Damodar kunda trekking in Nepal
Itinary:
(Please Note: If the above schedule does not meet your need and interest, I can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.)
Day 01 : Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni [2780m ): 10.5 km
We will take the spectacular early morning flight to Jomsom 15 minutes(famous for its apples), After some initial preparation of loads, we begin our trek to the pretty village of Kagbeni. Just out of Jomsom we cross a small suspension bridge and then walk along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is flat and quite barren, with craggy rocks and sand littering the trail. This makes it very easy going. We will get magnificent views of huge peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna massif. Kagbeni with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, fields of wheat and barley and a large red Gompa, give us a preview of scenes that we would come across in Upper Mustang. At the north end of the village is the police check-post. Here we will complete our paperwork before entering this long forbidden region of Nepal.
Restriced area start
Day 02 : Trek to Chele [2980m]: 17 km,
It is possible to trek right up the river valley, but we use a combination of the high trail and the riverbank pathways. The trail then widens significantly revealing an endless stretch of sand but the path is kept interesting by the passing of mule trains bearing goods from Mustang and Tibet. On the west bank of the river are some caves and Gompa Kang. Unlike most monasteries in Upper Mustang which are of the Sakyapa sect, Gompa Kang is of the Nyingmapa sect. We stop for lunch at the village of Tangbe, where we come across the first black, white and red Chortens that typify Upper Mustang. The little town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys among white washed houses, fields of buck wheat and barley and apple orchards. Nilgiri Peak continues to dominate the southern skyline. Chhuksang village is only about 2hrs walk beyond Tangbe at the confluence of the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki. There are three separate parts to this village and some ruined castle walls on the surrounding cliffs. Across the river from Chhuksang are some spectacular red eroded cliffs above the mouths of some inaccessible caves.There is a distinct change here, not only in the topography, but also in the culture, lifestyle and people, and the settlements become more scattered, smaller and more basic. The people of Lo or Mustang practice agriculture. But due to lack of rain and fertile soil, cultivation is limited to sheltered plots of land. This spots the brown landscape with patches of green. Continuing north, we reach the river. A steel bridge spans the river just in front of a tunnel and north from here the Kali Gandaki becomes impassable by foot. The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to the village of Chele. Watch out for the ferocious Tibetan mastiffs here, which are chained to many of the houses.
Day 3: Trek to Syangbochen [3390m]: 19km
From Chele you climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the pass we descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major place to stop for horse and mule caravans. We climb above Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a Chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. We then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, we descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites which have formed in the shape of Chorten and one of the holiest places in Mustang.
Day 4:. Trek to Ghami [3460m]: 13km
The trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and we enter another huge valley before descending to Geling, with its extensive fields of barley. Like in all settlements of Mustang, the white and ochre-painted houses in Geling are constructed using mud and stones. The roofs are made of twigs, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles. From Geling, the trail climbs gently through fields, up the center of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an imposing Chorten. We then begin a taxing climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La [3840m]. The descent from the pass is quite gentle and about half an hour further on we come to a trail junction; the right trail is the direct route to Charang, the left trail leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs.
Day 5: Trek to Charang [3490m]: 12km
Today’s walk is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, and much of our energy will be spent negotiating the loose, dry soil. However, the magnificent views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, more than compensates for the hard climb. Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a huge dzong [fortress] and a red gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas.
Day 6: Trek to Lo Manthang [3730m]: 12km
We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo Manthang. The trail then broadens and eventually we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north-east corner.
Day 7: In & around Lo Manthang:
Today, you are free to explore the fascinating city of Lo Manthang. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. There are four major temples within the city and one of these, Champa Lhakang, contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as elaborates mandalas painted on the walls. The king's palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people. Throughout the kingdom, the villagers continue to seek his advice regarding many issues. It is possible to hire horses to visit these valleys, but this short tour will incur extra costs.
Day 8: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara 3900m/6 hours (via Dhi),
We start our trek after breakfast; we leave the village and keep by gently ascending until we reach Day-La with dusty trail from where the last view of the Lo-Manthang. We continue our trail for a while and follow the left trail after skipping the trail to reach Tsarang. The trail gently climbs on the ridge viewing the scenic landscapes until reaching small pass. Then, we climb down a steep and dusty descent in the narrow path. We again come to a wide plateau and descend rocky gully and knee crunching trail until reaching Dhi village. We will have lunch here. After lunch we cross by a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and make a short steep climb. Then, we follow along the upstream of Puyung Khola viewing the unbelievable landscapes and innumerable caves at the stone walls until reaching Yara village.
Day 9: Trek from Yara to Ghuma Thanti 4800m/7 hours (via Luri Cave)
Today, we climb up to reach Luri Cave Monastery and visit that interesting Cave Monastery. After that, we follow the barren valley after crossing 5100meter pass; today we prepare pack lunch due to no appropriate cooking possibilities on the trek. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 10: Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Damodar Kunda 4890m/10 hours,
In this day, we start after breakfast, the trail continues with ups and downs. After crossing another 5600meter pass we will reach High Altitude Damodar Kunda. We need to make lunch pack due to no appropriate cooking possibilities in the trail. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 11: Exploring the high altitude Damodar Kunda/Lake, Stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 12: Trek from Damodar Kunda to Ghuma Thanti 4800m/8 hours
Today, we return back all the same way passing over the 5600m high pass. The trail again ups and down same like before. We will make our lunch in some small stream in the trail. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 13: Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Yara 3900m/7 hours,
In this also we come back all the same route which before we climb up. The trail continues downhill until reaching Yara Village. We prepare our lunch on the trail.
Day 14: Trek from Yara to Tangye 3240m/8 hours
Today is also difficult and long day for us. Therefore we start really early in the morning. We first have short and steep ascent and then long flat way trail. Then the trail continues steep down to Dechhyang Khola which origin is from Damodar Kunda. It takes about 30 minutes. We find everywhere Saligrames (the black fossils of marine animals). Then the trail steeply ascents and leads us to the top of the pass where we have our packed lunch break, so we need to make pack lunch in Yara due to no appropriate cooking possibilities in the trail. After lunch, the trail goes up and down and then we are on a huge plateau and cross it for reaching to Tangya village. We can see several big Chhortens.
Day 15: Trek from Tangya to Tetang 3040m/10 hours (via Paha)
Today is also long day again. Therefore we start again really early in the morning. We leave the village, cross the suspension bridge and follow the short river route. After crossing the river, we steeply climb up to reach a small pass. Then the trail goes straight to Paha (shelter house) where we make our lunch. Here is small water tap for drinking water. After the lunch break we continue crossing many small passes until we reach the top of the hill. It takes about 2 hours. Then the trail steeply descends and we encounter strong winds until we reach Tetang village. We have a superb view of Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and other snow peaks during the trail.
Day 16: Trek from Tetang to Chhuksang [2920m]: 25km
Now we must retrace our route back over the Nyi La to Chhuksang.
Day 17: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom 2720m/5 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.
Day 18: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara 820m,
Early in the morning after breakfast, we fly back to Pokhara which takes about 20minutes approximately, then, transfer to Hotel in Pokhara. After lunch, we visit in and around the valley. Stay overnight in Hotel.
For more details ,
contract: Tulasi Ram Paudel
Mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
websites:www.trekguidenepal.weebly.com
www.trekwithguide.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/trekguidetulasi
Mobile or whatapp:00977-9846058846
Tipadvisor: Professional freelancer trekking guide in Pokhara, Nepal
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293891-d4722808-Reviews-Professional_Freelancer_Trekking_Guide-Pokhara_Gandaki_Zone_Western_Region.html
Click here for : contact form/ booking form
(Please Note: If the above schedule does not meet your need and interest, I can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.)
Day 01 : Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni [2780m ): 10.5 km
We will take the spectacular early morning flight to Jomsom 15 minutes(famous for its apples), After some initial preparation of loads, we begin our trek to the pretty village of Kagbeni. Just out of Jomsom we cross a small suspension bridge and then walk along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is flat and quite barren, with craggy rocks and sand littering the trail. This makes it very easy going. We will get magnificent views of huge peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna massif. Kagbeni with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, fields of wheat and barley and a large red Gompa, give us a preview of scenes that we would come across in Upper Mustang. At the north end of the village is the police check-post. Here we will complete our paperwork before entering this long forbidden region of Nepal.
Restriced area start
Day 02 : Trek to Chele [2980m]: 17 km,
It is possible to trek right up the river valley, but we use a combination of the high trail and the riverbank pathways. The trail then widens significantly revealing an endless stretch of sand but the path is kept interesting by the passing of mule trains bearing goods from Mustang and Tibet. On the west bank of the river are some caves and Gompa Kang. Unlike most monasteries in Upper Mustang which are of the Sakyapa sect, Gompa Kang is of the Nyingmapa sect. We stop for lunch at the village of Tangbe, where we come across the first black, white and red Chortens that typify Upper Mustang. The little town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys among white washed houses, fields of buck wheat and barley and apple orchards. Nilgiri Peak continues to dominate the southern skyline. Chhuksang village is only about 2hrs walk beyond Tangbe at the confluence of the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki. There are three separate parts to this village and some ruined castle walls on the surrounding cliffs. Across the river from Chhuksang are some spectacular red eroded cliffs above the mouths of some inaccessible caves.There is a distinct change here, not only in the topography, but also in the culture, lifestyle and people, and the settlements become more scattered, smaller and more basic. The people of Lo or Mustang practice agriculture. But due to lack of rain and fertile soil, cultivation is limited to sheltered plots of land. This spots the brown landscape with patches of green. Continuing north, we reach the river. A steel bridge spans the river just in front of a tunnel and north from here the Kali Gandaki becomes impassable by foot. The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to the village of Chele. Watch out for the ferocious Tibetan mastiffs here, which are chained to many of the houses.
Day 3: Trek to Syangbochen [3390m]: 19km
From Chele you climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the pass we descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major place to stop for horse and mule caravans. We climb above Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a Chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. We then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, we descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites which have formed in the shape of Chorten and one of the holiest places in Mustang.
Day 4:. Trek to Ghami [3460m]: 13km
The trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and we enter another huge valley before descending to Geling, with its extensive fields of barley. Like in all settlements of Mustang, the white and ochre-painted houses in Geling are constructed using mud and stones. The roofs are made of twigs, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles. From Geling, the trail climbs gently through fields, up the center of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an imposing Chorten. We then begin a taxing climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La [3840m]. The descent from the pass is quite gentle and about half an hour further on we come to a trail junction; the right trail is the direct route to Charang, the left trail leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs.
Day 5: Trek to Charang [3490m]: 12km
Today’s walk is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, and much of our energy will be spent negotiating the loose, dry soil. However, the magnificent views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, more than compensates for the hard climb. Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a huge dzong [fortress] and a red gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas.
Day 6: Trek to Lo Manthang [3730m]: 12km
We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo Manthang. The trail then broadens and eventually we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north-east corner.
Day 7: In & around Lo Manthang:
Today, you are free to explore the fascinating city of Lo Manthang. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. There are four major temples within the city and one of these, Champa Lhakang, contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as elaborates mandalas painted on the walls. The king's palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people. Throughout the kingdom, the villagers continue to seek his advice regarding many issues. It is possible to hire horses to visit these valleys, but this short tour will incur extra costs.
Day 8: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara 3900m/6 hours (via Dhi),
We start our trek after breakfast; we leave the village and keep by gently ascending until we reach Day-La with dusty trail from where the last view of the Lo-Manthang. We continue our trail for a while and follow the left trail after skipping the trail to reach Tsarang. The trail gently climbs on the ridge viewing the scenic landscapes until reaching small pass. Then, we climb down a steep and dusty descent in the narrow path. We again come to a wide plateau and descend rocky gully and knee crunching trail until reaching Dhi village. We will have lunch here. After lunch we cross by a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and make a short steep climb. Then, we follow along the upstream of Puyung Khola viewing the unbelievable landscapes and innumerable caves at the stone walls until reaching Yara village.
Day 9: Trek from Yara to Ghuma Thanti 4800m/7 hours (via Luri Cave)
Today, we climb up to reach Luri Cave Monastery and visit that interesting Cave Monastery. After that, we follow the barren valley after crossing 5100meter pass; today we prepare pack lunch due to no appropriate cooking possibilities on the trek. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 10: Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Damodar Kunda 4890m/10 hours,
In this day, we start after breakfast, the trail continues with ups and downs. After crossing another 5600meter pass we will reach High Altitude Damodar Kunda. We need to make lunch pack due to no appropriate cooking possibilities in the trail. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 11: Exploring the high altitude Damodar Kunda/Lake, Stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 12: Trek from Damodar Kunda to Ghuma Thanti 4800m/8 hours
Today, we return back all the same way passing over the 5600m high pass. The trail again ups and down same like before. We will make our lunch in some small stream in the trail. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 13: Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Yara 3900m/7 hours,
In this also we come back all the same route which before we climb up. The trail continues downhill until reaching Yara Village. We prepare our lunch on the trail.
Day 14: Trek from Yara to Tangye 3240m/8 hours
Today is also difficult and long day for us. Therefore we start really early in the morning. We first have short and steep ascent and then long flat way trail. Then the trail continues steep down to Dechhyang Khola which origin is from Damodar Kunda. It takes about 30 minutes. We find everywhere Saligrames (the black fossils of marine animals). Then the trail steeply ascents and leads us to the top of the pass where we have our packed lunch break, so we need to make pack lunch in Yara due to no appropriate cooking possibilities in the trail. After lunch, the trail goes up and down and then we are on a huge plateau and cross it for reaching to Tangya village. We can see several big Chhortens.
Day 15: Trek from Tangya to Tetang 3040m/10 hours (via Paha)
Today is also long day again. Therefore we start again really early in the morning. We leave the village, cross the suspension bridge and follow the short river route. After crossing the river, we steeply climb up to reach a small pass. Then the trail goes straight to Paha (shelter house) where we make our lunch. Here is small water tap for drinking water. After the lunch break we continue crossing many small passes until we reach the top of the hill. It takes about 2 hours. Then the trail steeply descends and we encounter strong winds until we reach Tetang village. We have a superb view of Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and other snow peaks during the trail.
Day 16: Trek from Tetang to Chhuksang [2920m]: 25km
Now we must retrace our route back over the Nyi La to Chhuksang.
Day 17: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom 2720m/5 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.
Day 18: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara 820m,
Early in the morning after breakfast, we fly back to Pokhara which takes about 20minutes approximately, then, transfer to Hotel in Pokhara. After lunch, we visit in and around the valley. Stay overnight in Hotel.
For more details ,
contract: Tulasi Ram Paudel
Mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
websites:www.trekguidenepal.weebly.com
www.trekwithguide.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/trekguidetulasi
Mobile or whatapp:00977-9846058846
Tipadvisor: Professional freelancer trekking guide in Pokhara, Nepal
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293891-d4722808-Reviews-Professional_Freelancer_Trekking_Guide-Pokhara_Gandaki_Zone_Western_Region.html
Click here for : contact form/ booking form