Damodar Kunda Trek
Based on 1 Reviews
Damodar Kunda Trip Summary
- Damodhar Lake Hike Duration: 12 Days
- Highest Elevation: 4,890m / 15,990 feet
- Trekking Hour: 7 Hours daily
- Group-Size: 2 – 12 People
- Best Time: March, April, May, October, November and December
- Trip Mode: Tent Basis Trek
- Meals on Trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Transportation: Car/Plane/bus
Overview
The Damodar Kunda Trek offers an unique opportunity to explore the unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas while immersing yourself in the rich culture and traditions. It is cherished for its sense of adventure and solitude.
A visit to Damodar Kunda is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu. Located in the Mustang region of Nepal, many devotees undertake this trek to seek blessings and perform religious rituals. Additionally, the trek’s natural beauty, featuring snowy mountains, high passes, and serene lakes, adds to its allure, making it a visually captivating experience.
Furthermore, Damodar Kunda is relatively remote and untouched by mass tourism, which adds to its charm. Located in an isolated rain shadow area north of the Annapurna region in Nepal, it is primarily visited by holy sages and saints for meditation and devotion to Lord Shiva. This serene and sacred destination offers a tranquil environment for spiritual practices and reflection.
Many pilgrims combine a visit to Damodar Lake with Muktinath Darshan for a holistic spiritual experience. Trekking through the rain shadow areas reveals a unique barren landscape with low vegetation, offering stunning views of Muktinath Himal (6,706m), Bhrikuti Peak (6,364m), and several other snow-capped mountains.
Travelers can also opt for chopper flights to visit these places within a day. The trek is feasible throughout the year, with the best time being from April to September.
How much does for Damodar Kunda Trek Package Cost?
The cost of the Damodar Kunda trek package with a Gokyo Treks Agency (a local trek operator agency in Nepal) ranges between US$ 1999 to 2998. Certainly, the Damodar Kunda trek cost will change as per the group size you are traveling to and the accommodation service you choose. Typically the price includes transportation, a guide/porters, hotels, food and accommodation, and hiking permit facilities.
However, we basically arrange a private trip in order to avoid group tours with strangers. A private hiking tour gives you a better experience on your hikes. If you value personalization, flexibility, and in-depth experiences, a private trip customized to your personal needs will be the best option.
It’s a standard camping trip package price for 12 days trek to Damodhar Kunda in Mustang territory. If you are 2 people for Damodar Kunda trek cost US$ 2498 per person. We can modify the trek route and the price as per your own demand. Here is the price list for a hike to Damodar Kunda, upper Mustang.
Price Per Person for 12 days Damodar Kunda trek package for 2024 and 2025.
| Number of Tourist | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | US$ 2998 |
| 2 Person | US$ 2498 |
| 3 Person | US$ 2425 |
| 4 to 6 person | US$ 2350 |
| 7 to 9 Person | US$ 2250 |
| 10 and more than 10 Person | US$ 1999 |
If you’re wondering to know about what is included and what is excluded from this trip price, kindly check on the cost given on a tab button.
Itinerary
The Damodar kunda trek itinerary detail
Hike to Damodar Kunda offers a shorter and more express itinerary compared to most treks in the Upper Mustang zone. This trans-Himalayan route is ideal for world explorers with limited time who still wish to experience the divine trail in the Upper Mustang. For travelers aiming to reach Damodar Lake without visiting Lo Manthang, this itinerary is a perfect option.
1 DayDrive to Pokhara city (900m/2,953 feet), 6 hours.Early morning, we drive to Pokhara by tourist bus. On the way, we will see the natural beauty like the Trisuli river which is the most popular in Nepal for rafting and we will follow the way to almost the bank of the Trisuli and Marshyangdi River when we arrive in Pokhara transfer to the hotel.
Early morning, take a pleasant flight from Pokhara to Jomsom airport. Jomsom airport is situated at an elevation of 2,720 meters above sea level with spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak, and Dhampus peak.
Jomsom is the District headquarters of Mustang and the gateway to exploring Mustang trekking trails and offers several comfort lodges.
We take a delicious breakfast in Jomsom Bazaar Lodge and take a private jeep tour to Yara village. The most important thing to do today is to register your name and travel date at the Upper Mustang check post located in Kagbeni fort. Besides the Nepali people, every trekker should require a special trekking permit (called restricted area permit – RAP) to hike into the upper part of mustang territory.
The jeep tour today from Jomsom airport to Yara takes about 4-5 hours. Stay overnight at the guesthouse and arrange all camping gear for Damodhar Kunda trekking.
It’s a first day of your trekking therefore, we walk about three hours to get better acclimatization. Today, we climb up to reach Luri Cave Monastery (Luri Gumpa) to get to know about 400-year-old monastery and see around to active their legs. Luri gompa is an isolated monastery located 2 kilometers away from Yara village in upper mustang the legendary kingdom of Lo. Famous Luri monastery situated at about 190 meters high on steep rock cliffs in remote area of mustang. Tourists can optionally hike the small mountains nearby to have a glimpse of the Tibetan Plateau and Upper Mustang Zone.
Walk continue towards an exposed terrain following past Yak herder’s summer pasture with a temporary shelter of stone huts. Continue a faint path with a climb to a ridgeline about 5,010m, leaving villages and human settlements with picturesque scenery, we reach Ghuma-Thanti.
Ghuma-Thanti travelers and pilgrims rest place on route to holy Damodar Kund (pond). Our Sherpa will setup a campsite facing the great views of surroundings high landscapes and mountains. From Luri Gumpa to Ghuma Thanti distance is about 6km that takes seven hours roughly to complete.
Begin the day with breakfast before embarking on the hiking path, which includes a series of ascents and descents. It takes you across another pass at 18,374 feet, leading to the highest point of Damodar Kunda. Since there are no lodges along the way, the Gokyo agency cook will provide a special packed lunch for you.
We spend the day at Damodar Kund and perform all the required rituals and take a holy bath at the lake like in Mansarovar in Tibet. After performing pooja, and havan, and taking the holy bath, we will have lunch.
Explore the divine trail and feel against the high-altitude adventure. Determine the three other prime lakes which are situated around the main kunda. They are Brahma Kunda, Rudra Kunda, and Ananta Kunda. In Hindu culture bathing in Damodar Kunda take out all the sins done in previous and current lives.
That’s the main reason that many pilgrimages visit Damodar Lake and collect Shaligram fossils on their way back. Shaligram is typically fossils of ammonite shells from the Devonian-Cretaceous period of 400 to 66 million years ago. Around the afternoon, we return downhill to stay at a campsite.
Today, we follows the same path, crossing the 5,600-meter high pass once again. This return journey will take around two hours shorter than the previous walk along the same route. It has reduction in time due to fewer uphill climbs and a longer downhill descent.
Today’s return from Ghuma Thanti to Yara follows the same trail and remains challenging due to the high pass. Trekkers must cross a 5,100-meter elevation while passing through majestic hills over dry landscapes. With fewer ascents, the journey primarily involves descending, offering glimpses of the highland communities along the way.
Not the Longest day comparing others so we first have a short steep ascent and a Long flat hiking trail steeply down to Dechhyang Khola whose origin is from Damodar Kunda. We find them everywhere Saligrames (the black fossils of marine animals).
The trans-Himalayan trail steeply ascents and leads us to the top of the pass where we have our packed lunch break. Up and down and we are on a huge plateau and cross it for reaching Tangya village. We can see several big Chhortens.
Long day hikes, therefore, we start early in the morning. We leave the village, cross the suspension bridge, and follow the short river route. Crossing the river, we steeply climb up to reach a small pass. The trail goes straight to Paha (shelter house stays with drinking water tap).
Continue to cross many small passes until we reach the hill top and hike over the barren trail steeply descends to encounter strong winds to Tetang village. We have a superb view of Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and other snowy peaks along the journey.
We keep ascending until reaching Gyu la at 4,077m from where we can see the high mountains and picturesque view of Muktinath. Walk down to the small stream and cross by a suspension bridge, we arrive at Chhyongar. In the evening, we explore a spiritual place for Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists for about 30 minutes in its territory.
We can visit the 108 brass waterspouts, Muktinath temple stands to enshrine Vishnu, a Hindu God. When we visit Muktinath Temple at once, we are the free/salvation of escape from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Below the temple, there is another Buddhist monastery where the combination of earth-water-fire gives Muktinath great religious significance. Nilgiri Himal and Dhaulagiri first can be seen from the temple premises.
In the morning before breakfast, we hike to the Muktinath temple premises for prayer and puja. Muktinath, a Vishnu temple religious to both Hindus and Buddhists, is located in the Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass in Mustang, Nepal.
Pilgrims visit this high-altitude temple, situated at 3,800 meters, to connect with Brahman, demonstrate their faith, and gain a deeper understanding of this important holy site. It also serves as a place to meet fellow believers and strive towards achieving moksha.
Afterward, we return to the hotel for a special breakfast, pack our hiking gear, and take a shared jeep or bus back to Pokhara via the Kaligandaki River valley, known for its strong winds and stunning landscapes, including Rupse waterfalls and natural hot springs. Trip complete!
Not satisfied with above plan?
Interested in planning a custom trip? this might take 2 to 3 minutes.
Cost
How much does the Damodar Kunda trek package price?
It’s a 12 Days cultural trail Damodar Kunda Trek price start at US$ 1999 and might reach up to US$ 2998 per person on double occupancy basis. Taking flights to and from Pokhara saves your time and riding the bus reduces the trip expenses. Gokyo Treks and Expedition agency notify this express Damodar Kunda trek package price for 2024 and 2025 based on group size you are travelling with. Likewise, Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara round-trip flight is included in the price, however, taking flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu saves your time, and riding the bus reduces the trip expenses.
For the deluxe and luxury trekking tour package, we add Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu round trip airfare. Likewise, 3-5 star category hotel deluxe air-conditioned room in Kathmandu and in Pokhara with breakfast. AND WE ARE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZING YOUR TOUR AND PACKAGES PRICE AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS.
Cultural Damodar Kunda trek package price includes:
- Tourist Bus transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara trip for a guide and guest.
- Single night Tourist standard accommodation in in Phewa lakeside, Pokhara.
- 11 Breakfast, 12 Lunch and 10 Dinner serve with a cup of tea/coffee during the trek routes.
- 10 Nights accommodation in a tent [twin sharing/double] along this divine journey.
- Required camping gears including kitchen utensils at Damodar Kunda camping trek.
- Domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom sector one-way airfare with airport tax.
- Muktinath to Pokhara transfer by available Bus / Jeep on a Sharing basis.
- Required Jeep private transfer from Jomsom airport to Yara as written on the above itinerary.
- Fully escorted trek with an English-speaking certified trekking guide.
- Professional cook and necessary porters / donkeys as per the group size.
- Upper Mustang restricted area permits cost USD 500 for each guest every 10 days.
- TIMS and Annapurna Conservation trekking permits and fees.
- Food and accommodation, salary, and Insurance for Damodhar Kunda hiking team.
- First aid medical kit including Oximeter to monitor heart rate and oxygen level every day to check higher risk.
- Agency’s duffel bag (50 liters capacity) and hiking poles if Necessary – return after the trek.
- Trip completion certificate and Damodar Kunda trek map – keep them as a souvenir.
- Nepal Government Tax, VAT, and as well as Company service charge.
Damodar Kunda trek package exclude :
- Kathmandu airport transfer
- Lunch and Dinner during the staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara city.
- Pokhara city sightseeing (Devi’s fall and Gupteswor Mahadev cave) transfer by private vehicle at an extra cost.
- Any kinds of battery charges, laundry service, phone calls, and hot showers during the trek.
- Travelers Personal trekking gear and Clothing.
- Personal nature expenses, all types of bottle drinks.
- Travel Insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
- Donation and monuments entrance fees.
- Gratuities for guide and porters [Tipping is a culture, so they expect highly].
Group join
We can organize either a group join or a private tour to Damodar Kunda starting at any date. We can also run this tour privately if that works for you at your favorable departure date. Please contact us for more information.
FAQ
Question: Do I need experience for the Damodar Kunda tent trek?.
Answer: Yes, prior trekking experience is recommended for the Damodar Kunda tent trek due to its high altitude and challenging terrain.
Question: Is a pick up service available on my arrival day in Kathmandu?.
Answer: Provide us your flight status including date and time of Landing in Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu. Our representative will come to pick you up at the Kathmandu international airport and transfer you to your hotel but this service cost is extra.
Question: Can I store my luggage/stuff in Kathmandu at Gokyo Treks Agency office?
Answer: You can leave your luggage at your hotel or at our office. Storing your luggage stuff in the Gokyo Treks agency office is also very safe.
Question: What kind of accommodation and food can I expect on my Damodar Kunda tent trek?.
Answer: We provide you a tent accommodation on your tip to Damodar Kunda. However, we recommend you take your own sleeping bags if you have one with you otherwise, you may rent them while you are in Kathmandu.
Likewise, our professional cook will prepare a delicious variety of vegetarian dishes each day. Our Food menu includes pasta, noodles, potatoes, eggs (optional), dal, rice, bread, soups, and fresh vegetables. However, the availability of vegetables may vary depending on the season of your visit.
Question: Will i have a hot shower along this Damodar Kunda camping tour?.
Answer: We do provide hot water in a bucket then you will take a bucket shower.
Question: How do I manage to drink water along my trip?.
Answer: We do provide you purify water using AQUA tablets at the campsite.
Question: Can I charge my digital camera on my trip?
Answer: As you leave Yara village, the charging stations are not available therefore, we advise you to travel with a portable solar panel or a portable power bank to recharge your camera.
Question: Are there any communication facilities at my express trek to Damodhar Kunda?.
Answer: It is a remote wilderness trail with several high passes over dry landscapes, so telephone connectivity is unavailable.
Question: When should I book my trip and what are the payments terms?.
Answer: Our camping trips book up months in advance, so, we recommend you to book your trip with us as soon as possible. We will, of course, make every effort to accommodate last-minute bookings. And regarding the deposit, we prefer a 15% advance deposit [not refundable] of the total price of the trip in order to confirm your camping trip reservation before your arrival. Remaining part of the payment, you can pay on your arrival in Kathmandu before 12 hours of trip departure.
Question: Who will carry my luggage on the Damodar Kunda trek?
Answer: We provide porters or donkeys to transfer your luggage.
Question: How much distance do I walk each day?
Answer: You will walk an average of 5 to 7 hours per day on the Damodar Kunda camping trek, depending on the terrain and altitude.
Question: Do I need walking poles for the Damodar Kunda trek group?
Answer: It is better to hike with walking poles especially for Damodar Kunda tour. You can learn how to use trekking poles for balance and stability, whether on the sidewalk or on trails. Walking poles can help prevent slips and falls. They are just recommended but not compulsory.
Question: How much additional money do I need per day?
Answer: Hard to say but it depends on your spending habits. You can allocate US$ 08 – 10 for a lunch/dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara. About US$ 7 to 10 US$ each day is enough to buy bottles of water, energy bars in a possible places.
Damodar Kunda trek Highlights
- Discover Annapurna and Dhaulagiri family and some of the border mountains.
- Walking through dry fields watching the great landscapes and snowy mountains.
- Visit and bath in Damodar sacred pond/Kunda takes away from all sins done in a previous and current lifetime.
- Muktinath is a Vishnu temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Hidden kingdom with World’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki valley
- Meet the mixed communities with the shaky pa Buddhism and their lives in Jharkot Monastery..
Best time for Damodar Kunda trek
The best time for Damodar Kunda trekking is from April to June and as well as from September to November months in Nepal. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions and visibility for trekking in the region.
From April to June months marked as a spring season in the Himalayas. During the spring season, the climate gradually warms up, and the rhododendron forests in a lower elevation along the trail come alive with vibrant colors. The skies are generally clear, providing excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
similarly, from September to November months is a fall season also known as autumn. Autumn season is characterized by stable weather, clear skies, and mild temperatures. It is overall a high season for trekking in the Himalayas but to visit Damodar Kunda is always special because of remote divine destination.
It’s important to note that this trail is in a rain shadow or a trans Himalayan area, so it receives significantly less rainfall compared to other parts of Nepal. However, exploring Damodar kunda in a winter starting from December to February are generally not recommended due to colder temperatures, potential snowfall, and the risk of altitude mountain sickness.
Moreover, camping trip during the monsoon from May to early September is also the best time for a trek to Damodar Kunda, as the region lies in a rain-shadow area with minimal rainfall.
Damodar kunda trek difficulty level
Trek to Damodar Kunda is consider moderate to highly difficult due to its remote location, high altitude (over 5,000 meters) passes, and rugged terrain. Trekkers must be in good physical condition, as this trek involves moderate to strenuous walking. Prior trekking experience is recommended, along with proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
Ensure you pack appropriate clothing for changing weather, including layers, rain gear, and sturdy trekking boots. Additionally, carry sufficient water and snacks along the trail. You can also bring an essential safety gear such as a first aid kit is crucial. Respect local customs and the environment by minimizing your impact and disposing of waste properly to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
Notes for Damodar kunda visitors!
A visit to Damodar Kunda information stated above is just a standard package plan, possible to modify at your request to accommodate your specific needs. Local politics, landslides, cancellation of local flights, weather, transport, or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary during on trip.
It is, however, very incredible that the daily travel plan would be extensively altered. If alterations are necessary the leader will decide the best alternative option, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole party. When a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
What makes Damodar Kunda trek special?
This combination of spiritual significance, stunning natural surroundings, and the sense of exploration makes the Damodar Kunda trek a truly special and memorable experience for those who undertake it.
We at Gokyo Treks and Expedition believe in quality service so first safety and satisfaction is our prime concern. We are a team of professional, experienced, and licensed local guides who know the destination much better than others. Not only this but also we give benefits to the local communities and help to conserve natural resources which reduced costs and consumption.
Damodar Kunda Trek Review
Damodar Kunda Camping Trek in Mustang
I was traveling with my husband and two others family members to Damodhar Kunda plus Muktinath for a pilgrimage purpose. We spent 17 days in Nepal to complete this trip with Gokyo Treks company. Needless to say about the beauty of the Himalayas and the hospitality of Nepalese people. We were warmly met and hosted in every camp we have stayed.
But the organization and safety of our trip were fully supported by Guide Kamal including a strong camping crew. Me personally very thankful for the smart organization and interesting knowledge we got in that unforgettable country.
I wish good luck to Gokyo Treks organization in all charity projects they organize for kids in Nepal. For sure, that is the first but not the last time of my trekking in Nepal!
From US$ 3059
2% Off US$ 2498| No. of people | Price Per Person |
| 1 | USD 2998 |
| 2 | USD 2498 |
| 3 | USD 2425 |
| 4 - 6 | USD 2350 |
| 7 - 9 | USD 2250 |
| 10 + | USD 1999 |
Book NowCustomize TripQuick Inquiry
Cost & Departures
Your Trip Your Style!
ITINERARY, COST, DEPARTURES, will adjusted according to your GROUP SIZE NEED TIME
Book with Confidence
- Local Guides Company.
- 18 Years in Business.
- Lowest Price Guaranteed.
- 100% Customizable Trips
- Excellent Customer Service
- Hassle Free Booking.
- 90 % Repeated customers
- Highly Recommended agency
- Private/group tour options
Useful Information
Add on Safari Trip
Extra Fun on Adventures
Book My Trip
Trek & Return with Heli