Nepal15 days
Damodar Kunda Trek — 15 Days in Upper Mustang and Muktinath
A high-altitude pilgrimage from Kathmandu through restricted Upper Mustang to the sacred lake at 4,890 meters, then to Muktinath temple.
Damodar Kunda lies at 4,890 meters in the Upper Mustang region of the Himalayas, near the Tibetan border. The lake is the source of the Gandaki River and holds significance for Hindu pilgrims as a site of ritual bathing. The trek follows a remote route—largely off the standard Upper Mustang circuit—requiring a restricted-area permit from the Nepal government. The first section moves through the lake district of Pokhara and the pilgrimage temple of Muktinath at 3,750 meters, then continues by vehicle and foot into high-altitude terrain that resembles the Tibetan plateau. From Ghuma Thanti at 4,800 meters, a long day's trek across a 5,600-meter pass leads to the lake itself. The return descends the same route, then pivots toward the Tibetan-origin villages of Charang and the airstrip town of Jomsom. Accommodation alternates between hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara and full-service tent camps in the remote sections. The trip is organized with a professional cook, guide, and support team; food is prepared fresh throughout. The route is passable from March to October; the monsoon months (June–August) are viable because Upper Mustang sits in a rain shadow, and post-monsoon greenery enhances the landscape.
Highlights
- Pashupatinath Temple and Guheshwori Shaktipeetham in Kathmandu, two of Nepal's oldest pilgrimage sites
- Cable-car ascent to Manakamana Temple during the drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom in a twin-otter aircraft with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
- Darshan and ritual puja at Muktinath Dham, a site sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions
- Ten-hour trek to Damodar Kunda at 4,890 meters, crossing a 5,600-meter pass with views of the Himalayan range
- Bathing and ritual exploration at Damodar Kunda and the three surrounding lakes—Brahma Kunda, Rudra Kunda, and Ananta Kunda
- Full-service tent camping with freshly prepared meals throughout the remote trekking days
- Drive through the Mustang District's off-road terrain to remote villages including Yara and Charang
- Charang monastery and village, inhabited by people of Tibetan origin, with 500-year-old religious wall paintings
- Boating and temple visits at Phewa Lake in Pokhara, including Taal Barahi Temple and Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple
- UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Kathmandu during opening and closing sightseeing days
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport · hotel
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 meters). Transfer to hotel and check-in. An evening briefing covers trek logistics and final preparations. Overnight in Kathmandu.
2Kathmandu Temples and MarketsPashupatinath Temple · Guheshwori Shaktipeetham · Jalnarayan Temple · Thamel tourist district
A day of sightseeing in Nepal's capital. The morning includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple, one of Hinduism's holiest sites, alongside Guheshwori Shaktipeetham and Jalnarayan Temple. After lunch, time is spent in the Thamel tourist district for last-minute gear and supplies. Overnight in Kathmandu.
3Drive to Pokhara via ManakamanaPokhara · Kathmandu to Pokhara · Manakamana Temple
A 200-kilometer drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, taking approximately seven hours total. The route includes a stop at Manakamana Temple, where a cable car ascends to the shrine for darshan (ritual viewing). The journey continues to Pokhara (822 meters), the lake capital of Nepal. Overnight in Pokhara.
4Flight to Jomsom and Arrival at MuktinathPokhara to Jomsom · Muktinath Dham · Jomsom to Muktinath Dham
An early-morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom aboard a twin-otter aircraft, a 25-minute scenic route. From Jomsom (2,743 meters), a 90-minute drive leads to Muktinath Dham (3,750 meters), a temple sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, located at the foot of the Annapurna range. After ritual worship and temple exploration in the Muktinath Valley, the day concludes with an overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
5Muktinath to Yara: High-Altitude Off-Road DriveMuktinath to Yara · Yara
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin a five-hour off-road drive through rugged terrain to Yara (3,530 meters), a remote village deep in the Mustang District. The journey traverses a stark, high-desert landscape. We settle in at a locally owned guesthouse for the night.
6Drive to Ghuma Thanti, Trek Staging PointGhuma Thanti
Off-road travel to Ghuma Thanti (4,800 meters), a small settlement in the Upper Mustang region. This location serves as the staging point for the trek to Damodar Kunda. Overnight at a local guesthouse, with rest and preparation for the high-altitude day ahead.
7Trek to Damodar Kunda, 10 Hours, 4,890 MetersDamodar Kunda · Ghuma Thanti to Damodar Kunda · 5,600-meter pass · tent camp near the lake
A long day of trekking from Ghuma Thanti to Damodar Kunda. The route crosses difficult terrain with significant elevation gain and loss. A 5,600-meter pass lies on the path, and trekkers carry packed lunch and adequate water. Himalayan peaks and high-altitude terrain dominate the day's views. The route ends at Damodar Kunda (4,890 meters), the holy lake and source of the Gandaki River. Overnight in a tent camp near the lake.
8Exploration at Damodar KundaDamodar Kunda · Brahma Kunda, Rudra Kunda, and Ananta Kunda
A day of rest and exploration around Damodar Kunda. Three additional lakes lie in the area: Brahma Kunda, Rudra Kunda, and Ananta Kunda. The day allows time for ritual bathing, circumambulation, and reflection at the site. Overnight in the tent camp.
9Trek Descent to Ghuma Thanti, 8 HoursGhuma Thanti · Damodar Kunda to Ghuma Thanti
The return trek from Damodar Kunda to Ghuma Thanti (4,800 meters) follows the same route in reverse, crossing the 5,600-meter pass again. The descent is shorter than the ascent—approximately eight hours versus the previous day's ten—because the route gains less elevation than it loses. Overnight at a guesthouse or tent camp in Ghuma Thanti.
10Drive to YaraYara · Ghuma Thanti to Yara
The return drive from Ghuma Thanti to Yara (3,530 meters) follows the same off-road route. Overnight at a guesthouse in Yara.
11Drive to Charang, Tibetan-Origin SettlementCharang · Yara to Charang · Charang gompa and monastery
A five-hour drive from Yara reaches Charang (also known as Tsarang), a substantial village inhabited by people of Tibetan origin (3,620 meters). An adjacent gompa and monastery, estimated at 500 years old, features intricate religious wall paintings. Overnight in Charang.
12Drive to JomsomJomsom
The drive returns to Jomsom (2,743 meters), the regional center, positioned against the backdrop of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. The town offers more facilities and infrastructure after the remote trekking section. Overnight at a hotel in Jomsom.
13Flight to Pokhara and Lake ExplorationJomsom to Pokhara · Taal Barahi Temple · Phewa Lake · David's Falls · Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple · Phewa Lakeside
A morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara returns travelers to the lake city (823 meters). The afternoon includes visits to Taal Barahi Temple, boating on Phewa Lake, David's Falls, and Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple. The evening is free for shopping along the Phewa Lakeside. Overnight in Pokhara.
14Flight to Kathmandu and Final SightseeingKathmandu · Pokhara to Kathmandu · Thamel tourist market
A late-morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 meters). Arrival allows time for rest and a final visit to the Thamel tourist market for souvenir shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu.
15Departure from Damodar KundaTribhuvan International Airport
We arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight departure time, concluding your journey through the mountains.
Where you go
- 1Tribhuvan International Airport
- 2Pashupatinath Temple
- 3Pokhara
- 4Manakamana Temple
- 5Damodar Kunda
- 6Jomsom
- 7Taal Barahi temple
- 8Kathmandu
- 9Tribhuvan 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