Damodar Kunda Trek 9 Night 10 Days
Tours Details
- Home
- Nepal Luxury Travel
- Damodar Kunda Trek 9 Night 10 Days
Damodar Kunda Trek 9 Night 10 Days
At 4,890 meters in Nepal's Upper Mustang, Damodar Kunda emerges like a blue jewel amidst the harsh Himalayan wilderness. This sacred lake draws both Hindu pilgrims and Buddhist monks to its shores, where faith meets the formidable power of nature.
The journey here is as transformative as the destination itself. Trekkers navigate high-altitude deserts where the thin air carries centuries of devotion. Hindu tradition holds that these icy waters can wash away lifetimes of sin, while Buddhist practitioners find in their stillness a mirror for meditation. The surrounding peaks stand as silent witnesses to generations of spiritual seekers. What makes Damodar Kunda extraordinary is this perfect intersection: the physical challenge of reaching one of Nepal's most remote holy sites, combined with the profound spiritual payoff. The lake doesn't simply reward visitors with breathtaking views - it offers something far more valuable to those who make the pilgrimage - a chance to touch the divine in Earth's most majestic setting.
Short Itinerary
Title | Accommodation | Meals |
DAY1: Arrival in Kathmandu | -/-/D | Hotel |
DAY2: Explore Bhaktapur and Doleshwor | B/-/D | Hotel |
DAY3: Drive to Pokhara | B/-/D | Hotel |
DAY4: Fly to Jomson, drive to Yara | B/-/D | Simple Lodge |
DAY5: Trek to Damodar kunda and back to Yara | B/-/D | Simple Lodge |
DAY6: Drive back to Jomson | B/-/D | Simple Lodge |
DAY7: Drive to Pokhara | B/-/D | Hotel |
DAY8: Drive back to Kathmandu | B/-/D | Hotel |
DAY9: Full-day Kathmandu Sightseeing | B/-/D | Hotel |
DAY10: Final Departure | B |
Tour Program
Expand AllAfter arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, complete immigration and customs before transferring to your hotel for check-in. Later, we’ll visit the sacred sites of Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, where spiritual energy and ancient traditions come alive amidst bustling Kathmandu. This immersive introduction blends arrival formalities with Nepal’s profound cultural heartbeat.
Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu’s holiest Hindu site, honors Lord Shiva beside the sacred Bagmati River. This UNESCO-listed complex features golden pagodas, bustling rituals, and cremation ghats where Hindu last rites unfold daily. Pilgrims bathe in its waters while sadhus meditate, a powerful glimpse into Nepal’s spiritual heartbeat.
Boudhanath: Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 11 km from Kathmandu, is one of Nepal’s largest stupas. Its mandala design symbolizes the path to enlightenment, with elements representing Earth, Water, Air, and Void. The stupa’s all-seeing Buddha eyes overlook devotees spinning prayer wheels in a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Hotel
-/-/D
Begin your second day with a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore Bhaktapur and visit Doleshwor. The journey from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur spans 16.1 km and takes about 30 minutes to an hour, offering a culturally and spiritually enriching experience amidst ancient architecture and sacred sites.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bhaktapur, Nepal, is renowned for its beautifully preserved ancient architecture and intricate wood carvings. This ancient square pulses with the city's living heritage, where every carved timber and sun-warmed brick breathes centuries of artistry and tradition. Highlights include the towering Nyatapola Temple, the Bhairavnath Temple, and the famous 55 Window Palace, each reflecting the rich history and architectural brilliance of the area.
Doleshwor Mahadev Temple: Doleshwor Mahadev Temple in Sipadol, Nepal, is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site believed to be Lord Kedarnath’s head. Adorned with ancient stone carvings, it offers a serene atmosphere for meditation and rituals. The temple reflects Nepal’s rich religious heritage, making it a must-visit for Hindu spirituality seekers.
Then we will return to Kathmandu.
Hotel
B/-/D
Wake up with the sunlight in the morning for breakfast. After that, you will embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a popular tourist destination and the gateway to Nepal’s Annapurna Mountain range. The journey covers approximately 210 kilometers and takes around seven hours by road. En route, you will visit the famous Manakamana Temple, known as the “Goddess of fulfilling wishes.” To reach the temple, you’ll enjoy a thrilling 10-minute cable car ride offering stunning views. After paying your respects at Manakamana, the journey continues to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and have the evening free to explore Pokhara’s charming lakeside area, relax by the water, and soak in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding mountains and serene atmosphere.
Hotel
B/-/D
Begin your day with an early departure to Pokhara Airport, where you’ll board a thrilling 20-minute flight to Jomsom. Soaring over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the aerial vistas are nothing short of breathtaking. Landing in Jomsom, Mustang’s rugged gateway, you’ll embark on a dramatic drive through wild, windswept valleys and timeless villages. The journey to Yara unfolds like a living painting, with every turn revealing stark cliffs, ochre-hued hills, and whispers of Tibetan culture.
Arriving in Yara feels like stepping into a forgotten world. This secluded village, steeped in ancient traditions, welcomes you with its serene monasteries and labyrinthine alleys. Settle into a cozy teahouse, where the crisp mountain air and star-studded skies lull you into tranquility. As night falls, the quiet magic of Yara prepares you for the untamed adventures that lie ahead.
Simple Lodge
B/-/D
We begin our spiritual journey toward Damodar Kunda (4,890m), traversing Mustang's otherworldly landscapes, wind-sculpted hoodoos, rust-colored canyons, and ancient seabeds dotted with marine fossils. The challenging 6-7 hour trek crosses icy streams via natural stone bridges and follows yak herders' trails marked by centuries of hoofprints.
Arriving at the twin turquoise lakes, the air thrums with devotion, Hindu sadhus meditate beside Buddhist prayer flags while the snow-capped Nilgiri peaks reflect in the sacred waters. Engage in sacred traditions: walk clockwise around the lakes, place a stone on the pilgrimage cairn, or quietly embrace the deep, spiritual calm. As sunset paints the cliffs crimson, we return to Yara, our bodies weary but spirits uplifted by this high-altitude sanctuary.
Simple Lodge
B/-/D
As the first light touches Yara, we savor our final butter tea in this medieval outpost before beginning the 4–5-hour drive back to Jomsom (2,713m). The return journey reveals new perspectives on Mustang's painted canyons, and morning light transforms the stratified cliffs into a geological kaleidoscope of reds, ochres, and purples. We'll pause in Kagbeni to visit its 15th-century red monastery, where the skull-adorned protector chapel whispers of Mustang's warrior past.
Arriving in Jomsom by early afternoon, the buzz of motorbikes and planes feels surreal after days of wilderness. Check into the Hotel, where hot showers and apple brandy from local orchards await. Spend your evening exploring the bustling bazaar, its shops filled with Tibetan turquoise, Thakali woolens, and the famous Jomsom apples. Don't miss sunset over Nilgiri's icy pyramid from the airport viewpoint, the mountains now feeling like old friends.
Simple Lodge
B/-/D
After breakfast in Jomsom, begin your scenic drive down the Kali Gandaki Valley—a journey that feels like traveling back through time. Arid canyons give way to lush apple orchards, eventually blending into the vibrant subtropical forests as the landscape transforms with every descent. Each switchback reveals new wonders: Tatopani's steaming hot springs, Rupse Chalara’s thunderous waterfall, and Ghasa's dramatic cliffs where langur monkeys swing through oak trees.
By afternoon, Pokhara's shimmering Phewa Lake appears, framed by the Annapurna range. Check into your lakeside hotel, where a long shower washes away the desert dust. As evening falls, join the parade of travelers along Lakeside Road—sipping fresh mango lassis, browsing Tibetan handicrafts, and swapping trekking stories. The mountains remain ever-present, their snows turning pink in the sunset, a perfect farewell to your Himalayan journey.
Hotel
B/-/D
After breakfast in Pokhara, set out on a scenic 210-kilometer drive back to Kathmandu, a journey of roughly seven hours through winding riverside roads, terraced hills, and charming villages. Take in Nepal’s countryside one last time before the lively hum of Kathmandu welcomes you back. Once you check into your hotel, the evening is yours. Relax and unwind, or dive into the city’s vibrant energy. Stroll through bustling streets, sample local flavors at cozy eateries, or soak in the nightlife before your adventure continues.
Hotel
B/-/D
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to discover Kathmandu’s cultural gems. First, admire the majestic reclining Vishnu at Budhanilkantha, then ascend to the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa for spiritual serenity and sweeping city views. End at Kathmandu Durbar Square, where ancient palaces and temples reveal Nepal’s royal and artistic legacy.
Budhanilkantha Temple: Budhanilkantha is renowned for its impressive open-air temple housing a massive reclining statue of Lord Vishnu, known as the "Sleeping Vishnu." Carved from a single block of black stone, the statue measures over 5 meters in length and depicts Vishnu resting on the coils of the cosmic serpent, Ananta.
Swyambhunath: Swyambhunath Stupa, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, is one of Nepal’s oldest and most important religious sites. Its centerpiece is a large white dome-shaped stupa adorned with Buddha’s all-seeing eyes on all four sides. The complex houses a variety of smaller shrines, temples, and monasteries. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas globally, symbolizing the mind of Buddha and serving as a center for meditation and prayer.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu Durbar Square is living history. This UNESCO site dazzles with Newar craftsmanship, ornate palaces like Hanuman Dhoka, the sacred Kumari Ghar (home of Nepal’s living goddess), and towering temples like Taleju and the fierce Kal Bhairav. Every courtyard whispers tales of Malla kings and enduring traditions.
Hotel
B/-/D
Your final morning in Kathmandu is free for relaxation or last-chance sightseeing. An arranged transfer to the airport ensures a seamless departure, closing this chapter of adventure as you embark on your onward journey.
B
Tour Includes
- Meet us at the airport with our representative and transfer to the hotel as booked.
- Trek is accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
- 4 nights’ accommodation at Hotel – Kathmandu sharing double / twin on the MAP plan
- 2 nights’ accommodation at Hotel – Pokhara, sharing double / twin on the MAP plan
- 1 night’s accommodation at Hotel –Jomson, sharing double / twin on the MAP plan
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Simple Lodge with BB, with necessary trekking staff
- Trek is accompanied by a local English-speaking sirdar and porters (for every 2 clients, there will be one porter and they will carry a maximum of 30kgs).
- All surface transfers as per the itinerary by private a/c vehicle equipped with bottled water & and wet tissues.
- TIMS’s card.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Damodar Kunda Special Permit
Tour Excludes
- Nepalese Visa Fee.
- Domestic and International airfare and taxes. Quoted Separately.
- Meals that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Refreshments, tips, bottled drinks, and bar bills.
- Insurance and rescue of any form.
- Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides and reasons beyond our control.
- Expenses of a personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.
- Gratuities to trek staff, trek leader, city guide, and driver.
- Excess baggage charges
- Personal insurance policy - suggested comprehensive travel insurance covering tour and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, thefts, illness, accidents, and hospitalization.
- Supplement food supply during the trek. Freshly ground coffee & and Darjeeling Tea were carried.
- Monument entrance fee as indicated in the above program.
FAQ
Expand All- The Damodar Kunda Trek is a pilgrimage journey to the high-altitude Damodar Kunda Lake, revered by Hindus and Buddhists as a place of spiritual purification.
- The trek typically includes visits to Damodar Kunda Lake, Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni village, and other culturally significant sites in the Upper Mustang region.
- Damodar Kunda is believed to have sacred waters that can cleanse one's sins. It holds great religious importance for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
- The trek involves traversing rugged terrain, crossing high passes, and dealing with high altitudes. Participants should have a good level of physical fitness and be prepared for challenging trekking conditions.
- Accommodation along the trek route typically includes tea houses and basic lodges, offering simple amenities suited for trekking journeys.
- While not mandatory, hiring a local guide is highly recommended for navigation, safety, and cultural insights, especially in remote and challenging terrains.
- The best time for the Damodar Kunda Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is favorable and the skies are clear.
- Yes, trekkers need to obtain permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, before starting the trek.
- Essential items include trekking gear, warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, water purification tablets, and personal medications.
- Booking can be arranged through trekking agencies, tour operators, or directly with experienced guides familiar with the Damodar Kunda trekking route.
Things to know
1. Overview:
- A spiritual and high-altitude adventure to Damodar Kunda (4,890m), a sacred lake in Upper Mustang, Nepal. Considered the holy source of the Kali Gandaki River, it is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
2. Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (Apr-Jun) & Autumn (Sep-Nov) – Clear skies and stable weather.
- Full Moon of August: Special pilgrimage event.
3. Trek Highlights:
- Pokhara: Gateway to Mustang, scenic lakeside city.
- Jomsom (2,720m): Start of the trek, stunning mountain views.
- Muktinath Temple (3,800m): Sacred Hindu & Buddhist pilgrimage site.
- Upper Mustang: Ancient Tibetan culture, caves, monasteries.
- Damodar Kunda (4,890m): Holy lake in a remote Himalayan setting.
4. Trek Difficulty & Acclimatization:
- Moderate to Challenging – High altitude, remote terrain.
- Gradual ascent is needed to prevent AMS (Altitude Sickness).
5. Permits Required:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
6. Accommodation & Meals:
- Hotels in Pokhara & Jomsom.
- Tea houses & homestays in Mustang.
- Traditional Nepali & Tibetan cuisine (Dal Bhat, Thukpa, Butter Tea).
7. Packing Essentials:
- Warm layers, down jacket, gloves, trekking boots.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, high-altitude medication.
- Sleeping bag (for cold nights in Mustang).
8. Safety & Travel Tips:
- Helicopter rescue insurance is recommended.
- Hire a local guide & porter for support.
- Limited connectivity in Upper Mustang – carry a satellite phone if needed.
Why Book With Us?
- Expert Knowledge
- Customized Itineraries
- Immersive Experiences
- Seamless Travel
- Safety and Comfort
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Flexible Options
- Best Tour Guides
- Unmatched Hospitality
- Personalized Support
- Sustainable Tourism
- Local Partnerships