Damodar Kunda is situated north of the shadow-high Himalaya of Annapurna and east of Upper Mustang Lo-Manthang at a height of 5400 meters. According to the myth, God Shiva and Goddess Parvati left some parts of garments in Damodar Kunda. It is believed that if people took a bath in Damodar Kunda in Damodar Kunda Yatra they could wash their sins. In the 2nd column of BarahPuran; Lord Kna has said that whoever pays a visit to this Kunda and takes a deep bath, will be freed from all the sin. It is also mentioned in Puran that two sons of Kubers were suffering from their wrongdoing & sin, which they did in their previous birth. Still, lord Krishna suggested they take a bath in this Kunda and immediately after taking a bath in this Kunda they were released from all their sin.
Damodar Kunda religious significance and is very important for all Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus and Buddhists people believe it is not complete without visiting this lake before dying. Damodar Kunda Trek is an entirely restricted area so an Upper Mustang restricted permit (RAP), Annapurna Area Permit (ACAP), and Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) with a license holder trekking guide are required for the trip.
In the morning, you will start your day with a 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The early part of the flight to Jomsom is extremely breathtaking. Under clear weather conditions, one can witness the Annapurna (8091 m), the Dhaulagiri (8167 m), and many more radiant peaks peeking out from the clouds. After landing in Jomsom you can have your Breakfast and begin your trek, heading to Kagbeni following the Kali Gandaki River, the trail is rough and barren but is mostly flat. You will enjoy lovely views of mountains such as Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna.
A medieval-looking town, Kagbeni, which lies on the bank of two rivers, is an interesting windswept village which is situated on the main age-old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via the Upper Mustang area. The Mustang district has the oldest monastery which houses secrets that have still yet to be unveiled.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Jomsom.
Today you will commence your trek from Kagbeni. After walking for some time you will see the caves on the west-hand side and the Gompa Kang. You will have a good climb to Tangebe (3060m), a labyrinth of narrow alleyways; here you will find the typical Mustang chortens painted in black, white, and red colors. Now, Chuksang is just one hour’s walk from here. The value of Chuksang has increased because of the presence of its 3 separate parts and ruined castle walls on the nearby cliffs, which is the center of attraction for the people arriving in this place.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Chuksang.
With the dream of reaching the extremely new world near the Nepal – Tibet border, you will start trekking from Chuksang for the beautiful Place Syangbochen via Chelle. You will pass through summer pass on the way. Now you will find two walking paths, the upper path leads to Syangbochen via Vena, and the lower pass leads to Milarepa cave. The more adventurous path will be the lower one as you will find the herds of the Himalayan transportation i.e. ponies, horses, and donkeys carrying heavy loads on their back which are supported by ropes on their body. You will reach Syangbochen by walking for the whole day. Syangbochen is a tiny Tibetan-style village with some small shops and houses.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Syangboche.
In the early morning, you can have a beautiful view of Dhaulagiri (8167m) standing with other surrounding mountains from Syangbochen. After having breakfast, you will start walking from Dhakmar to the beautiful village i.e. Ghami passing Syangmochen Pass at 3850 m altitude. You will have a lunch break in Ghami followed by a short sightseeing in the local monastery, people, cultures, and traditions. From Ghami you continue walking to Dhakmar. Dhakmar is a Himalayan village with a different landscape. The place is surrounded by red muddy rocks all around with the Buddhist Prayer flags fluttering due to the gushing wind.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Dhakmar.
Today, After Breakfast Your trekking starts at Lo-Manthang. On the way, you have to walk through Dhakmar’s pass. The pass is magnificent as there are natural rocks that look like frozen ice and the architecture is made by human beings. From the pass, you will reach the Ghar Monastery which has a red color, which stands for the 1200-year-old historical importance. After lunch in Ghar, you will continue your trekking to Lo-Manthang. Lo Manthang was formerly a walled capital of the Lo Kingdom. Lo is culturally and linguistically Tibetan northern two-thirds of Mustang District. The homeland of Thakali people who speak a different language and have a synthesis of Tibetan and Nepalese culture.
The village is noted for its tall whitewashed mud-brick walls, gompas, and the King’s Palace, nine-cornered, five-story structures built around 1400. There are four major temples: JampaLhakhang or JampaGompa, the oldest, built in the early 15th century and also known as the “God house”; ThubchenGompa, a huge, red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century and located just southwest of JampaGompa; ChodeyGompa, now the main city gompa; and the ChoprangGompa, which is popularly known as the “New Gompa”. The presence of the architecture in the almost treeless barren landscape which together presents a colorful mosaic made principally of earthen reds, yellows, and brown color mosaic has increased the value of this destination.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Lo-Manthang.
Today is your sightseeing day in and around Lo-Manthang. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for many lamas. You will start your day for Zhong Cave and Tshosher Monastery (a 1000-year-old Tibetan Monastery) by hiring either a Horse or by Jeep. After returning from these places to Lo-Manthang, you will start the local sightseeing which includes King’s palace, Monastery, local surroundings, and the village. The king’s palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people. Throughout the kingdom, the villagers continue to seek his advice regarding many issues.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Lo-Manthang.
After having locally available Breakfast, you will leave the beautiful Lo-Manthang and commence walking for Yara. The trail steadily climbs two small passes before plunging through a spectacular canyon to Dhi village. You will have your lunch here. From Dhi, you continue walking along the riverbed to Yara.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Yara.
Today, after having locally available Breakfast, your trekking starts for Baskhola. The environment of Baskhola is very panoramic with sandy brown-colored rocks. This place is today’s destination. Our staff will manage tents for the Overnight stays and the chef will cook Nepali food for you and the other staff.
Accommodation: Overnight in Tented Camp at Baskhola.
You will have Breakfast prepared by our cook, and continue your trekking for the sacred place “Damodar Kunda”. Damodar Kunda is located in the remote Himalayan district in the lap of the high Himalayas of Upper Mustang in western Nepal. In the column of BarahPuran; Lord Krishna has said that whoever pays a visit to this Kunda and takes a deep bath, will be freed from all the sin.
It is also mentioned in Puran that two sons of Kubers were suffering from their wrongdoing & sin, which they did in their previous birth. Still, lord Krishna suggested they take a bath in this Kunda and immediately after taking a bath in this Kunda they were released from all their sin. A common name for the three lakes Brahma Kunda, Rudra Kunda, and Ananta Kunda is Damodar Kunda. There is also a large meadow of kasha. As a motherland of Saligram, this shrine is of utmost importance for all Hindus on earth; the Gandaki River is believed to originate from this holy lake.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Damodar Kunda.
After having breakfast in the camp, you will go for local sightseeing and to view the panoramic beauty of the Lake. Return to the Camp have your Lunch and start trekking down to Baskhola. Today is your last camping date.
Accommodation: Overnight in a Tented Camp at Baskhola.
After having your Breakfast, Today, your trekking starts for Yara. The environment of Yara is very panoramic with sandy brown-colored rocks. This place is today’s destination. Our staff will manage tents for the Overnight stays and the cook will cook Nepali food for you and the other staff.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Yara.
Leaving the beautiful Yara, you will start walking for Tyange. You will walk on a long plateau before descending to a river crossing and climbing up to a pass at 3860 m. After that, you have to walk, ascend, and then descend before meeting another plateau to reach the Tyange Village. This village is outstanding for its chortens alignment.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Tyange.
While trekking from Tyange to Chhusang. You will start walking down to a river crossing and then climbing up to a pass at 4,100 m named Pa. The views on the north are increasingly fantastic as the panorama unfolds between Tsarang, Lo, and the northern border. Finally, the summit of the pass is reached at 4050 m. To the south is the first stunning view of Dhaulagiri. Prayer flags adorn the pass. Half an hour from the pass is the only water source in this section, known by the locals as Ba Ha. After some rest, you will continue walking.
The trail opens out and to the south, one can see the impressive V-shaped Kali Gandaki valley as it cuts between the Annapurnas, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri. From here a spectacular descent begins, and after that, the path flattens out on a plateau and splints in two. The right fork leads to Chuksang whereas the left one leads to Tetang. You will choose the right one and reach Chhusang.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Chhusang.
The trail goes up the Narsingchu to the nice village of Tetang. The village is in two parts. The walls of the outer houses are over 10m high with few windows, giving a fortress-like appearance. The nearby second part of the village has the remains of a fort, again with high fortress-like walls. The trail heads up, across a plateau area, and turns east into a narrow river valley, eventually reaching a pass at 4030 m; the superb views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Then we go down to Jhong and cross the Jhong River before climbing up to Muktinath. After ascending for some hours we reach Muktinath.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Muktinath.
In the morning you will have a sightseeing tour of the very famous Hindu temple Muktinath where lots of pilgrims come to worship the god. You will start descending towards Jomsom to catch the flight to Pokhara, the next morning.
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge at Jomsom.
You will have early breakfast in the lodge and you will head towards the airport to catch the flight to Pokhara, a lake paradise city. It will take about 30 minutes to reach Pokhara. During the flight, you can see many mountains as well as the trail down to Tatopani /Ghorepani. Check in to the Hotel in Pokhara. You have a full day to stroll around the city of Pokhara. You can enjoy roaming around the lakeside as well as you can have fun by boating in the Phewa Lake and witness the view and shadow of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri Mountains on the water of Phewa Lake.
Accommodation: Overnight in Batika Classic Hotel or Similar.
