Nepal23 days
Damodar Kunda & Muktinath: Upper Mustang Camping Trek — 23 Days
Kathmandu to Lo-Manthang and the sacred lakes at 4,890m — full camping, restricted-zone permits included
Damodar Kunda sits at 4,890 meters in the far north of Upper Mustang, close to the Tibetan border, within a government-designated restricted zone that requires a special permit beyond the standard Annapurna Conservation Area entry. The lake holds deep significance in Hindu tradition as a site of ritual bathing believed to absolve sins across lifetimes; it is also one of the primary sources of the Gandaki River and a known location for Shaligram fossils. The surrounding terrain is Tibetan plateau in character — arid, windswept, and geologically distinct from the monsoon-washed hills further south. This 23-day itinerary links Kathmandu and Pokhara city sightseeing with a short mountain flight to Jomsom, then routes north through the walled medieval capital of Lo-Manthang before turning onto a lesser-traveled path toward Damodar Kunda. Key landmarks along the way include the pilgrimage temple of Muktinath at 3,800 meters, the 13th-century cave monastery of Luri Gompa, and multiple high passes — the highest reaching 5,600 meters on the approach to the lake. Because guesthouses do not exist along sections of this route, the entire trek operates on a full camping basis, with a cooking team, tented accommodation, and kitchen equipment managed throughout. Upper Mustang falls within a Himalayan rain shadow, meaning the trekking season extends more usefully into the monsoon months of June through August than most Nepal routes. The recommended window runs March to October. A notable annual fair takes place at Damodar Kunda on the full moon day each year.
Highlights
- UNESCO-listed sightseeing in Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Hanuman Dhoka palace complex
- Mountain flight Pokhara–Jomsom, covering the Annapurna–Dhaulagiri corridor in 15 minutes
- Entry into the Upper Mustang restricted zone via special government permit
- Kagbeni village (2,800m): medieval Tibetan-style architecture and one of Mustang's oldest monasteries
- Lo-Manthang (3,700m): walled capital of the former Lo Kingdom, with monasteries housing centuries-old Buddhist murals
- Raja Palace and Namgyal Gompa, Lo-Manthang
- Luri Gompa: 13th-century cave monastery preserving rare Pala-style paintings of Buddhist mahasiddhas
- Crossing of the 5,600m high pass on the approach to Damodar Kunda
- Damodar Kunda (4,890m): sacred lake complex comprising Brahma Kunda, Rudra Kunda, and Ananta Kunda
- Muktinath Temple (3,800m): major pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, with 108 sacred water spouts and the Jwala Mai eternal flame
- Panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Tilicho, and Dhaulagiri from the trail between Lo-Manthang and Jomsom
- Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint above Pokhara
- Full camping logistics throughout the trek, with meals prepared by a dedicated field cooking team
Day by day
1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)Tribhuvan International Airport · the hotel
A representative meets arriving passengers at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers them to the hotel — approximately 20 minutes by road. The evening is free, and time permitting, an initial briefing covers the itinerary and equipment.
2Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Permit ProcessingKathmandu Valley · Boudhanath
Passport and supporting documents are submitted for the Upper Mustang restricted-area permit. Sightseeing follows in the Kathmandu Valley, taking in three UNESCO World Heritage sites: a major Hindu temple, Boudhanath — the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal — and the historic royal palace complex. The day closes with a group briefing involving the guide, cooking staff, and support team.
3Kathmandu to Pokhara by Road (827m)Kathmandu to Pokhara · lakeside district of Pokhara
The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes approximately six hours by tourist bus; a private vehicle or 25-minute flight are also options. After checking into the hotel, the evening allows for a walking tour along the lakeside district of Pokhara.
4Jomsom Flight and Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m)Pokhara to Jomsom · Kagbeni village · Jomsom to Kagbeni village
A 15-minute morning flight connects Pokhara to Jomsom airport (2,743m). From Jomsom, a roughly three-hour walk along the Kali Gandaki valley leads to Kagbeni village at 2,800m. The village is characterized by flat-roofed stone houses in the Tibetan style and one of the oldest monasteries in the Mustang region. The afternoon allows time to walk the immediate surroundings before camping overnight.
5Kagbeni to Chele via Tangbe and Chunksang (3,050m)Chele · Tangbe · Chunksang · Kali Gandaki
The trail follows the bank of the Kali Gandaki north through the villages of Tangbe and Chunksang. A bridge crossing is followed by a steep 35-minute ascent to reach Chele village at 3,050m, where camp is set for the night. Total walking time is approximately six hours.
6Chele to Syangboche: Four Passes and the Ramchung Cave (3,475m)Syangboche · Ramchung Cave · Taklam La · Yemdo Pass · Dzong La
The day's route crosses four distinct passes: Taklam La (3,240m), Baga La, Yemdo Pass (4,000m), and Dzong La (3,550m). The trail passes through the settlements of Samar, Yemdo, and Bhona, with rest stops along streams shaded by juniper. Ramchung Cave, a site of religious significance along the trail, is passed en route. Camp at Syangboche, approximately seven hours of walking from Chele.
7Syangboche to Ghaymi via Yamda La and Nyi Pass (3,520m)Ghaymi · Nyi Pass · Yamda La pass
The trail climbs past scattered tea houses and crosses Yamda La pass (3,850m), where chortens mark the high point and Tibetan-style villages with open verandas sit in the surrounding terrain. A section through poplar-lined paths and barley fields precedes the second climb of the day, up to Nyi Pass at 4,010m. The descent leads to Ghaymi at 3,520m — the third-largest village in the Lo region — where camp is set. Total walking: approximately six hours.
8Ghaymi to Charang: Walled Village and 500-Year-Old Gompa (3,550m)Ghaymi to Charang · Charang · adjacent gompa and monastery in Charang
The trail today passes through wide northern landscapes defined by canyon gorges running east–west and gentler slopes to the north. Charang, a substantial walled village whose population is of Tibetan descent, sits at 3,550m. The adjacent gompa and monastery are estimated to be around 500 years old; their interiors preserve some of the region's finest examples of religious wall painting. Camp is set in or near Charang, around five hours of walking from Ghaymi.
9Charang to Lo-Manthang, Capital of the Lo Kingdom (3,700m)Charang to Lo-Manthang · Lo-Manthang
The approach to Lo-Manthang passes viewpoints with clear sightlines to Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti peak. Lo-Manthang itself sits at 3,700m within a perimeter wall that historically protected the settlement from high-altitude wind. The town connects directly to the Tibetan border and has served as the capital of the Lo Kingdom for several centuries. Camp is established on arrival, after roughly six hours of trekking.
10Lo-Manthang: Monasteries, Raja Palace, and Surrounding LandscapeNamgyal Gompa · Tingkhar monastery · Raja Palace of Lo-Manthang · surrounding plateau
The day is spent in Lo-Manthang. Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar monastery are among the principal stops, both central to the local monastic community. The Raja Palace of Lo-Manthang is also visited. The surrounding plateau offers open views across the high-altitude landscape toward the Himalayan range to the south.
11Lo-Manthang to Yara via Dhi Canyon and Luri Gompa (3,530m)Lo-Manthang to Yara via Dhi Canyon and Luri Gompa · Dhi Canyon · Luri Gompa
The trail climbs two small passes before descending through a pronounced canyon into Dhi village. Continuing from Dhi, the route follows the riverbed to Yara and on to Luri Gompa — a cave monastery dating to the 13th century that contains rare Pala-style paintings depicting Buddhist mahasiddhas. The monastery is considered one of the more significant art-historical sites in the Upper Mustang region. Total walking: approximately seven hours.
12Yara to Ghuma Thanti via 5,100m Pass and Luri Monastery (4,800m)Yara to Ghuma Thanti via 5,100m Pass · Luri Monastery · smaller monasteries
The day begins with a closer visit to Luri Monastery before the trail climbs to a 5,100m pass — the highest point so far on the route. The descent from the pass leads to Ghuma Thanti at 4,800m. Several smaller monasteries are passed during the roughly seven hours of walking. Because no suitable cooking location exists mid-route, a packed lunch is prepared at the morning camp.
13Ghuma Thanti to Damodar Kunda via 5,600m Pass (4,890m)Ghuma Thanti to Damodar Kunda via 5,600m Pass · Damodar Kunda
The longest day of the trek covers sustained elevation gain and loss over approximately ten hours. The route crosses a 5,600m pass before descending to Damodar Kunda at 4,890m. Packed lunch and adequate water are prepared in advance. The lake sits within a high plateau setting with open Himalayan panoramas on approach. Camp is set at the lake.
14Rest and Exploration at Damodar Kunda (4,890m)Damodar Kunda
The day allows time at Damodar Kunda. The sacred lake complex includes three distinct water bodies: Brahma Kunda, Rudra Kunda, and Ananta Kunda. In Hindu tradition, bathing here is believed to absolve sins accumulated across past and present lifetimes. An annual fair is held on the full moon day each year.
15Damodar Kunda to Ghuma Thanti, Return via 5,600m Pass (4,800m)Damodar Kunda · Ghuma Thanti
The route retraces the previous approach, crossing the 5,600m pass back toward Ghuma Thanti. The return direction involves proportionally more descent than ascent, reducing the total walking time by approximately two hours compared to Day 13. Total time: approximately eight hours.
16Ghuma Thanti to Yara via 5,100m Pass (3,530m)Ghuma Thanti to Yara via 5,100m Pass
The trail returns to Yara by the same path used on Day 12, recrossing the 5,100m pass. The descent predominates throughout, and the day's walking takes approximately seven hours.
17Yara to Tange: Dechhyang Khola Crossing and Plateau Valley (3,240m)Dechhyang Khola · Tange village
An early start and packed lunch are required for this long day with significant elevation variation. The route crosses the Dechhyang Khola, a river whose headwaters originate at Damodar Kunda. Tange village sits in a broad plateau valley of the Mustang district, characterized by a concentration of memorial chortens scattered across the surrounding terrain. Total walking: approximately eight hours.
18Tange to Tetang: Multiple Small Passes Through High Wind (3,040m)Tange to Tetang · Tetang village
Another early departure and packed lunch are required. The trail climbs through a series of small passes, generally ascending through the first half of the day before descending continuously to Tetang village at 3,040m. High winds along this section of the Mustang corridor can add difficulty to the walking. Total time is approximately nine hours.
19Tetang to Muktinath Temple, Mani Walls, and 108 Holy Spouts (3,800m)Tetang to Muktinath Temple · Muktinath Temple · Muktinath
The morning stage climbs to a small pass before the trail enters a wide open valley, passing through several local villages. Mani walls and prayer wheels line sections of the path. Muktinath is reached after approximately six hours, and the afternoon is spent at the temple complex: the main shrine, 108 stone waterspouts, the Jwala Mai eternal flame, and the monastery adjacent to the settlement. Camp is set near Muktinath at 3,800m.
20Muktinath to Jomsom via Jharkot, Kagbeni, and Eklobhatti (2,720m)Muktinath to Jomsom via Jharkot, Kagbeni, and Eklobhatti · Jomsom · the route between Muktinath and Jomsom
The trail descends steadily to Jomsom over approximately five hours, passing the villages of Jharkot, Kagbeni, and Eklobhatti. Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri are visible along much of the route. The night is spent in a local guesthouse in Jomsom — the first non-camping accommodation since the trek began.
21Jomsom to Pokhara: Flight and City SightseeingJomsom to Pokhara · International Mountain Museum · Davi's Fall · Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave · Fewa Lake
An early morning flight returns to Pokhara from Jomsom. After hotel check-in, the afternoon covers key Pokhara sites: the International Mountain Museum, Davi's Fall, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and a boat excursion on Fewa Lake.
22Return to KathmanduKathmandu · Pokhara · your hotel
Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus, with the option to arrange private transportation or take a 25-minute flight from Pokhara. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for rest and recuperation after your time in the lakes region.
23Departure from KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport
We arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.
Where you go
- 1Tribhuvan International Airport
- 2Damodar Kunda
- 3Muktinath Temple
- 4Muktinath
- 5Jomsom
- 6Kathmandu
- 7Pokhara
- 8Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Included
- All arrival and departure arrangements
- Accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara, a hotel on twin sharing with breakfast
- Private car, professional tour guide, and entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing
- Tourist bus Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu, or Private transportation, or flight
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit
- Upper Mustang restricted area permit
- Accommodations in camp during trekking days, twin-sharing tent
- Three times foods and hot drinks during trekking days prepare by the Touch Kailash team
- Guide as a leader, the cooking team, and other supporting teams throughout the entire trip
- Foods, Accommodation, Insurance, Salary, and equipment for all these staffs
- Camping material and kitchen equipment
- Management of emergency evacuation in case of need
- All service charges and government taxes
Not included
- Excluded
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
- Personal expenses, Bottled drinks, bar bills
- Emergency evacuation management, personal insurance, medical expenses, personal expenses, and tipping to staff
Activities: TREKING, HIKING