Trip Overview
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Destination: Nepal
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Max Elevation: 5600 m
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Best Season: Spring(March – May) and Autumn(Sept – November)
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Total Duration: 23 Days
Damodar Kunda the starting point of the Kali Gandaki river, is also a well-known Hindu pilgrimage site precisely located in the Upper Mustang of Nepal. It is located at the rain shadow area the Annapurna range at The elevation of 4,900m.
It is only possible to visit Damodar Kunda in the summer and autumn season because it is chilling cold and windy in other seasons. It is advisable to visit Damodar Kunda at the festival time from April to September which makes your trip enjoyable.
From Damodar Kunda, we can have views of great Himalayan peaks. As well as from Damodar Kunda we can see the Tibetan plateau & Damodar Himal to the north and the Annapurna Himalayan range to the south.
Itinerary
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Day-1
- Arrival to Kathmandu (1380mtrs)
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu (TIA), our representative from Hillstrek will be there to pick you up. You will be transfer to hotel in half an hour drive with private vehicle. We discuss about our trip and you have time for refreshment. In the evening we are together again for welcome dinner in typical nepalese restaurant with cultural program.
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Day-2
- Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu (1380mtrs)
After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up for half day sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa. You will have your lunch in the restaurant with the view of Stupa then you back to hotel. You will meet your trek leader and discuss about the trek and do last minutes arrangements.
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Day-3
- Flight or Drive to Pokhara
Early in the morning after breakfast, we can drive by private transport to Pokhara or we can have flight about 30 minutes to reach pokhara from Kathmandu. If we drive, then it takes 6 hours to reach the pokhara, on the way we can have beautiful views of mountain and green hills. Then reaching at pokhara you can admire the spectacular view of the Annapurna mountain range, Dhaulagiri Mountain and other snow-capped mountains. Alternative: If you have flight in the morning to Pokhara. Then in afternoon you can do sightseeing in Pokhara.
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Day-4
- Fly to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni
Early in the morning, we will transfer to the Airport for the flight to Jomsom. The flight from Pokhara has beautiful views of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri and takes about 20-25 minutes to reach at Jomsom Airport. Jomsom is the districts headquarter of Mustang. Then we will have breakfast in Jomsom. From here your trekking starts by the river side of Kaligandaki. KaliGandaki is the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade to Tibet. In the afternoon from jomsom onwards it is very windy. Then continue walking through river side about 3 hrs we reach to the Ekle-Bhatti. Few minutes rest at there. From here our trekking starts to Kagbeni which is the main gate to the upper Mustang. Kagbeni situated at an altitude of (2,807m). Kagbeni is the checkpoint to the Hindu pilgrims Muktinath and also the traders between the Nepal and Tibet. You will explore the Kagbeni village and an old Monastery .Overnight at guesthouse.
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Day-5
- 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m)
After breakfast, we start our journey with the particular permit check and follow the trail towards the east of Kaligandaki riverside and climbing the up and down hill trail to the north we reach to the Tangbe village. The village is narrow with white washed houses; homes are surrounding by buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards farms. After some rest we continue to trek towards Chhusang. The path to the Chhusang is close to the nature. After crossing the Chhusang village and, continues north climbing up to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. Trek now leaves through the tiny edge reach to the Chele village. Stay overnight at guesthouse
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Day-6
- Trek to Syangboche (3,700m)
We start our trek by walking forward to Samar. We walk up hill to Taklam La Pass (3,624m) through the flat terrain, plateaus and narrow stretches with attractive views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Domador Danda. Then we reach petite village of Samar, hiking up to the village to edge then slowly down to the steeply to a stream. We continue walk for 3hrs to Syangboche village. We can relax and enjoying the cool stream and juniper tree. We can visit the popular cave known as Chungsi cave. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 7
- Trek to Ghami (3,520m)
Early in the morning after breakfast we hike up hill to the Yamda La (3,850m) crossing a teahouses, chortens and local society which follow the Tibetan Style method residence with open Varanda. The trail passes the barley fields and we climb Nyi-La Pass (4,010m). Finally we reach to the Ghami. The Ghami is the third biggest village in the Lo region. Ghami Village is covered by the large barren field. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 8
- Trek to Charang (3,500m)
After Breakfast, We cross the Ghami Khola , the trail leads to plateau, gray and red cliffs and passes through the Mane wall which is made by the followers of Buddhism. The trek ahead north east to the Charang village is covered with the maize fields, houses are separated by the stone walls of the Tsarang Chu. There is a big white dzong and red Gompa, collection of statues and Thankas are the main attraction of Charang. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 9
- Trek to Lo-Mangthang (3,700m)
Today, we will get chance to visit two villages in our trek. Lo-Ghyakar Gompa is the oldest gompa in the Nepal. Then after visiting to the Lo-Ghyakar we Continue trek towards Lo-Manthang with the beautiful views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. Until the trail reaches to the Lo-Mathang we have minor climbing. Finally we reach to the plateau of Lo-Mathang the capital of Mustang and the hills on the Tibetan Border. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 10
- Explore Lo-Mangthang
Today, we will visit the area. Visiting to the Namgyal Gompa takes 2 hours and it is situated on the hilltop, which is the important monastery for the local people. Now from here continue trek to Tingkhar. Tingkhar is the last village lies on the Lo-Manthang which consists of around 40 houses. Or we can visit to Tall Champa Lakhang which is known as God House, Thugchen Gompa, Chyoid Gompa and Entrance hall are the main attraction of this God Houses. We can view the beautiful four- storey building of the king’s palaces which is surrounding by the views of Himalayas. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 11
- Trek to Yara (3,600m)
We start our trek after breakfast, we leave the village and walk slowly until we reach Dhi-La with dusty trail from where the last view of the Lo-Manthang. After rest we continue walk to the downhill by the narrow path. Then we came to wide plateau and walking down by the rocky mountain we reach at Dhi village. Then stop for lunch at this village. Then from this village we have to cross the suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and walk a short steep climb. Then, our trail goes along the upstream of Puyung Khola viewing the amazing landscapes and many caves at the stone walls until reaching Yara village. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 12
- Trek to Ghyuma Thanti (4,800m)
After breakfast, we start our trek to climb up to reach Luri Cave Monastery and visit that interesting Cave Monastery. After enjoy the cave again we follow the barren valley after crossing 5,100 meter pass, today we prepare pack lunch due to no appropriate cooking possibilities on the trek. Stay overnight at tented camp.
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Day- 13
- Trek to Damodar Kunda (4,890m)
After breakfast, we start trek to the Damodar Kunda. The trail goes with ups and downs the hills. Then finally we reach at the altitude of 5130m where Damodar Kunda is situated. We need to make lunch pack due to lack of appropriate cooking possibilities in the trail. Stay overnight at tented camp.
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Day- 14
- Exploring the high altitude Damodar Kunda/Lake
Today we will visit around Damodar Kunda. The day was remarkable due to the surrounding by thre snowcapped mountains and it’s beauty. Stay overnight at tented camp.
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Day- 15
- Trek from Damodar Kunda to Ghuma Thanti (4,800m
After breakfast, we return back to the Ghyuma Thanti, the trail leads through the ups and down same like before. On the way to Ghyuma Thanti we prepare lunch for us. Stay overnight at tented camp.
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Day- 16
- Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Yara (3,900m)
After breakfast in the morning, we start our trek to the same route as previous we passed. Then walking ups and down we reach at Yara and stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 17
- Trek from Yara to Tangye (3,240m)
We start our trek to Tangye. Today we have to pass through the difficult way by steep rise and long way trail. Then continuous walk for a long time finally we reach at Dechhyang Khola which origin is from Damodar Kunda. It takes about 30 minutes. We find everywhere Saligrams (the black fossils of marine animals). Then we have our lunch here. Then after lunch we again trek through the ups and downs steep then we are on a huge plateau and cross it for reaching to Tangya village. We can see several big Chhortens. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 18
- Trek to Tetang (3,040m)
We start trek by leaving the village, crossing the bridge then follow the short river route. After crossing the river, we steeply climb up to reach a small pass. Then the trail goes straight to Paha (shelter house) where we take our pack lunch. Here is small water tap for drinking water. After the lunch break we continue crossing many small passes until we reach the top of the hill. It takes about 3 hours. Then again trek down to steeply and we meet strong winds until we reach Tetang village. We have an excellent view of Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and other snow peaks during the trail. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 19
- Trek to Muktinath (3,700m)
We start our day by leaving the village and passing through the Mani walls in the villages. Then we climb up plateau and continuous climbing up until reaching small pass from where we can see the high mountains and picturesque view of Muktinath. Then the trail leads down to the small stream and cross by a bridge. After that, we enter in the village of Chhyongar and follow the level trail until reaching Muktinath passing Kani/gate. In the evening, we explore to sacred place for Hindus and Tibetan Buddhist in about 30 minutes in its compound. We can visit the 108 brass water spouts, Muktinath temple stands enshrining Vishnu, a Hindu’s god. When we visit to Muktinath Temple at once, we are 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 that gives for Muktinath’s great religious significance. And we can also see the magnificent view of Nilgiri Himal and Daulagiri I. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 20
- Trek to Jomsom (2,720m)
After breakfast, we start our trek to Jomsom. From here walk down to the Jharkot village where we visit the ancient Sakyamuni Buddhist Monastery and Traditional Medical Center. Then, we follow the dusty road trail for a while and choose short cut left trail until reaching Eklebatti where we have our lunch. After lunch, we follow again dusty and strong wind road level trail along the Kaligandaki River to reach Jomsom. Stay overnight at guesthouse.
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Day- 21
- Fly to Pokhara (820m)
Early morning after breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. In a short flight to Pokhara you can enjoy the magnificent view of mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, guide will transfer you to the hotel. Rest for some time in hotel or you can hang out on the lake and overnight at hotel.
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Day- 22
- Drive to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. The path leads with beautiful scenery through Marshyangdi and Trishuli River. Then arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transfer to your hotel. In the hotel you can be fresh up and relax for few hours. Or you can spend the evening leisurely by shopping and celebrate dinner together with Adventure Team member, overnight at hotel.
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Day-23
- Departure Transfer
We will transfer you to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. You must leave hotel 3 hours earlier than your scheduled flight time.
Note – Above itinerary can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. Please let us know whether you would like to make a shorter or longer. We will follow accordingly.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu (1380mtrs)
- Day 02 : Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu (1380mtrs)
- Day 3: Flight or Drive to Pokhara
- Day 4: Fly to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni
- Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m)
- Day 06: Trek to Syangboche (3,700m)
- Day 07: Trek to Ghami (3,520m)
- Day 08: Trek to Charang (3,500m)
- Day 09: Trek to Lo-Mangthang (3,700m)
- Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang
- Day 11: Trek to Yara (3,600m)
- Day 12: Trek to Ghyuma Thanti (4,800m)
- Day 13: Trek to Damodar Kunda (4,890m)
- Day 14: Exploring the high altitude Damodar Kunda/Lake
- Day 15: Trek from Damodar Kunda to Ghuma Thanti (4,800m)
- Day 16: Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Yara (3,900m)
- Day 17: Trek from Yara to Tangye (3,240m)
- Day 18: Trek to Tetang (3,040m)
- Day 19: Trek to Muktinath (3,700m)
- Day 20: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m)
- Day 21: Fly to Pokhara (820m)
- Day 22: Drive to Kathmandu
- Day 23: Departure
Note – Above itinerary can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. Please let us know whether you would like to make a shorter or longer. We will follow accordingly.
Cost Included/Excluded
Cost Included
- Airport picks up and drops off by private transport.
- Three nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu city tours, including all entry fees, tour guides, and private vehicle transfer.
- One nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara.
- Surface transfer on private transport/ tourist bus.
- Surface transfer to and from Nayapul by private vehicle
- Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge/tea house accommodation during the trek
- An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide)
- Porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Salary, insurance, equipment, meals, and accommodation for the guide and porters.
- A comprehensive first aid medical kit
- All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS)
- All government and local taxes.
Cost Excluded
- International flights and Nepal entry visa.
- Travel insurance.
- Foods, beverages and bar bills.
- Dinner and lunch at Kathmandu and Pokhara except as in the itinerary.
- All kinds of Personal equipment and expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Emergency evacuation.
- Gratitudes to the guide and porters.
Trip Highlights
Trip Highlights:
- Jomsom (2,743 m)
- Kagbeni (2,804 m)
- Ghami (3,520m)
- Lo-Mangthang (3,700m)
- Yara (3,600m)
- Ghyuma Thanti (4,800m)
- Damodar Kunda (4,890m)
- Muktinath (3,700m)
