Damodar Kunda Trek

Highlights of the Damodar Kunda Trek:

Different Community with majority of Gurungs, Thakali and Dhaulagiri I - 8163m, Sita Chuchura 6611m, Nilgiri 6940m, Thapa Peak 6015m, Tukuche Peak 6920m, Tilicho peak 7134m, Thorong Peak 6484m, Yakawa Kang 6482m, 7035m, Brikuti 6364m, Chuungian Chanma Himal 6165m, Mustang Himal 66234m, Arniko Chuli 6034m.
Holy Lake Damodar Kunda.
Dramatic Landscapes of Upper Mustang, Walled City Lo-Manthang, Luri Gompa.

There are numerous off the beaten trails which are stupendous and alluring. Annapurna region of Nepal holds astounding places which are either famous for cultural people or mountains. Damodar Kunda Trek is probably the most enticing walking journey. It covers scintillating journey of last forbidden kingdom of Nepal Upper Mustang. Unique Adventure International always advocates for smart traveling. Henceforth, travel planners of this trekking agency based in Nepal prepared the package comprising of two iconic places of Nepal. If you want to experience Upper Mustang Trekking adventure and also would like to add the majestic Damodar Lake which holds great significance among Lord Vishnu followers.

Damodar Kunda Trek journey is elongated version of Upper Mustang Trek. Once trekkers reach Lo Man Thang the journey further extends to Damodar Kunda via Yara and Ghuman Thanti. This lake has great history with it regarded as the head of Lord Vishnu. According to religious script Barah Puran the river Kaligandaki resembles the Lord Vishnu lying all the way to Nawalparasi district of Nepal. It is believed that the source of Kaligandaki River the Damodar Kunda is head, Muktinath is mouth, Shaligram Chakra is chest, Ru Ru Area in Palpa district is waist, Devaghatam is knee and Gajendra Moksha Dev Dham in Nawalparasi as the feet. Such elaborated version written in auspicious book of Hinduism really showcases the importance of this lake. Moreover, another section also reveals that Lord Krishna once visited the lake and directed the sons of Kuber (God of riches) to take dip in the lake to get relieved from sins. Therefore, according to myth those who take 3 dip in this lake would get its sins washed away. Such is the scale of its importance. Moreover, trekkers can experience mystical valley of Upper Mustang area. If the time is during Tiji Festival then this would be double whammy.

Join the team of Unique Adventure International for the significant journey of Hindu pilgrimage. Damodar Kunda Trek can be the most holy walk of your life as well as the most scenic Himalayan adventure.

Recommended Gear Lists:

Good wind/rain jacket
Warm fleece jacket or jersey
Good boots, either light-weight trekking boots or light full leather boots
Good -20 Sleeping bag (which can be rented or buy in Kathmandu)
A comfortable day pack, preferably with a waistband.
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
T-shirts
Underwear
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottom
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Other necessary equipment:

Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
Basic First Aid Kit (We also provide comprehensive first aid medical kit and Oxymeter)
Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Water bottles (2 bottles recommended)
Toiletries
Small wash towel

Note

Whatever conditions the stated itinerary follow, are for the visitors who prefer full package programme. At the same time, we also serve you based on your choice. The selection of itineraries and the staff depends on your choice and financial procurement. We have options for any partial visit as per your requirement regarding your interest and financial condition.

Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to hotel

On your arrival, you will be acknowledged by our representative of Unique Adventure International at the Airport (TIA). You will be then transferred to the hotel where you can either hang around or relax in the afternoon. You will have traditional Nepalese dinner where we take pleasure of Nepalese cultural program as well. We will be staying in a hotel for Overnight.

Day 02 : Stay in Kathmandu and sightseeing, overnight at hotel

After breakfast sightseeing around the cultural heritages enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage List in Kathmandu will be organized. Initially, you will be taken to Pashupatinath followed by Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupa where we can even enjoy the view of beautiful Kathmandu valley. Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and other two major sub cities Patan and Bhaktapur will be visited as well which are entirely conserved and clarifies the ancient times of Nepal. After the whole day trip, we will be staying overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Depart to Pokhara and sightseeing, overnight at hotel

Early in the morning, you will reach your destination at Pokhara after a drive for nearly 5-6 hours. You will have an incredible panorama of river and scenery all the way throughout your drive. Or, you may also take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara for about half an hour. After refreshments in the hotel, you can visit around lakeside area go for boating at renowned Fewa Lake. We will be staying overnight in the hotel.

Day 04 : Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni, overnight at guesthouse

Today, 20 minutes flight from Pokhara to Jomsom will be taken with the leader of Unique Adventure International and you. After arrival at Jomsom, we walk for almost 3 hours and reach our targeted site, Kagbeni and stay overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 05 : Trek to Chele, overnight at guesthouse

Early in the morning we travel further towards Chele from Kagbeni followed along the bank of Kaligandaki. We pass through the villages of Tangbe and Chunksang. We need to come across a bridge over Kaligandaki and ascend abruptly for around 35 minutes to reach Chele Village. We will be staying overnight at guesthouse. The entire trek will last in almost 6 hours.

Day 06 : Trek to Syambochen, overnight at guesthouse

We depart from Chele and initiate our trek to Syangboche. We pass through the point Taklam La (3240m.), Baga La, Yemdo pass (4000m.) and Dzong La (3550m.). In a while, you will be walking through fascinating communities of Samar, Yemdo, and Bhona. Finally, we enter Shyangbochen after trekking for approximately 7 hours and stay overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 07 : Trek to Charang, overnight at guesthouse

As in the barren areas in Mustang on our way to Ghami, the majority of houses are built out of stones, mud and a combination of mud, pebbles with roof of straw. After the hike for 5 hours, we reach to Ghami and stay overnight in lodges available. The marvelous views of the landscape the tender curve of the north and the irregular mountain gorge in the east west are fascinating elements of the trek. We walk for roughly 5 hours which brings us to Charang, a large thicken village inhabitant of people of Lo, actually of Tibetan origin. The adjacent Gompa and aged monastery are supposed to be around 500 years old which are enclosed by several finest religious wall paintings..

Day 08 : Trek to Lo-Manthang, overnight at guesthouse

On this day, we walk towards the capital region of Mustang, Lo-Mangthang. The 300 meters long and 150 meters wide wall has protected the area against robbery and the vicious winds. The small area of Lo-Mangthang has population of more than 1000 people whose houses are associated by fine rope stone lanes. The entire trek completes in about 4 hours and stay at the guesthouses.

Day 09 : Explore and rest at Lo-Manthang, overnight at guesthouse

Today we have a free and relaxing day at Lo Manthang; we can explore around Lo Manthang and visit, low caste settlements, kingâ€™s palace, herbal medical school, monasteries, and more for the entire day.

Day 10 : Trek to Yara (via Dhi, Dri), overnight at guesthouse

After breakfast we leave the village of Lo Mnathang and keep gentle ascending to reach Day-La with sandy path. The trail slightly mounts on the ridge viewing the scenic landscapes until reaching small pass. Then, we walk through a steep and dusty descent in the narrow path. We again come to a wide plateau and tumble down the wobbly and knee crunching trail reaching Dhi village. After lunch we pass suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and ascend a steep path. Then, we chase down the upstream of Puyung Khola viewing the astonishing landscapes and countless caves at the stone walls. Eventually, after approximately walking for 7 hours from Lo Manthang, we reach Yara village.

Day 11 : Trek to Ghuma Thanti (4856m.), overnight at tented camp

Today, we mount visit the fascinating Luri Cave Monastery. Shortly, we pursue the desolate gorge after crossing 5100meter pass. Today we need to prepare pack lunch due to inappropriate cooking possibilities on the trip. We then walk down and reach to Ghuma Thanti where we will be staying overnight at tented camp. Our entire trek completes in about 7 hours.

Day 12 : Trek to Damodar Kunda, overnight at tented camp

Today, the trail continues with climbing up and falling down. After crossing another 5600meter pass we will reach to the High Altitude Damodar Kunda. Even today we need lunch packs due to cooking impossibilities in the trail. Today's trek completes in almost 10 hours and we stay at campsite overnight.

Day 13 : Rest day in Damodar Kunda, overnight at tented camp

We can walk around and enjoy the high altitude Damodar Kunda/Lake and relax for rest of the day.

Day 14 : Trek to Ghuma Thanti, overnight at tented camp

Today, we return back through the same way crossing over the 5600m high pass. Again, the trail continues with ups and downs. We will prepare our lunch in tiny watercourse, Bas Khola in the trail. After completing the total trek in 8 hours, we will stay at the tented camps overnight.

Day 15 : Trek to Yara, overnight at guesthouse

Early morning we walk through the same route and climb up to return. The trail persists downwards until we reach Yara Village. Our trek completes in 7-8 hours and stay overnight at guesthouse at Yara.

Day 16 : Trek to Tange, overnight at guesthouse

Today is a difficult and lengthy day for us with walk for almost 8 hours. Therefore early morning, we take a small and abrupt ascent and then extended flat way trail. Then we descent to Dechhyang Khola and the origin is Damodar Kunda. The black fossils of marine animals, Saligrames can be found everywhere. Then the track sharply ascents and leads us to the peak of the pass where we have our packed lunch break, which should be prepared in Yara due to cooking impossibilities in the trail. After lunch, the trail continues with ups and downs and then we are on a huge plateau and cross to reach Tangya village. We can witness several big Chhortens over here.

Day 17 : Trek to Tetang (via Paha), overnight at guesthouse

Today is a hectic day too with 9-10 hours long walk. Early morning we leave the village, cross the bridge and pursue the short river route. We steeply climb up to reach a small pass after crossing the river. Then after we arrive to Paha (shelter house), we prepare our lunch. We continue crossing many small passes and reach the top of the hill after lunch. It will take around 2 hours. Then the trail abruptly moves down and we encounter strong airstream and finally reach Tetang village. We can have an outstanding view of Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri Himal, Tukuche Peak, and other snow capped peaks during the trail.

Day 18 : Trek to Muktinath, overnight at guesthouse

Early in the morning, we walk through the village after crossing beautiful Mani walls. Then, we climb up to the broad valley and keep ascending until we reach small pass where the mountains and picturesque view of Muktinath becomes spectacular. Then, we descend to the diminutive watercourse and cross by a suspension bridge. Subsequently, we come across in the village of Chhyongar and follow the trail and arrive at Muktinath crossing Kani/gate. Later in the evening, we explore to sacred place of Tibetan Buddhist and Hindus. We can also visit the beautiful 108 brass water spurts. Muktinath is a temple of lord Vishnu, a Hindu god. It is believed that when we visit to Muktinath Temple, we become free from the cycle of birth and rebirth. There is a presence of another Buddhist monastery below the temple where the combination of water-earth-fire shows immense religious significance of Muktinath. And we can also have the superb view of Dhaulagiri I and Nilgiri Himal. Today's trek comes to an end in almost 6 hours.

Day 19 : Trek to Jomsom, overnight at guesthouse

Today, we depart from the village, walk down to Jharkot community and visit the prehistoric Sakyamuni Buddhist Monastery along with Traditional Medical Center. Then, we walk through the filthy street trail for a while and prefer shortcut left trail and reach Eklebatti where we have our lunch. After lunch, we again hike through the dusty and strong airstream road path along the Kaligandaki River and finally reach to Jomsom. Today after the total journey of approximately 5 hours, we will stay overnight at the guest houses available.

Day 20 : Fly to Pokhara, overnnight at hotel

Early in the morning, we fly back to Pokhara which takes about 30minutes and transfer to Hotel. Today is a free day so you can relax and rest on your own, or you may travel around Pokhara and visit the remaining arresting sites.

Day 21 : Back to Kathmandu, overnight at hotel

Today you fly from Pokhara back to Kathmandu by a domestic flight. You can have refreshment and rest for yourself and stay overnight at hotel.

Day 22 : Departure to your own destination

After Breakfast, you depart for Airport or for your next destination with the help of Unique Adventure International.

What is included?

Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast as per the programme.
Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with hot beverage and snacks whilst on trekking.
Cosy guesthouse accommodation whilst on trekking.
Annapurna Conservation Area permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) fees.
An experienced fluent English speaking guide trained and licenced by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation
Highly experienced trekking porter(s).
Staff food, accommodation, clothing, salary & insurance.
All necessary ground transportation.
Airport transfers.
All governmental procedure.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at typical Nepali restaurant.

What is not included?

Meals at Kathmandu.
Personal expenses.
Bar and beverage bills.
Your Travel Insurance.
Rescue & Evacuation.
Gratitude (tip) for staff.

Why us? Is a conscientious question that requires an honest answer of integrity and devotion of the highest standards.

We are what we were from the very beginning: Read on to know us the way we are…

At Unique Adventure International, We do not pretend to be what we are not, ours is a simple ethic, hospitality straight from the heart. When doing trips with us, you will soon find out excellence with us is not just a norm, it’s more a habit.

We have walked the length and breadth of the Himalaya across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for over two decades…and still counting, we have enjoyed all of it so much; right to the hilt. We love our mountains and enjoy it so much when we tread its trails with our trekking guests, who also love these mountains as much as us or maybe even more. We have much knowledge of the land and meticulously plan things so our guests get the utmost from their sojourns with us; we know how chaotic it can be for our guests when they organise holidays so far from home…keeping this in mind, we sort out for the long haul and ensure our guests do not only have fun on the way but also get value for money with purposeful journeys. We know and understand that this may probably be a once in a lifetime holiday where you will explore a world not too familiar and its binding for us to make doubly sure you are completely safe throughout the whole course of your expedition when you are in Nepal. With each trip we do with you, we are constantly searching for ways to improve our services so that your expectations of us are met beyond what you could have ever expected on all fronts. We want that you go home with a happy heart and unforgettable memories of an odyssey well done. With Unique Adventure, this is central to all our thoughts when we meet you.

A small business with big ideals…

We are a small outfit with big ideas and we know how complex human nature can be; its only but human to understand your weaknesses and respect your strengths, both of which will be put to the test on the punishing trails of Nepal, but it’s always our mission to understand you and make your journey as calm as possible.

This is the whole reason why we get repeat clients who never seem to get drained with the Himalayas and enjoy the way we guide them throughout the trip…

We know how worrisome it can be when you choose to live life on the edge… so we go the mile to make sure your holidays become more purposeful, more significant…

We do not push you, no matter what the circumstances…

We know you want it slow and easy the moment your plane hits the tarmac in Kathmandu. We understand your instinctive curiosities and ensure you are left alone with enough space to do what we have planned for you – ‘your way’’. You call the shots – it’s your trip – and we provide you enough freedom to make your own decisions in harmony with your group. We help you to become friends and bridge gaps; it’s a matter of pride for us to mention here that we created some of the best friendships where some morphed into lifetime partnerships and this is how things shape out with us when you assemble in our country. And when we are out with you in the country at high elevations, we ensure that our crew leads you in ways comfortable to your body and physical needs.

Our ‘True-to-Life’ practical itineraries…

Our itineraries are meticulously planned and based on the way you see it when your trip commences. Our themes are hands-on and we take you to some difficult but extraordinary places where some would likely pass by. We know you thirst for the unknown and interesting; your search for things that will ignite your emotions and imaginations, seeking for the ‘whys’, how’s and when’s’ into the mountain culture, lifestyles and traditions that you witness in territory you have never been familiar with. We put in a lot of effort to create astonishing one-off experiences which would make great notes for memorable stories to pass down to the coming generations. Each trip we design opens up new avenues to a whole new world that you are not familiar with…and when you discover the answers, it could be a life changing experience you would have never expected.

Trips to match your time frames…

We are flexible in the way we operate our trips based on your exclusive needs. We understand the kind of pressure ridden world you hail from and know you have worked hard for your dream holidays. Our programs are typically designed to give you the most and the best based on your time limitations without any blemishes on the joys that come with your venture.

You could be planning a budget trek or a luxury tour, maybe even a trekking peak; whatever the choice, we give you an extension combo so you have a scintillating mix of history, the outdoors and even jell in a jungle safari into the potpourri so you have varied experiences within the timeframe you’ve chosen. Our website is programmed to give you a host of options to make you smile…

Accommodation: They say Home is where the Hearth is…and yes, the Pillow!!

We are extra wary when arranging your accommodation before you enter our country. We know we’ve got to give you something that’s closest to home. After consulting with you and being twice as sure about what you’re expecting when it comes down to that most important part of life: resting your body and mind at night, we make sure we give you the best accommodating facilities available at a hotel that’s not only comfortable but also a place that is spanking clean with fresh linen and staff who understand your needs and go the length in making sure you feel at home, no matter what the length of your stay with us.

This also includes the sanitized conditions of the food you are served. Even when on the trails, we go the mile to make sure you find a cosy teahouse with no dampness and enough ventilation to keep you healthy and warm with food that’s organic and clean. We know how important the hearth is wherever you stay. With us, be sure that all your personal needs are taken care of well. Ours is the kind of hospitality that comes straight from the heart…

Safety and Security: This is mandatory and imperative…

Our safety and security arrangements for all our inbound guests cross all boundaries; from the moment your jet hits the tarmac at the airport in Kathmandu. This is a process that begins prior to your arrival in Kathmandu, when we design your itinerary based on the program you have chosen. It begins with choosing the right team for you, especially if it’s a trek. We make sure your crew is primed for any contingency when at altitude. We believe in following firm standards with focus on risk assessment knowing mountain climbing is always a risky business despite the excitement it offers. All the planning is done prior to your arrival so you have a carefree, footloose and fancy free journey, without any hassles.

We always advise our guests to go through medical routines in their home countries before embarking on trips above 3000m. We also encourage our guests to get insured before coming to Nepal.

Your entire stay in Nepal is monitored from day one, especially when you are on the mountains. We take nothing for granted, nature can be a monster when least expected. When booking your trip through ‘Unique Adventure, you are not just a client – you are more than all that - you are a parent, a brother/sister, a close colleague – in a word – ‘family’; and all our safety precautions and personalized services are purely based on this relationship.

We Respect and Care for the local folks and Love the Environment we operate in…

We are conscious in the importance of preserving the natural beauty and culture of Nepal, so that future visitors can also enjoy the wonders of this beautiful but fragile environment. We are sensitive and devoted to responsible travel with minimum impact on the environment and local communities. The planet is large enough for everyone to explore and it’s the curiosity of human nature to explore and discover the unknown. We are always careful about the ecosystems that surround us when we are on the mountains, but we don’t let this spoil the spirit for adventure. We seek to enjoy in ways beneficial to others and wish to respect this beauty that God created for us to appreciate; and we want to keep it that way. Equally important, we instruct our crew and travellers to be aware of the values of responsible travel, by: respecting people, cultures and local environments, in creating goodwill; with cross-cultural sharing and experiences; and helping make sustainable development practical, where we put in efforts to give back more than we take.

Our Trekking crews are Principal to the Company…we’re Family…

One paramount issue for trekking companies in Nepal are employees directly connected to guests when trekking in the Himalayas and this is key to any trip conducted anywhere on the Himalayas. Our staffs in general receive fixed monthly salaries and our trekking crews get special rates as defined by the Ministry of Labour in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism - Government of Nepal.

This also includes the provision of Social Security for mountain workers as per government directives. In addition to this, we also provide climbing training to new comers listed on our payroll. All our seasoned guides are well trained in the use and application of First Aid in the event of any unexpected injuries that may occur in the course of the journey when at altitude.

Field Employees are constantly upgraded for personal development, delivered via courses in English, about nature, history, and ongoing training as mountain guides with techniques based on safety precautions...along with this, our mountain crews are insured and covered against any eventualities. The insurance package covers the cost of health care if injured or sick and provides a lifetime gratuity if any employee is physically disabled. We treat our employees as valuable assets. We know their security and happiness is vital to ensure yours throughout your stay in Nepal…

Innovation: We are constantly juggling new Products…

Ours is a constant search for new trails in the great wilderness. We’re always innovating new areas for travel within and around the city limits and out on the mountains. Nepal has so much to offer in her ancient heritage cities and within the vast expanse of her Himalayas. We ceaselessly research new products in order to give our old clients new thrills; this has always been part of our company’s policies for giving more value for money. We know that many of our guests rarely get time to travel and when they do, they’d sure like to make the best of it; besides Nepal, we even cut across borders giving our guests unbelievable historical and cultural highlights of Tibet, Bhutan and India. We even design divine spiritual tours for the holy who’d sure like to hike down footsteps of ancient ancestors along the Mount Kailash Mountains so that they could come face-to-face with the gods. You even get opportunities to stroll down the cobbled stone Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur and slip into the Forbidden Temple of Pashupatinath. Beyond the spiritual of Kailash in Tibet, our programs take you to the highest region on earth, at an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,000 ft). Very much noted as the ‘roof of the world’, Tibet is symbolic of a mesmerizing culture seeped in spirituality and nature. From superb temples and tranquil monasteries to the Yangtze River and adorable Pandas, our products are molded in a way that ensures you experience a whole new world of amazing discoveries that tells you about God’s gift of a wonderful planet we all live in.

‘Please visit our highly informative website for some of the most extensive information on some of the most stimulating holidays ever conceived’. Get friendly with us on: www.uniquetreks.com

We give you Mountain Yoga

The Mountain Yoga we offer on the trail is an earthy, friendly and unassuming space, dedicated to healing and transformation as your mind battles the vagaries of nature while on your journey in the wild. When you decide to holiday on the mountains; it’s like a calling into the high and wild to experience Mother Nature at a higher level and to explore her true beauty. But there’s another calling that wants you to find release from your inner demons. It might be seen as the feeling that there has to be more to life than our day-to-day routines in the machine of modern day society. As you go higher above the tree-lines, our certified yoga guides give you the kind of alignment helpful to your body’s needs when adjusting to the thin air at altitude. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and guide you with postures and breathing exercises that promote physical fitness at higher elevations, keeping the mind calmer, making your self-awareness more acute, and help you get more balanced, while preventing you from having any problems with altitude mountain sickness. Yoga is an ancient practice known for thousands of years to clean out even the deepest mental grooves and rigid mindsets which may hamper your trip and spoil the fun on your trek.

We are the only adventure company in Nepal offering our guests mountain yoga which enhances hassle free trips and keeps our guests safe from common altitude problems.

Our Success Ratio…

We’ve been through it all – the ups and downs have been full and plenty. The series of earthquakes of 2015 affected us bitterly; however, we kept the faith. We knew this was nature at its best and worst. We do not take anything for granted when it’s a tryst with Mother Nature, especially in the wilderness above the tree-lines. We knew we would still need these mountains more than they need us...These mountains teach us so much about life. It was Almighty God that created these mountains with all its stark beauty, but then a natural calamity can be lurking somewhere around the bend, and we must always be aware of the environment - and this comes with respect, consciousness and faith.

Despite the hurdles and hiccups, our Success Ratio has been over 98%, why? Because experience has taught us the hard way to Love God, respect the mountains, to learn from our mistakes, and to always, at all times, be Honest with our Guests…and let God do the rest.

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USD 2,790