Damodar Himal, mountain range in Nepal Himalayas, in MUSTANG district. Includes Muktinath Himal (6,706m), Bhrikuti Peak (6,364m). There are 65 peaks in this Himal range. MARSYANGDI river takes origin from this range. If you're planning a trip to the illusive and infamous Damodar Kund here are some priceless bits of information that could be the difference between life and death, and negatively eventful pilgrimage and a relatively clear trek and pilgrimage.
Damodar Kund (Lake) situated in a basin in the Damodar Himal and flows southward through a rain shadow valley on the eastern edge of the Annapurna Range. The are two versions of the Origin of the Kali Gandaki river; One will say, the river comes from a lake near the Tibetan border by the name of Damodar-kund north east of Muktinath (a 2-3 day trip per foot away). Others will say the river appears from a crack of the Dongmar mountain north west of Lo Mantang (what is much further north than the first description) and that the waters of Damodar kund are unique to themselves. There are several lakes, the area being locally called "Charang the land of hilly lakes."
The Damodar lakes are located three days walk north east of the main Mustang trekking route & very close to the border with Tibet. From Damodar Kund, the views are great from some viewpoints a bit higher than the lakes, just a short climb up some of the hills. The Tibetan plateau & Damodar Himal to the north and the Annapurna Himalayan massive to the south. The walk to the Damodar Kund (lake) is not so difficult but quite long walking distance and only sometimes a bit steep and almost flat. Only problem is the altitude and I have been aware of this while working out the itinerary for you.
Don't take unnecessary chances, for some there is a need to worry about the altitude. However, with some for-thought if you feel you may be at risk in high altitude, with such things as breathing problems, heart problems, over-weight - blood pressure, get head aches, please see your health professional before attempting the walk. If you're healthy and fit but still worried about Altitude Sickness before leaving Katmandu arrange a Gamo Bag - Air pressure bag. The highest camp is at the Damodar Kund just 4890 meters. As Damodar kund ( at 6100m = 21,000 ft approx.' ) comes under the Upper Mustang region which is a restricted area, the Nepali government have an access fee for permits into the area. For many years, especially during times of India-China-Nepal troubles over Tibet you couldn't even get a trekking permit for love nor money. Now permits are readily available for a pretty hefty price.
Outline Itinerary |
Days 01: Arrival at Kathmandu; transfer to the Hotel Days 02: Sight seeing around Kathmandu valley Days 03: Drive/fly to Pokhara Days 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni Days 05: Trek to Chele Days 06: Trek to Giling Days 07: Trek to Ghami Days 08: Trek to Tsarang Days 09: Trek to Lo-manthang Days 10: Acclimatization and explore around Lo-manthang Days 11: Trek to Yara Days 12: Trek to Bas Khola Days 13: Acclimatization at Bas Khola Days 14: Trek to Damodar kunda (Lake) Days 15: Trek to Ghechung Khola Days 16: Trek to Tange Days 17: Trek to Muktinath Days 18: Trek to Jomsom Days 19: Fly back to Pokhara Days 20: Drive/fly back to Kathmandu Days 21: Departure on your own destination |
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