Damodar Kunda Trek 9 Night 10 Days

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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•     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.