Damodar Kunda Trek

Nepal
Trekking
Modorate
17 Days
4689 m

The Damodar Kunda Trek is one of Nepal's most sacred and challenging pilgrimages, leading trekkers to the holy alpine lakes of Damodar Kunda in the remote Upper Mustang region. Situated at an altitude of 4,890 meters, these turquoise lakes hold immense religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, believed to be the meditative site of Lord Shiva and mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Vishnu Purana. The trek takes adventurers through barren Himalayan deserts, traditional Tibetan villages, and high mountain passes, offering breathtaking views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges. Due to its extreme remoteness and high altitude, this trek remains one of Nepal's least-visited routes, perfect for those seeking spiritual solitude and raw, untouched mountain landscapes.

What makes the Damodar Kunda Trek truly unique is its blend of spiritual pilgrimage and extreme adventure. The journey follows ancient salt-trading routes used by Tibetan nomads, passing through cave monasteries, red cliff formations, and the sacred Muktinath Temple. The best time to visit is during the full moon of August, when hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims brave the harsh conditions to bathe in the holy lakes' icy waters. Trekkers must be prepared for basic camping accommodations, unpredictable weather, and high-altitude challenges, as there are no teahouses beyond Lo Manthang. This demanding yet rewarding trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhist culture, Himalayan wilderness, and ancient pilgrimage traditions in one of the world's most secluded mountain regions.

Trip Facts

Activities
Trekking
Starting Price
USD$ /PP
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Max. Altitude
4689 m
Best Season
Autumn
Trip Hours/Day
5 - 6 Hours
Trip Grade
Modorate
Group Size
2 - 10

Highlights & Attractions

Damodar Kunda Lakes – Turquoise alpine lakes at 4,890m, revered by Hindus & Buddhists
One of Nepal’s Most Remote Treks – Few tourists, pure wilderness
Tibetan Buddhist Traditions – Prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls
Pre-Buddhist Bon Religion – See rare rituals in hidden valleys

Trip Itinerary
Include & Excludes
Trip Notes
Reviews

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,400m)

Arrive in Nepal's vibrant capital
Final gear check and permit processing
Cultural briefing about the sacred pilgrimage
Day 02: Fly to Jomsom (2,720m) → Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m)

Scenic 20-minute mountain flight from Pokhara
3-hour trek to medieval Kagbeni village
Explore 15th-century monasteries and the Kali Gandaki riverbank
Day 03: Kagbeni → Chele (3,050m)

6-hour trek through the world's deepest gorge
Pass traditional Thakali villages and apple orchards
First views of Mustang's iconic red cliffs
Day 04: Chele → Syangboche (3,800m)

Cross Taklam La Pass (3,624m) with Dhaulagiri views
Enter Upper Mustang's desert landscape
Overnight in traditional mud-brick teahouse
Day 05: Syangboche → Ghami (3,520m)

Walk alongside Mustang's longest Mani Wall (1km+)
Visit ancient Ghami Gompa with original murals
Day 06: Ghami → Charang (3,560m)

Trek through dramatic wind-sculpted canyons
Explore 500-year-old Charang Monastery
Witness traditional Tibetan horse caravans
Day 07: Charang → Lo Manthang (3,840m)

Enter the walled city of the former Mustang Kingdom
Guided tour of the Royal Palace and Thubchen Gompa
Day 08: Acclimatization in Lo Manthang

Optional visit to Namgyal Gompa (hilltop monastery)
Explore Chhoser Cave complex (ancient meditation caves)
Day 09: Lo Manthang → Yara (3,900m)

7-hour trek through remote canyons
Camp near Luri Gompa's sky caves
Day 10: Yara → Ghara (3,900m)

Follow the Puyung Khola riverbed
Encounter Bon-po herders with yak caravans
Day 11: Ghara → Damodar Kunda (4,890m)

Challenging 8-hour ascent to the sacred lakes
Sunset meditation by the turquoise waters
Day 12: Damodar Kunda Exploration

Participate in morning purification rituals
Visit both lakes (considered male and female energy sites)
Day 13: Damodar Kunda → Lo Manthang

10-hour return trek via alternative route
Camp under star-filled Himalayan skies
Day 14 - 17: Return Journey (Days 14-17)

Day 14: Lo Manthang → Ghami
Day 15: Ghami → Chhusang
Day 16: Chhusang → Jomsom
Day 17: Fly Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu

Package Includes

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang ($500 for 10 days)
Full Board on Trek: 3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
First Aid Kit (oxygen meter, basic medications)
Porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers, max 15kg/porter)
Experienced Trek Guide (licensed, English-speaking)

Package Excludes

Nepal Visa ($30-50 depending on duration)
Travel Insurance (mandatory; must cover altitude up to 3,000m + evacuation)
Early Termination: Extra transport/hotel if leaving trek early
Kathmandu Sightseeing (entrance fees for UNESCO sites ~$20-30)

Trip Notes

Here are the key reasons to choose the Damodar Kunda Trek in single-point highlights:

Sacred Himalayan pilgrimage to holy lakes mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures
One of Nepal's most remote treks with extreme wilderness experience
Turquoise alpine lakes at 4,890m surrounded by snow peaks
Combine spirituality & adventure with meditation and challenging trails

Reviews

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