Upper mustang Damodar Lake Trekking

Upper Mustang Damodar Lake Trekking - 22 days

Trip Overview

“The true virtue of any journey lies in the ecstasy of getting one with nature”

Upper Mustang Damodar Lake Trek is a trek in the Himalayas that takes you close to Mustang region and let you discover its hidden culture and ancient traditions. Damodar Kunda is one of the last attractions of tourist and spiritual importance opened for foreign tourists. Damodar Kunda (Lake) is situated in a basin in the Damodar Himal and flows southward through a rain shadow valley on the eastern edge of the Annapurna Range. Related to Krishna Lila of lord Krishna of Hindus it is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites situated in of the most inaccessible areas of the Himalaya. This is a less frequented restricted trekking route in Annapurna region but without a doubt this trek offers superb panoramic views of whole Annapurna range, lush valleys, beautiful landscape, and Tibetan monasteries.

Upper Mustang Damodar Trek route is situated at the lap of high Himalayas in Upper Mustang area of Nepal. This Upper Mustang Damodar trek starts with the flight to Jomsom from Pokhara and trek up to Upper Mustang which is located on the western Himalayan range and adjoining plateau of Tibetan border of the Nepal. The trek to Lo Manthang begins through an almost tree less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill enjoying the panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks along the trail. Upper Mustang is declared as restricted area and imposes strict regulation to obtain a special permit from the department of immigration in order to protect the environment and tradition from outside influence. You will have an opportunity to explore the ancient old monastery, caves, local tribes and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. Also, you will have a great chance to visit the royal palace of Mustang King and take a photograph with him. After spending time in Lo Manthang you will head for Damodar Kunda where every year especially on the full moon of August a big religious festival is held. Many Hindu & Buddhist pilgrims from different parts of Nepal and India visit Damodar Kunda & take a holy dip in the lake. Thus it will be a great adventure for you to indulge yourself in, so why not in Nepal for this trek as we are willing to give you a full supported trek of this region.

Upper Mustang Damodar Trek is moderately strenuous and requires trekkers to have an above average fitness level and positive attitude as it’s a long trek with average 6-7 hours of walk on hilly terrain lies in this trek. Generally the best season for this trek is February to Mid-June and September to December. Join Trekking Planner now for this incredible trek and get the best out of your pursuit of adventure in the Mustang region full of diversity.

Detail Itinerary

“Ready-Made itinerary presented in website can be operated for individuals, couples and small groups on a private tailor-made basis, starting on a date of your choice. Itinerary is on the basis of tea-house trekking but it can be operated as Camp Trek. Please contact Trekking Planner to discuss about your tour plan.”

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m/4430ft )

After your arrival at the International Airport, one of Trekking Planner’s representatives will be there at the airport terminal to greet you and then transfer you to your respective hotels. There you can rest and relax your jet lagged bodies and afterward prepare yourself for a cultural and historical tour of Kathmandu valley tomorrow. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Cultural and Historical tours in Kathmandu/ Trek preparation

Today we take you on a cultural and historical tour of Kathmandu valley. Our guide is going to take you through Kathmandu Valley’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites. You get the opportunity to go the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, sacred Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath, Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, and the other big and small heritages. While Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the oldest stupas in Nepal and famous for whitewashed monasteries in the surrounding and the beautiful view of Kathmandu valley, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple represents the faith of Hindus all over the world and is known for Hindu architecture. The Durbar Squares are vast complexes with historic royal palaces, temples, beautiful carvings on the windows and doors and other heritages are equally enchanting. In the pre-trip meeting you shall be provided with necessary information about the trek and you shall also have the chance to clarify your doubts. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (820m/2690ft) about 7 hrs drive

Today we shall drive to the beautiful city of Pokhara before starting the trek to the foothills of Annapurna massifs and Fishtail Mountain. Beginning with the drive on the highway accompanied by the popular Trishuli River and past the lush hills and twisting road, roadside settlements before branching off to Prithvi Highway leading to Pokhara. Through the rural settlements and past lush hills, beautiful waterfall and mighty river, looked over by soaring and snowcapped mountain from far away and welcomed by the unique Fishtail Mountain we reach to Pokhara, the Lake City of Nepal. Afternoon you arrive in Pokhara then check in your hotel and refresh and look around lakeside. Pokhara is a beautiful valley, with panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, and Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. The town of Pokhara is set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2710m/8891ft) about 25min and trek to Kagbeni (2807m/9209ft) 3-4 hrs walk

From Pokhara you will take a flight to Jomsom where you can view an electrifying outlook of graceful world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge all along to the bank of Kali Gandaki Valley. You will get pleasure from the eye-catching sceneries of Nilgiri Mountain. Afterward, you will turn up to Kagbeni which is resting at 2,810 meter altitude. Stay overnight at Kagbeni.

Day 05:. Day 05: Trek to Chussang (2920m/9580ft) 5-6 hrs walk

After checking your special Mustang permits in Kagbeni the trek goes uphill for while leaving Kaligandaki River behind. The trail goes to harsh barren countryside all the way with some stops. Here you cross some small and tiny villages as walk progress coming to the town called Tangbe, after walking an hour more brings the overnight stop place. Chusang located at the confluence of the Narsang River and the Kali Gandaki River. Stay overnight at Chussang.

Day 06: Trek to Samar (3290m/10793ft) 5-6 hrs walk

First villages comes Chele after passing this village the stream via the broken canyons and ruin castle walls on the around cliffs. Pass the river from Chussang are some massive red eroded cliffs higher the mouths of unreachable caves. After passing the tiny bridge an up climb for about 45 minutes brings to Chele town. From this village walk gets steep up for an hour up to ridge at 3,130m, a perfect vistas of Gyagar across a big canyon is visible. Afterwards the path goes up slowly windswept terrain up to at 3,540m. Normal decent for a while takes you to Samar. Stay overnight at Samar.

Day 07: Trek to Ghiling (3600m/11811ft) 5-6 hrs walk

The trek today fallow the tiny climb above Samar village to a ridge, with a downhill leading to a large gorge past a Chorten tainted red, black, yellow and white all the colors are made from local stones. Meeting some Juniper trees the trek goes on to another township. From here the path descends to Shyangmochen, am tiny livings with some tea houses at 3,710m, taking right downhill the trek descends towards to Gelling. Stay overnight at Ghiling.

Day 08: Trek to Tsarang (3520m/11549ft) 6-7 hrs walk

From gelling, the path goes up genteelly via the fields up the centre of the valley, crossing below the Tama Gung village, the walk carry on a long climb across the head of the valley to the ByiLa Pass 3,950m which is also elevated place of the trek as well the cross itself happens to be the southern boundary of Lo. From here a normal down for half an hour arrives to junction the right trail leads to Tsarang where the left leads to Ghami town. Stay overnight at Tsarang.

Day 09: Trek to Lo Manthang (3780m/12402ft) 4-5 hrs walk

In the morning after breakfast, we will visit the Old Palace and Ancient Buddhist Monastery which is said to be that the Tibetan Buddhism flourished in Upper Mustang from this Monastery. Then, we descend to the gorge of the Tsarang Khola, making a big traverse upstream and cross by an Iron Bridge over the River. We ascend to about the same height as Tsarang on the rocky gully. Now we enter the valley and the dirt road turns north and climbs gently to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Tsarang and Lo-Manthang. The road crosses a stream, and then becomes a wide thoroughfare traveling across a desert-like landscape painted in every hue of grey and yellow. Finally we arrive in Lo-La from where we can see the first view of the wall city of Lo-Manthang and the player flags are flapping in the wind. A short dusty descent leads onto the plain of aspiration; the, the trail crosses a stream by wooden bridge. Now we climb up onto the plateau of Lo-Manthang, crossing an irrigation canal at the southern wall of the city of Lo-Manthang. In the evening, we meet with King of Lo and visit the insight city as well as ancient Buddhist Monasteries. Stay overnight at Lo Manthang.

Day 10: Full day in Local Excursion in Lo Manthang

Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may hire horse to go to Chosar village to see the beautiful two Gompa (monasteries) called Garphu and Nyphu Gompas as well as Chosar village is main trading route to Lhasa (Tibet) and return to Lo-manthang (3810m). Stay overnight at Lo Manthang.

Day 11:. Trek to Dri /Yara

After an expended and memorable visit of the historical places in Lo Manthang we start our trek today with an easy walk. We walk in the flat path for about 2.30 hours without any strenuous trail and then lately gentle descending down ward. But, before reaching Dhie village it’s a steep down walk for half an hour and we reach Dhie village. After crossing Dhie village we come to cross the river on a metallic bridge and also enjoy walking on the bank of the river. Now we have a steep climb up for about an hour and some gentle steep walk before coming to Yara (3650m). Stay overnight at Yara.

Day 12: Trek to Bas Khola

Today we wake up with a mindset for a new destination. From Yara we now trek towards Bas Khola for an overnight stay there.

Day 13:. Bas Khola, acclimatization day

This is the day to acclimatize you with new environment. As this is the new trek for you we cannot make you to continue the trek without any acclimatization. As a rest day you will make yourself adjust with the changing altitude. You can move around the tent to know more about this place, Stay overnight at Bas Khola.

Day 14: Trek to Damodar Lake (4890m/16043ft)

Damodar Kund is a holy site for Hindus and Buddhists alike, and is the home of a big festival during the August full moon. From Damodar Kund, we will be treated to magnificent views of the Annapurna Massif and Damodar Himal. Stay overnight at Damodar Lake.

Day 15: Trek to Ghechung Khola

Now from the Damodar Lake we move on towards Ghechung Khola. From here on wards we get to see the decrease in the altitude as we now move downwards to the lower regions. Today we reach Ghechung Khola as our final destination. We stay overnight at Ghechung Khola.

Day 16: Trek to Tangye (3240m/10629ft)

Each new day brings us closer to the end of our amazing trek. We now head towards Tangye. We take a walk to Tangye, followed by the stunning lady finger canyons before reaching Tetang and the Kali Gandaki River. We stay overnight at Tangye.

Day 17: Trek to Tetang (2940m/9645ft)

Today, our trek begins with a fine trail for around an hour before crossing another river. From here, we can have a wide range view of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Tilicho peak and Thorong Peak. The trail passes through a steep ridge with beautiful views of wind-eroded hills. Continuing the trek, you can see the village of Tetang. We stay overnight at Tetang.

Day 18: Trek to Muktinath (3700m/12140ft)

Today, we begin the trek with a descent downhill to dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot (3500m) and Khingar (3280m), villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom (2713m) through Ekle Bhatti (2740m) which is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki .From here there are fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. Stay overnight at Muktinath.

Day 19: Trek to Jomsom(2710m/8891ft) about 4 hrs walk

Trekking into the lower part with graceful world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge. Walking forward, you will move all along to the bank of Kali Gandaki Valley. You will get pleasure from the eye-catching sceneries of Nilgiri Mountain. You trek back to Jomsom with numerous upwards and downwards and it takes 5 to 6 hours. In the morning after breakfast, we leave the village and drop down to 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 tented camp. Stay overnight in Jomsom.

Day 20: Fly back to Pokhara (820m/2690ft) about 25min

After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara with a 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between the gorge of two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight stay at Pokhara.

Day 21: Drive back to Kathmandu (1350m/4430ft) about 7 hrs drive

It takes about seven hours, while driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu; you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 22: Final departure

Today your Upper Mustang Domodar Lake Trek comes to an end. A representative of Trekking Planner shall transfer you to the International Airport and see you off if you wish to wrap up your stay in Nepal. We hope that you had some wonderful memories during your adventure in Nepal and are enthralled to be back in this nation for other adventures and touristic activities. Have a wonderful journey ahead and keep undertaking adventures.

“Trekking Planner will try to keep day-to-day schedule as per the detailed itinerary but there might be some flexibility due to other factors beyond our control. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, difficulty with transportation and politics can lead to enforced changes. So, it is not possible to guarantee as per the itinerary. In the case, trip leader will manage it to minimize your inconvenience.”

We wish you have a wonderful time with us!

Include Exclude

Trip Cost:

USD $2605.00 per person(3 star category hotel in KTM)
USD $2850.00 per person(4 star category hotel in KTM)
USD $3020.00 per person(5 star category hotel in KTM)

Single Supplement US $350.00

Cost Includes:

All airport pick up drop by private vehicle
03 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Kathmandu
Guided sightseeing tours with private vehicle in Kathmandu
Welcome dinner in Authentic Restaurant
Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
02 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Pokhara
Pokhara to Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
ACAP Permit and Special permit for upper mustang trek for 10 days
Accommodation in the mountain during the trekking
Three meals a day; breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking
A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly , English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport and insurance.
02 guest=01 porter with their Insurance, Salary, Food, accommodation and equipment
Safe drinking water and first add kid box
Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets,Ti-shirt, Cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.

Cost Exclude:

Nepal Visa fee (Bring accurate fee in USD and two Passport size Photo)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
Diner and lunch in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation
Extra night accommodation and lunch and dinner in city because of early arrival, late departure and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) then the scheduled itinerary
Personal expenses (phone calls, baggage charge, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
Tips to the trekking crews and drive
Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
Anything not included in service includes column

Equipment List

Suggested Equipment for this trip;

Duffel/Rucksack bag/Suitcase (We will provide one complimentary Trekking Planner duffel bag but is to be returned after the trip)
rekking day bag.( Small handbag)
Trekking shoes
Sports shoes or sandal
Trekking stick
Sun Hat, cap Warm woolen cap
Trekking jacket Gore tax/ flees jacket
Pullover or warm sweeter
Raincoat
4/5 pairs of good qualities shock
Hand gloves
2/3 pairs of Trekking trousers
3/4 pairs of trekking shirts
3/4 pairs of Underwear
Eye glass
Water bottle
4 seasons Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it but is to be returned after the trip)
Flash or Torch light
Camera and batteries

FAQs

an you provide me more information about the tea houses on this trek?
According to the location the tea houses vary on their quality and style on this trek. Basically they have communal room downstairs with one or two bed bedroom above them. You have to use share toilet but nowadays in low levels attached toilet is found and some have hot shower facilities but some will have stand pipes. Tea houses use a type of burning stove in main communal area and other room are unheated. Tea houses donot have money exchange facilities. Trekking Planner recommend you to exchange cash in Kathmandu.

At the lower altitudes there is electricity facilities whereas as we go higher tea houses become more basic. As cooler temperature drain battery life, ensure your batteries last a little longer by putting it inside pocket of your coat or under your pillow.

Do a guides or porter carry oxygen tanks on the trek?
No, As there is enough time to acclimatise while trekking it felt there is no need for them. If someone feels the affects of altitude then there are facilities along the trek at various point and its easy to get.

How many guides and porters will be there in our group?
A group will have a group leader or a guide who will lead you on the trek. Porters will be there to carry your baggage packs and all the camping gear. One porter will carry two trekkers baggages. A number of supporting staff will depend upon your group size.

At one time how many liter of water I have to carry in the trek?
Mostly 3-4 liters is sufficient. You will be able to refill bottles at lunch time. When you are in high altitude you have to drink more water to get rid of altitude diseases.

Is it nessary to carry Trekking poles?
Yes, Trekking Poles make you easy to walk in the rough ways. Trekking poles makes your body and leg to move more safely. So, we suggest you to use it.

Is bottled water available everywhere in the trek?
Mainly tea houses on the way have stores which sells bottled water and other supplies that may be needed for you on the trek. There is no any plastic recyclable facilities in Nepal, we encourage you to bring chlorine tablets and use filter water in the tea houses.

Should I have to bring iodine tablets for purifying the water?
You have to bring iodine tablet with you. Chlorine tablets are widely available. The most effective and commonly used version of chlorine is chlorine dioxide, which is tasteless and odourless. Tablets can be bought cheaply and usually 1 tablet is sufficient to purify 1 litre of water. Neutralising tablets can also be bought to get rid of the smell and taste of chlorine or iodine. This will need to be done for water obtained using hand pumps or streams in the trek.

What are the effects of going so high?
Altitude produces physical changes in the body. Higher you go, more pronounced those changes. If after gaining a lot of elevation in a hurry, you experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, and dehydration, you are probably suffering from altitude sickness. In rare cases this may worsen, so a close watch is kept on all trekkers by the Group Leader who is trained to recognize Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If trekkers shows any signs of AMS they will be evacuated to a lower, safe altitude immediately. To minimize effects of altitude you ascend slowly which allows safe acclimatization.

What if I get ill while on the trek?
It depends on the nature of your illness. If you suddenly feels dizzy or weak, you have to sit or lie down. If you still feel sick, keep a warm and quiet until you can get medical help. You will carried down if no progress we advise travellers to take a personal kit too.

In serious cases, you need helicopter rescue. Our guide will suggest you to use it if its ver serious. So, helicopter rescue insurance is necessary for every trekkers before you come to trek in this trek.

Would you recommend to take a Down Jacket?
The weather is changeable in the Himalaya so you can expect to experience four seasons in one day. Make sure you have plenty of warm layers which you can shed or add as required. While even in winter it can be as warm as 19C during the day, the higher the altitude, the colder the temperature and when high up the temperature drops significantly at night to around -10C in October/November, and to around -20C from December to February.

Is alcohol permitted on trek?
Alcohol is consumed in Nepal. You can buy it in tea houses in the trek. Local alcohol is also available. However we suggest you not to drink alcohol at high altitude.

Before You Go

Difficulties rating of Upper mustang Dhamodhar Lake Trekking
A trekkers have to pass many hills so trekker should be fit to do this trekking. Maximum altitude of the trek is 4890m (Damodar Lake), so you should be careful about altitude related risk. To get rid of it please walk slowly and have more water and avoid alcoholic drinks. Please be careful of frost bit and snow blindness. You must take care of your health.

Safe drinking water on Dhamodhar Lake Trekking
Basically, we can get mineral water bottles in lower places but as we go higher cannot find it. In that case we suggest you to drink boiled water which may charge small fee, found in tea houses and better to bring chlorine tablets to purify water. Due to no provision of plastic bottles better to use boiled rather than mineral water, helpful for protection of environment.

Recharging Batteries of Electronic Items On the Trek
Hydro electricicty or solar power sources are used to charge your electrical items like camera, batteries, ipod, iphone etc. Tea houses or lodges may charge small fee per hours for charging facilities. Better to buy adoptors before the trip since plugs are limited. In Nepal 220-240 volt power is used and sockets fit round and flat plugs.

Garbage Disposal
Use a dustbins and do not throw anything into the fire. Carry garbages in the way where dustbin facilities is not available and conserve the environment.

Spending Money per Day
It mainly depends upon spending habits, normally you should allocate US$ 9-12 per meal in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On trekking, US$ 10-14 a day is good enough to buy drinks and chocolates.

Travel Insurance for Dhamodhar Lake Trekking
You should be sufficiently protected and need to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, lost items, liabilities, injuries and medical treatment. Ensure the insurance covers all the activities in the himalayas. Trekking Planner can offer the appropriate medical response based on your policy and insurance.

Washing and Toilet facilities for Dhamodhar Lake Trekking
All the guest houses offers hot showers, which can be in bathroom or can be a bucket of hot water. Please note that at high altitude there may not be enough hot water for all the trekkers. Limit the use of hot water unless the water is solar heated or firewood for the ecological reason. Every lodge have some kind of washing facilities but you must carry a bar of soap. If the water frozed then ask your guide to get warm bowl of water.
Toilet are mainly Asian squat style. Basically toilet are outside your room and vary in how clean they are. You should not through toilet paper in the toilet hole rather you should use rubbish bin tht is kept inside the toilet.

Tea Houses
On this trekking route local people have built tea houses lodge with food and beverage facilities. A simple room usually have two narrow beds. While staying in the tea houses you will see the charming local people with their good hospitality services.

How Can I Plan and Confirm My Trip?

Trekking Planner is a government licensed trekking company in Nepal. You can see photos of legal documents in about us section. We accept your booking under following terms and conditions:

Bookings must be done 48 hrs. in advance
Free Cancellation
No Down payment
No Deposit
Accept Cash Payment, Bank Transfer, Western Union, Money Gram, or a Credit Card.

For more information see our Terms and Conditions page.

Fixed Depature

To provide you a reasonable price, we need some number of persons into a group to minimize your cost on hotel, transportation and any other alternation in your itinerary. Departure dates available for online booking are as below where price given is per person and international flight is not included. If given date is not appropriate for you, Please CONTACT US so that Trekking Planner will happily manage your trip on dates favorable for you.

Trekking Planner also organizes various trips on small groups that can suit for you. We recommend you to reserve a seat for you by booking with us right away for a wonderful experience with us. Hurry up! Adventure is waiting for you.

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