Overview

Mustang is the most isolated and unexplored corner of the Himalayas. A land where the soul of man is still considered to be as real as the feet he walks on, a landscape as barren as a desert, but where beauty and happiness abound in spite of hardship. Above the tree line, the vast barren landscape of the Upper Mustang region, dotted with ancient forts, walled medieval villages and monasteries rich in Buddhist art, offers to a few visitors every year a fascinating glimpse into this enclave of Tibetan Culture. A deliberate policy of cultural and environmental preservation has allowed Mustang to remain one of the world's most precious trekking destinations. Entry is limited and special trekking permits are required. The separate kingdom in a hidden Trans-Himalayan valley behind the Annapurnas is known as Upper Mustang.

A traditional trade route to Tibet was opened to travelers in 1992. Cold desert, a lost kingdom, rich in ancient tradition and mythology, its huge barren areas are similar to the Tibetan plateau. The people of Mustang are of Tibetan origin and their way of life and spoken language reflect their ancestral lineage. The landscape of Mustang is red fluted hills and cliffs. The rolling hills of lower and upper Mustang are shades of yellow and gray. During the daytime the region is usually windy. There are a few fertile valleys, however, where crops like Tibetan barley, buckwheat and certain fruits are grown. A journey to this hidden kingdom is a unique experience for even the most seasoned traveler. It is rich in inhabitants of Tibetan heritage that have created several Buddhist monuments, paintings, and walls of the Gompas.

Another highlight of the trek is Damodar Kunda. Being religiously very significant Damodar Kunda trek was opened in year 2002 for all trekkers and pilgrimage foreigners. Many Hindus from around the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in this sacred Damodar Kunda, situated at the lap of high Himalayas in Upper Mustang area of Nepal. This holy lake is situated at the elevation of 4890m from sea level is famous  religious site as Barah Puran (one of holy book of Hindu) mentioned that lord Krishna (Hindu god) had said that who pays a visit to this lake and takes a deep bath will be absolved from all the sin that he or she committed. The place where the lake is situated is cold and windy. We will recommend you to visit the place during August as a big religious gathering take place every year in August though one can visit the area from April to November as well. The view from above the lake is breathtaking as you can see Damodar Himal to the north, the Annapurna Himalayan massif, Nilgiri to the south and Dhaulagiri range to the south-west and many more..

Lo-manthang - Damodar Kunda Trek Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02 Sightseeing or Free day
Day 03 Fly or drive to Pokhara and transfer to hotel
Day 04 Fly Jomsom from Pokhara and trek to Kagbeni (Enter into restricted area)
Day 05 Trek to Chele
Day 06 Trek to Gilling
Day 07 Trek tp Ghami
Day 08 Trek to Tsarang
Day 09 Trek to Lo-manthang 3800 m
Day 10 Rest day and explore around Lo-manthang
Day 11 Trek to Dri / Yara
Day 12 Trek to Bas Khola
Day 13 Acclimatization day
Day 14 Trek to Damodar Kunda (lake) 4890m
Day 15 Trek to Ghechung Khola
Day 16 Trek to Tange
Day 17 Trek to Tetang
Day 18 Trek to Muktinath (Exit restricted area)
Day 19 Trek to Jomsom
Day 20 Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara
Day 21 Free day in Kathmandu
Day 22 Transfer to airport for journey back home