to Kathmandu flight ticket inclusive of domestic airport taxes
- Three times meals (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and accommodations during the trekking
- One highly experienced English-speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter, including their expenses
- All camping expenses from Yara to Damodar Kunda and back to Yara
- Mustang trekking special permit fee (Mustang region is in a restricted zone; we need a special permit to visit this area)
- Annapurna conservation fees. Please bring two passport-size photos for the license.
- Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trekking map
- Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt
- Local fresh fruit
- First aid kit
- Evacuation assistance, if needed
- Government taxes
- Office service charge
Cost Excludes
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Your travel insurance
- Nepal entry visa. Please bring two passport-size photos.
- Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
- Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
- All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages in trekking
- Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free
- Tipping to field staff. (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)
Good To Know
Altitude Sickness during Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trekking Route
Despite a long trek, the Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda trek only rises in elevation by around 4,800 meters. It's not a low altitude but not a very high one (other famous treks usually go above 5,000 to 5,500 meters).
Our Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda trekking itinerary lets trekkers rest and get used to the elevation. We do not rush while trekking, so the chances of altitude sickness are pretty low.
Because everybody is different and may react to the change in elevation differently, we cannot guarantee a 100% altitude sickness-free journey. However, we can ensure prompt action to symptoms and a safe trip.
Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trekking Permit Cost
To trek in Upper Mustang and Damodar Kunda, trekkers need two permits—a restricted area permit for Upper Mustang and an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit. As Damodar Kunda is located in Upper Mustang, these two permits are enough.
- Restricted permit: USD500 per person for the first ten days and USD 50 per day after that
- ACAP permit: NPR 3000.00 per person
Best Time to Trek to Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Region
Upper Mustang is a part of the rain shadow area in the Himalayas. Therefore, the region does not receive rainfall in the monsoon season, which makes it a perfect time for the trek. Likewise, spring and autumn are the other two seasons in which to have wonderful trekking in the Upper Mustang.
March to the first week of December are the best months for trekking. We recommend trekking from June to September if you wish to see the arid Himalayan landscape. These months have a pleasant climate and stable weather. The bright, clear sky and stunning views make the venture phenomenal.
After the first week of December, the temperature falls below -20°C. The locals drop down to lower altitudes with their cattle to spend the winter. We do not advise trekking in the Upper Mustang in the winter.
Best time to visit Upper Mustang to celebrate the Tiji festival
If you have heard about the Tiji festival and wish to see it, trek in May. To avoid missing the best parts, check the date of the Tiji festival and book your trek accordingly. This festival is celebrated according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. The monks fixed the date.
Contact us to book the trek at the right time. We can tailor-make an itinerary that covers all three days of the festival in Lo Manthang.
Last Minute Booking for Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Trek
Book this trek with us at the last minute and enjoy trekking in the Upper Mustang without any worries. Our team will handle and arrange everything for the journey. Please send us your inquiry for more information. To book any trek at the last minute, you must send us the total package cost.
Travel Tips for Trek to Upper Mustang Damodar Kunda Route
Accommodation: During this trek, you stay overnight in teahouses. The teahouses are simple and good enough for the night. Do not expect any extra services like other trekking routes. We book you the best available twin-shared rooms along the trekking route.
Food: Nepali and Tibetan dishes are mainly served for meals. The meals are served according to the menu of the teahouses. Do carry some snacks to last while trekking.
ATM: If you are thinking of withdrawing cash on the trail, drop this thought and get it in Kathmandu to use while trekking. The Upper Mustang trek route has no ATM.
Charging: Charging facilities are provided in the tea houses. You have to pay a bit extra money for the service. Carry a solar charger or spare batteries.
Luggage: All trekkers have a 10-kg weight limit when packing their trekking essentials in a duffel bag. Our porters carry these bags. You can also carry a daypack.
Personal Expenses: In addition to the package cost, you'll need additional money for travel insurance, international flights, tipping, shopping, etc. Similarly, you should also budget USD 15 for each day on a trek to use services like internet, charging, and hot showers that are not covered in the package cost.
Travel Insurance: We advise our guests to purchase travel insurance. If a medical emergency occurs, we need to evacuate you to the nearby hospital, and without travel insurance, it's tough to respond promptly.
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