Situated in the rain shadow region, along the Upper Mustang trekking regions of Nepal, Damodar Kund (pond) is a famous pilgrimage site for attracting thousands of devotees, mainly of Hindu faith as well as Buddhist during the full moon festival in August of every year.
According to the Hindu methodology, it is believed that a bath in the pond helps eradicate all the sins committed by the one in his/ her life. Superstitious though it may be, the place however commands extraordinary scenery and is hardly frequented by the trekkers.
Max. Elevation : 4890m | Grade : Moderate |
Best season : Spring and autumn | Type of trek : Camping/teahouse |
Duration : 22 - 27 days | Starting point : Pokhara/Jomsom |
Ending point : Jomsom/Pokhara | Highlights : Culture/Nature |
Situated in the rain shadow region, along the Upper Mustang trekking regions of Nepal, Damodar Kund (pond) is a famous pilgrimage site for attracting thousands of devotees, mainly of Hindu faith as well as Buddhist during the full moon festival in August of every year.
According to the Hindu methodology, it is believed that a bath in the pond helps eradicate all the sins committed by the one in his/ her life. Superstitious though it may be, the place however commands extraordinary scenery and is hardly frequented by the trekkers. Situated at an elevation of 4890m, Damodar Kund lies in the basin of Damodar Himal and flows southward through a rain shadow valley on the eastern edge of the Annapurna range. Laying close to the Tibetan border and still a restricted area (special permits are needed for trekking in this area) the Damodar Kund trek exposes unusual natural vistas while offering stunning Himalayan Panoramas. Laying south from Damodar Kund is the Annapurna Himal whereas Damodar Himal lies to its north and is surrounded by Muktinath Himal (6706m), Bhrikuti Peak (6364m), Chungian Chanma Himal (6465m), Mustang Himal (6634m) and Arniko Chuli (6034m) along with 65 other peaks in the Central Nepal Himalayan Range.
There are a number of suitable viewpoints just above the Damodar Kund from where there are great views of Tibetan plateau, Damodar Himal to the north and the Annapurna Himalayan massive to the south.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport (1300m/4264ft) and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: After breakfast we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley’s cultural, historical, religious and world heritage sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site. The whole are of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home of Nepal’s living Goddess – Kumari, where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepali tradition. In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure with live Nepalese culture shows.
Day 03: Drive (6 hrs) or fly (35min) to Pokhara (820m).
After an early breakfast, we fly or drive to Pokhara. Upon our arrival, the rest of the day is kept free for you to explore this beautiful lakeside city on your own or if you would like you can just sit back and relax. Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 915m, Pokhara is a place of natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6977m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and tranquility. The most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range.
Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks - creating the ambience that has made it such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Relax in a café, hire a boat and float around the lake, or shop for Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs in the endless stalls and shops.
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and start trek to Kagbeni, 20 minutes flight and 3 hours walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 05: Trek to Chele (via Tangbe/ Chuksang), 6hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 06: Trek to Syambochen (via Samar), 7hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 07: Trek to Tsarang (via Geling, Ghami), 8hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang, 4hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 09: Rest at Lo-Manthang to explore this mountain city, overnight at tented camp.
Day 10: Trek to Yara (via Dhi, Dri), 7hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 11: Trek to Ghuma Thanti (4856meter) after crossing 5100meter pass; today we have to carry lunch pack due to inappropriate cooking possibilities; 7hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 12: Trek to Damodar Kunda after crossing another 5600meter pass, (we need to make lunch pack due to inappropriate cooking possibilities in the trail); 10hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 13: Rest day in Damodar Kunda, overnight at tented camp.
Day 14: Trek to Ghuma Thanti (via Pass 5600m) (Lunch at Bas Khola), 8hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 15: Trek to Yara, 7/8 hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 16: Trek to Tange (we need to make lunch pack due to no appropriate cooking possibilities in the trail), 6hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 17: Trek to Tetang (via Paha), 9/10hrs walking approximately, (lunch at Paha after walking 4hrs), overnight at tented camp.
Day 18: Trek to Muktinath, 6hrs walking approximately, overnight at tented camp.
Day 19: Trek to Jomsom, 5hrs walking approximately, overnight at guesthouse.
Day 20: If the weather is clear, we will catch a morning flight to Pokhara, and then continue on to Kathmandu the next day. The mountain views are tremendous en route. We have scheduled an extra day in Kathmandu, however, just in case we are delayed for a day in Jomsom.
Day 21: After breakfast we will set out for a sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur and Patan and return to our hotel at late afternoon
Day 22: Transfer from hotel to airport, fly home
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