DAMODAR KUNDA TREK

Sherpa Expedition & Trekking staff will be there to greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel, followed by a briefing covering information, do’s and don’ts of your trek. Your safety and comfort are paramount.

Our journey begins with a 6-7 hour drive toward the Pokhara Valley and its beautiful Phewa Tal (lake) and then checking in to your hotel close to Phewa Tal. There is plenty to see and do along Lakeside with its many shops, bars and restaurants to choose from. From Pokhara there are breathtaking views of namely Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machapuchare, and other mountains in the Annapurna range. The alternative to driving is to fly to Pokhara, a short 35 minute flight.

Today we fly from Pokhara to Jomson – a 20 – 25-minute flight scenic flight with views of the famous Kali Gandaki Gorge (world’s deepest), along with views of several colossal peaks” Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges and Machapuchare (Fishtail). After landing at Jomson we begin our trek heading to Kagbeni, about a 3-4 hour trek. Kagbeni is also the checkpoint where authorities will check your documents before you enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Along the trail, we will have views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak. We will stay the night at Kagbeni.

Today we start early in order to avoid the high winds that develop later in the day. In the early morning light, we can see Nilgiri that is orange in color due to the sun’s reflection on it. We follow the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River until we enter the wide Chhusang Valley. After leaving Kagbeni we ascend giving us spectacular views of the village and Mt Nilgiri (7061m).The trail heads east towards more arid land common to the Mustang region. We soon reach the first significant village of Tangbe with its red and whitewashed houses on the opposite banks of the river and glorious views over the Kali Gandaki River. Perched high up the cliffs above the village are caves believed to have been home to the early inhabitants of this area. The trail then comes to Chele where we have views of the Himalayan Ranges. Tonight we stay at Chele.

Today we will trek for five to six hours before climbing the rugged hills and eventually come to a stone cairn at 3540m at which point we descend to the small village of Samar with its chortens (stupa - religious monuments) and other Buddhist structures. After leaving Samar we descend into a large canyon and then again ascend to a 3800m ridge before again descending to the remote Shyangmochen Village and then head to Geling Village where we stay the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek NYILA and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar Chu (river), we will arrive at a MANI (Prayer WALL) perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five €“story white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha.

Today the trail is mostly uphill as we initially head to Lo-Gekar home of one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the world. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than the Samye Gompa in Tibet. After visiting Lo Gekar we travel by horse to Lo-Manthang. The trail passes the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang before descending and crossing a stream before reaching Lo-Manthang. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Today we climb to Namgyal Gompa situated at the top of a peak and then proceed to Tingkhar north-west of Lo Manthang. It is a small village consisting of about 40 houses. We will visit the three stories Champa Lhakhang (God house,) the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and Raja's Palace. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Today we start our five to six-hour trek by firstly heading down to Dhie Village. We then follow the river before arriving at Yara where we camp the night.

Today we trek for six to seven hours, but firstly climb to Luri Cave Monastery and then cross the high altitude (5100m) pass before reaching Ghuma Thanti where we set up camp for the night.

Ahead of us today is an eight to nine-hour that is undulating but gradually ascends to cross the 5600-meter pass before reaching Damodar Kunda. Tonight we will make camp at Damodar Kunda.

We will spend the day around the lake where you will have an opportunity to bath in its sacred waters – if you can brave the cold! Tonight we will camp here.

We have another long day ahead of us with an eight to nine-hour trek returning back over the 5600-meter pass and back to Ghuma Thanti. Along the trail, we will stop for lunch next to a small river. We will continue until reaching Ghuma Thanti where we camp for the night.

Today is a trek of between six to seven hours heading back along the same trail, with some ups and downs, before reaching Yara Village where we will camp overnight.

We will set off early today on our seven to eight hour trek. At first we follow the trail down a steep hill until we reach Dechhyang Khola (river) that originates from Damodar Kunda. We will then ascend to the top of the pass and along the trail stop for some pre-prepared lunch before reaching a high plateau that we cross before coming to Tangye Village where we will make camp for the night.

Another long day is ahead of us as we follow the trail for eight to nine hours. Firstly we have to cross a suspension bridge and then we will follow the river before having a steep climb up the pass. Once we arrive at Paha we will stop for lunch and then continue crossing a number of small passes before reaching the top of the hill. At this point we descend through a windswept terrain until we reach Tetang Village where we will set up camp for the night.

This morning we head off through the village passing the Mani walls and then climb up to a wide valley until we reach the plateau. We then ascend through a small pass at which point we have some amazing view of Muktinath. From here we descend to a small river and cross the suspension bridge before reaching Chhyongar Village and then Muktinath where we will set up camp overnight.

From Muktinath we pass through lush meadows, fruit trees and streams passing through Jharkot Village where we visit the ancient Sakyamuni Buddhist Monastery and a traditional medical center. .We will stop for lunch somewhere along the trail and then continue through the Kali Gandaki valley before reaching Jomsom. Prior to reaching Jomsom we can detour to the Bon Punt Monastery in Lubra, one of the few purely Bonpo villages in Nepal. Our trek today is about five to six hours. We will set up our camp at Jomson for the night.

Today is our last day as we head to the small airport terminal at Jomson where we take a short 15 to 20-minute flight to Pokhara. Once airborne you will have some amazing views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back and relax, enjoy and drink or two and look back on your amazing adventure through the amazing Annapurna Conservation Area – stroll along Lakeside. Other attractions in Pokhara are the World Peace Pagoda (clearly visible across Phewa Tal (lake), Bindabasini Temple, Phewa Lake, Matepani Buddhist Monastery, International Mountain Museum and Devi's Falls.

Today we head back on a 6 to 7 hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!

Sherpa Expeditions & Trekking staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!