Damodar Kunda (Lake) is situated in the Mustang District of Nepal, located in a basin at the base of the Damodar Himal (6,706m) and flows southward through a rain shadow valley on the eastern edge of the Annapurna range. The elevation of the Damodar Kunda is just 4,890m, and it is a cold and windy place. The Damodar Kunda trek was opened for trekkers in the year 2002. The lake is revered by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims who gather around the full moon in August. The lake offers magnificent views of Annapurna, Mustang Himal (6,234m), Muktinath Himal (6,706m), Bhrikuti Peak (6,364m), Chuungian Chanma Himal (6,165m), and Arniko Chuli (6,034m).Â
The Damodar Kunda Trek of the Mustang region is an isolated trekking trail and is a perfect destination to visit Buddhist Monasteries. It is known as the collective Damodar Kunda, but there are three kundas: Kamandalu Kunda, Dudh Kunda, and Rakta Kunda. It offers magnificent panoramic views of the whole Annapurna range, lush valleys, beautiful landscape, and Tibetan monasteries. The views are great from some viewpoints, a bit higher than the lakes, just a short climb up some of the hills. The Tibetan plateau and the Damodar Himal (6,706m) with 65 peaks in this Himalaya range to the north and the Annapurna Himalayan massif to the south.
Damodar Kunda has its own history in the column of the Barah Puran; Lord Krishna has said that whoever pays a visit to this Kunda and takes a deep bath, they will be freed from all sin. It is also mentioned in the Puran that the two sons of Kubers were suffering from their wrong doing & sin, which they had committed in their previous birth, but lord Krishna suggested to them to take a bath in this kunda, and immediately after taking a bath in this kunda, they were released from all their sins.
The trail forks north from the Annapurna trekking route. The walk to the Damodar Kunda/Lake is easy but quite tedious because of the long distance that needs to be covered. The trek takes you to the remotest corner of Nepal near Tibet. You will also visit Lo Manthang, the medieval capital of the Mustang kingdom, Buddhist monasteries and chortens, caves, cliffs, etc. We could see the views of Mt.Dhaulagiri I (8,163m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Tharpu Peak (6,015m), Tukuche Peak (6,920m), Tilicho Peak (7,134m), Thorong Peak (6,484m), Yakawa Kan (6,482m), Vrikuti (6,364m), Mustang Himal (6,623m), Arniko Chuli (6,034m), and more.Â
Himalaya Sacred Trek and Expedition highly recommends visiting Damodar Kunda during the full moon of August, when a grand annual festival is celebrated at this sacred Himalayan pilgrimage site. This period also coincides with the vibrant Yartung Festival of Upper Mustang, marked by traditional horse races, cultural performances, and local celebrations. During this auspicious time, large numbers of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims gather to pay homage, creating a deeply spiritual and culturally rich atmosphere in the high Himalayas.
Departure Location: Kathmandu
Return Location:Â Kathmandu
We complete our customs formalities at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there will be a representative from our company who will take you to your hotel. We can then spend the rest of the day resting. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by our company. Overnight in Kathmandu.Â
Today is a day for preparation. Also, sightseeing, you will visit the famous stupa, Boudhanath, and the popular Hindu pilgrimage site, Pashupatinath Temple. In the late afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion with our trek leader and other team members. We will brief you regarding your trek, and we may have an opportunity to discuss any difficulties regarding our upcoming adventure. The rest of the time you could use for travelling around Thamel and shopping for the needed equipment and other necessities.
We start our day early in the morning to go to Pokhara. The view on the way offers Nepalese countryside offers green hills, rivers, farms, etc, around a 5-6 hour drive. A city that offers us the magnificent view of various mountains, namely Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapurche, and other mountains of the Annapurna range. Do some last-minute shopping and self-exploration around the town.
We depart from Pokhara and head to Jomsom by plane. Then you will land at the district headquarters of Mustang and begin our trek to Kagbeni, the starting point of the Upper Mustang, where you can keep your eyes busy with the spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and Dhampus. Kagbeni is the most interesting typical Tibetan village and the entry point of the Upper Mustang for an overnight stop. Overnight at a lodge.
The trail leads up toward the east bank of the Kali Gandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow valleys amongst white-washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. The Nilgiri peak, which dominates the southern skyline of Kagbeni, continues to loom massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe, we reach Chhusang Village and cross the river, continuing climbing north up the trail to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kali Gandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky culvert to Chele at 3030m. Overnight at a teahouse.Â
Climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular, steep canyon to a pass and a cairn of rock at 3,540m. Then the trail makes a long, gradual descent to a short ridge, and then the trail descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the South. Climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge, and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses astream and climbs up to a ridge at 3,800m. The route climbs sharply up and down over a series of high passes before the final descent to Geiling. Overnight at a teahouse.Â
From Gheling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek, Nyi-La and descends below the blue, grey, and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar Chu (river), we will arrive at a Mani (prayer wall), perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3,600m, the route makes a long, gentle descent to Charang. The huge five-storey white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas, as well as many large paintings of the seated Buddha. Overnight at a teahouse.Â
The trail descends about 100m down from Charang, crosses the Charang-Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally, from a ridge at 3,850m, there is a view of the walled city of Lo. After a short descent, cross a stream, then climb up into the plateau of Lo-Manthang. Overnight at a teahouse.Â
Another day in Lo Manthang gives you a chance to explore its many sights, the tall Champa Lhakhang (God House), the red Dzogchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Raja’s Palace; as well as to gaze at the surrounding panoramic views of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalaya. Besides Lo Manthang, there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting.Â
The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja’s summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa, as well as the Gompa of Namgyal (The Monastery of Victory), is the newest and most active gompa in Lo Manthang. In the eastern valley lies the village of Chosar, also rich in gompas and the valley is the main trading route to Lhasa. Overnight at a teahouse.
Today we start our trek, gently descending downward, but before reaching Dhie village. It’s a steep downhill walk for half an hour, and we reach Dhie village. After crossing Dhie village, we come across the river on a metallic bridge and also enjoy walking on the bank of the river. Now we have a steep climb up for about an hour and some gentle steep walk before coming to Yara. Overnight at a tented camp.Â
Today we climb to reach Luri Cave Monastery and visit that interesting cave Monastery. After that, we follow the barren valley after crossing the 5,100m pass, and we prepare pack lunch due to no appropriate cooking possibilities on the trek. Overnight at a tented camp.Â
The trek will start after breakfast and continue with an up-and-down trail on this day. After crossing another 5,600m pass, we will reach the high altitude Damodar Kunda. We need to make lunch packs due to no appropriate cooking possibilities on the trail. Overnight at a tented camp.Â
The day is an exploring day around Damodar Kunda / Lake, where you enjoy the magnificent Damodar Kunda and the surrounding area. Overnight at a tented camp.Â
Today we return all the same way, passing over the 5,600m high pass. The trail again goes up and down the same as before. We will make our lunch in a small stream on the trail. Overnight at a tented camp.Â
Today, we return to Yara by the same route as before. The trail continues downhill until reaching Yara village. We prepare our lunch on the trail. Overnight at a tented camp.Â
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Today is a little bit difficult and a long trail for us. Therefore, we start our trek early in the morning, and the trail continues steeply down to Dechhyang Khola, whose origin is from Damodar Kunda. Then the trail steeply ascends and leads us to the top of the pass, where we have our packed lunch break, so we need to pack lunch in Yara due to no appropriate cooking possibilities on the trail. After lunch, the trail goes up and down, and then we are on a huge plateau and cross it to reach Tangya village. Overnight at a teahouse.Â
Today, we also have a long trail. Cross the suspension bridge and follow the short river route. After crossing the river, we steeply climb up to reach a small pass. Then the trail goes straight to Paha (shelter house), where we make our lunch. Here is a small water tap for drinking water. After the lunch break, we continue crossing many small passes until we reach the top of the hill, then the trail steeply descends, and we encounter strong winds until we reach Tentang village. Overnight at a teahouse.Â
After breakfast, we follow our trail through the village after passing the scenic Mani walls. Then we climb up to the wide valley. After walking the plateau, we keep ascending until reaching a small pass, Gyu La (4,077m), the final high pass from where we can see the high mountains and a picturesque view of Muktinath. Then we drop down to a small stream and cross by a suspension bridge. After that, we enter the village of Chhyongar and follow the level trail until reaching Muktinath, passing the kani/gate. Overnight at a teahouse.Â
We will drive to Jomsom via Kagbeni. After having lunch in Muktinath, we started our journey. We will traverse along the Traditional Thakali village and dense forests of pine and fir to reach Jomsom. Jomsom is famous for strong mid-day winds and has plenty of modern luxuries such as the internet and restaurants. Overnight at Jomsom.
On this day, we will fly back to Pokhara, and then we will transfer you to the hotel in Pokhara. The offers scenic treats throughout, and the diverse landscapes and towering peaks are a relief to sore eyes. Upon reaching Pokhara, we can rest or enjoy the beautiful city and its attractions. The lakeside area is especially famous for offering lively nights.
On this day, we will drive back to Kathmandu. The drive presents beautiful roadside settlements and gorgeous landscapes all the way to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will transfer you to the hotel, and then you can rest or shop for souvenirs to mark the end of the adventurous journey. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Your adventure for this trip comes to an end today! We will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. Â
Complementaries
| Date | Status | Group Size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
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56 Days
Start – 2026-04-25
End – 2026-06-03
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Booking Open | 1 – 12 PAX |