The Upper Mustang & Damodar Kunda Trek will take you on an adventure to one of the most remote regions of Nepal, known as Upper Mustang. This region, which is semi-autonomous, is known as the hidden kingdom of Tibet. This region, located in the northern part of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, is one of the last remaining places where ancient Tibetan culture, traditions, and ways of life have been preserved in their purest form. This region of Nepal was opened to foreign visitors as recently as 1992. Upper Mustang is a rare chance to experience one of the most restricted yet culturally rich regions of Nepal, with the historic walled city of Lo-Manthang being the crowning glory.
The Upper Mustang & Damodar Kunda Trek is considered to be a challenging yet rewarding experience due to the high altitude, rugged terrain, and strong winds that blow through this region. The Upper Mustang & Damodar Kunda Trek will take you to the sacred lake of Damodar Kunda, which is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. This region, located in one of the most remote parts of Nepal, is at a high altitude.
Lo-Manthang, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters, is situated near the headwaters of the Kali Gandaki River in northern Nepal. The area is famous for its spectacular and unique landscapes, which include deep caves in the cliffs, old monasteries, chortens, and desert-like valleys that resemble the Tibetan plateau. The old mud-brick villages add to the area’s old-world charm.
Nestled behind the towering Himalayan Mountains, Mustang is a land of stark beauty and old culture. The Upper Mustang & Damodar Kunda Trek is one of the most extraordinary and unforgettable trekking experiences in Nepal, owing to its unique combination of spirituality, history, and beauty.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang & Damodar Kunda Trek:
In the morning, your day will start with a short 20-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. This is a short but incredibly scenic flight that will provide breathtaking views of the Himalayas. On a clear day, you will even be able to witness the towering peaks of Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and other snow-capped mountains rising above the clouds.
After landing at Jomsom, you will have your breakfast before starting your trek to Kagbeni via the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. The trail is dry and rugged but is mostly flat, making it a relatively easy trek.
Kagbeni is a medieval-style village located at the confluence of two rivers. It is a windswept village that lies along the ancient Trans-Himalayan salt trade route that once connected Nepal to Tibet via the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. This is a historic and culturally significant region of Nepal that lies within the Mustang District. It is home to one of the oldest monasteries in the region that still has many stories and mysteries to be unraveled.
Includes: Airfare, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kagbeni.
Today, your trekking journey starts from Kagbeni. After trekking for some time, you will find old caves on the west side, along with Gompa Kang. The trekking journey continues with a steady climb to Tangebe, which is a complex network of small trekking paths where you can see typical Mustang chortens in black, white, and red.
Next, after trekking for an hour, you will reach Chuksang. The village is important because it has three different parts, with the ruins of old castle walls on the cliffs, which is a major attraction for tourists.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chuksang.
To reach these remote regions near the Tibetan border, you have to start your trekking journey from Chuksang towards the picturesque village of Syangbochen via Chelle. While on the way to Syangbochen, you have to cross the Summer Pass, which divides the route into two parts. The upper route leads to Syangbochen via Vena, while the lower route leads to the famous Milarepa Cave, which is considered to be a more adventurous route.
While on the way to this rugged territory, you would often come across horses and donkeys carrying heavy loads on their backs, which are tied with ropes. This is because these animals are considered to be essential in carrying goods in these rugged regions. Finally, on the end of the first day’s trekking, you would reach the village of Syangbochen, which is a small village in the Tibetan style.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Syangbochen.
In the early morning, you will have a breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri rising majestically alongside the surrounding mountain ranges from Syangbochen. Following breakfast, you will start your trek towards the picturesque village of Ghami through the Syangmochen Pass.
When you arrive at Ghami, you will have your lunch break, followed by a visit to the monastery, which will provide you with a deeper insight into the rich culture and traditions of the region. From Ghami, your journey will continue as you head towards Dhakmar.
Dhakmar has a striking landscape, with its red mud-colored cliffs, giving it a unique look. The strong winds of the Himalayas carry the vibrant colors of Buddhist prayer flags, which add a spiritual touch to the region.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dhakmar.
Today, after breakfast, your trek to Lo Manthang will commence. The trail will take you through the impressive Dhakmar Pass, famous for its impressive geological features that are similar to ice formations as well as man-made structures. After crossing the pass, your next destination will be the historic Ghar Monastery, which holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, built over 1,200 years ago.
Following your lunch at Ghar, your trek will resume to the historic town of Lo Manthang, the former capital of the historic Lo Kingdom. This region is heavily influenced by Tibetan culture, both linguistically and historically. This area constitutes a significant portion of Mustang’s northern region.
The region of Lo Manthang is famous for its rich cultural heritage, where the Thakali people reside. This region offers a unique blend of Tibetan and Nepali cultures. This region is characterized by the impressive height of the mud brick walls, historic gompas, as well as the historic King’s Palace, which features a five-story, nine-cornered structure built during the 1400s.
Among the many cultural highlights in the region are the four major monasteries, which include:
The stark treeless landscape in which Lo Manthang is situated is matched by the equally impressive architecture, which creates a colorful mosaic of earthy reds, yellows, and browns, making it one of the most visually appealing locations in the region.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
Today is set aside to visit the interesting surroundings of Lo Manthang. The town has about 150 homes, in addition to homes for many Lamas, which show the depth of spirituality and culture in this place.
You would begin your day by visiting Zhong Cave and Tshosher Monastery, which would require hiring a horse or a jeep to get to these locations. After this, you would move on to a guided tour in the town, which would include the King’s Palace, monasteries, and the village.
At the heart of Lo Manthang is the magnificent King’s Palace, where the current King and Queen live. The king’s position is largely symbolic, but he is still held in great esteem, and people often consult him on various issues.
This day would give you a glimpse into the traditions, history, and culture of this incredible place.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
After enjoying your breakfast that is prepared locally, you bid adieu to the beautiful Lo Manthang and start your journey to Yara. The trail gradually rises over two small passes before descending into a striking canyon that leads to the village of Dhi for your lunch.
The trail from Dhi follows the riverbed as you journey to Yara through a scenic and rugged route that takes you through the heart of the Upper Mustang.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Yara.
Today, your journey starts in Baskhola. The surroundings in this area are quite panoramic, with sandy, brown-colored rocks defining the rugged landscape. This is where your day’s journey is to end.
Our team will set up tents to accommodate your stay, and our cook will prepare delicious Nepali cuisine to make your stay comfortable and satisfying.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation in a tent in Baskhola.
After breakfast, you move on to the holy spot of Damodar Kunda. This holy lake is situated in a remote area of the Himalayas in the upper Mustang region in far-western Nepal. This holy kunda is surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the high Himalayas.
As per the Barah Puran, it is said that by visiting this kunda and taking a holy bath, one is released from all his sins. The text also mentions the legend about the two sons of the god of wealth, Kubera. They were cleansed by taking a holy bath in this kunda on the advice of Lord Krishna.
Damodar Kunda is a group of holy lakes named Brahma Kunda, Rudra Kunda, and Ananta Kunda, which are surrounded by vast meadows of Kusha grass. This place is considered to be the birthplace of the holy Shaligram stones. This place is considered to be very holy for the Hindus. It is also believed that the Gandaki River originates from this holy lake.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation in a tent in Damodar Kunda.
After having breakfast at the camp, you are scheduled to set off on a local sightseeing tour to enjoy the scenic beauty of Damodar Kunda. After this, you return to the camp to have your lunch, after which you set off on your descent towards Baskhola.
This is your last camping experience, marking the end of this incredible journey.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation in a tent in Baskhola.
After having your breakfast, you commence your trek to Yara.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Yara.
When you leave the beautiful village of Yara, you start your journey towards Tyange. The first part of the journey involves a long plateau, followed by a descent towards a river. The climb continues steadily towards a pass at 3,860 meters.
The climb after the pass involves a descent, followed by a plateau, which takes you through Tyange Village, thus ending today’s journey.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Tyange.
During the trek from Tyange to Chhusang, you first descend towards a river, followed by a climb towards the Pa Pass, which is at an altitude of about 4,100 meters. During the climb, the scenery towards the north becomes more and more captivating, providing a glimpse of the entire Tsarang, Lo Manthang, and even the northern border.
On reaching the top of the pass at an altitude of 4,050 meters, you can enjoy the sight of prayer flags swaying in the wind and catch a glimpse of Dhaulagiri for the first time. Half an hour away from the pass is Ba Ha, which is the only source of water in the entire region, as confirmed by the locals.
On continuing the trek, the scenery further opens up. You can enjoy the sight of the V-shaped Kali Gandaki Valley, which divides the Annapurna Massif, Nilgiri Himal, and Dhaulagiri. A descent from here, which is quite rewarding, takes you towards a plateau, after which you can choose between the right and left paths. The right path takes you towards Chuksang, whereas the left one takes you towards Tetang. The right path takes you towards Chhusang, which marks the end of today’s trek.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chhusang.
The trail continues along the Narsing Chu River up to the beautiful village of Tetang. The village has two parts, with the outer houses having walls higher than 10 meters, with very few windows, giving it a unique look. The other part of the village has the ruins of an old fort, complete with high, fortress-style walls.
The trail continues from Tetang, going uphill on a plateau, then changing direction to the east, entering a small river valley. The trail continues up to a pass at 4,030 meters, giving you a chance to enjoy the stunning views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Massif.
After enjoying the scenery, you begin descending towards Jhong, crossing the Jhong River, then continuing towards the final climb to Muktinath. After several hours of climbing, you reach Muktinath, which marks the end of today’s trek.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Muktinath.
In the morning, you will visit the sacred Hindu temple of Muktinath, which is considered a sacred place for Hindus. Many devotees visit this place to pay homage and receive blessings. After visiting this temple, you will begin your descent to Jomsom, where you will stay overnight to take a flight to Pokhara the next day.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Jomsom.
An early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara takes 20 minutes. After arrival at Pokhara Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day can be used to explore Pokhara Valley. The natural beauty of Pokhara is indeed amazing. There are many places to visit.
Includes: Airfare, Breakfast, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
