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Duration
22 days
Max Altitude
5.4 km
Difficulty
Hard
Best months to visit
The Damodar Kunda Trek is a remarkable 22-day trekking adventure through the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, combining breathtaking Himalayan scenery with profound spiritual significance. This less-traveled route takes trekkers deep into one of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich landscapes, offering panoramic views of the entire Annapurna mountain range, lush green valleys, dramatic rain-shadow terrain, and ancient Tibetan monasteries. At the heart of this journey lies Damodar Kunda, a sacred lake nestled in the Damodar Himal at approximately 5,400 meters above sea level. According to the Barah Puran, Lord Krishna advised that bathing in the holy waters of this lake would cleanse a person of all sins — a belief that draws Hindu pilgrims and spiritually curious trekkers alike. The lake drains southward through a rain-shadow valley along the eastern edge of the Annapurna range, creating a landscape of otherworldly beauty. The trek passes through iconic Mustang destinations including Kagbeni, Chele, Geling, Tsarang, and the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang — the ancient capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. Trekkers then venture into the remote highlands toward Yara, Bas Khola, and ultimately Damodar Kunda itself before descending through Tange, Tetang, and the sacred temple town of Muktinath. Accommodation along the route is primarily in teahouses and lodges, with camping required in the more remote high-altitude sections. Meals consist of traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, momo, and thukpa, with some teahouses offering limited continental options. The trek is graded moderate to strenuous and is best undertaken during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) for optimal weather and visibility. A professional English-speaking guide, porters, all permits, and domestic flights are included, making this a well-supported journey into one of the Himalayas' most extraordinary destinations.
What's included
✓ All ground transportation by private tourist vehicles
✓ Ground transportation by tourist bus/car/van from Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu
✓ Domestic flights (Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara) and airport departure taxes
✓ Full board meals 3 times a day during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
✓ Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara as per itinerary with breakfast
✓ Professional tour guide on day trip in Kathmandu
✓ Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu city tour
✓ Government licensed English speaking guide and porters (1 porter per 2 persons)
✓ Porter food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine
✓ All necessary permits and TIMS card
✓ Travel and rescue arrangement
✓ Farewell dinner in Nepali restaurant with cultural dance show
✓ All government taxes, VAT, official expenses and service charges
✓ Licensed guide
✓ Trekking permits
✓ Accommodation
✓ Breakfast & dinner
✓ Sleeping bag
Not included
✕ International flights, airport tax and Nepal visa fee
✕ Major meals in cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara)
✕ Personal expenses such as bar bills, water, tea/coffee, snacks, shower, battery recharge, laundry
✕ Personal clothing and gear, sleeping bag and down jacket
✕ Tipping for guides and porters
✕ Costs due to flight cancellation, emergency rescue, landslide, weather, political unrest, illness or re-routing
🌿 Cultural Note
Damodar Kunda is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site referenced in the Barah Puran. According to scripture, Lord Krishna advised that bathing in the lake's holy waters cleanses all sins. Trekkers should be respectful at the lake and surrounding religious sites, dress modestly when visiting monasteries and temples, and follow local customs such as walking clockwise around religious monuments. The Upper Mustang region has a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence, and interaction with local communities should be conducted with cultural sensitivity.
Cancellation Policy — Moderate
Cancellation time is measured from your trip start date.
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