Damodar Kunda Yatra — Helicopter or Trek
Sacred Vishnu lake at 4,890 m in Upper Mustang — choose 7-day helicopter or 7-day trek
Duration
7 days
Group size
2–10
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts in
Kathmandu
Choose your option
2 options to choose from
Pick the duration that fits your time and budget — itinerary, inclusions and price update below.
About this yatra
Damodar Kunda is one of Hinduism's holiest high-altitude pilgrimage sites — a sacred lake dedicated to Lord Vishnu at 4,890 m in remote Upper Mustang. Choose between two 7-day routes from Kathmandu: helicopter for comfort and senior pilgrims, or drive + trek through Kagbeni, Yara, Luri Gompa for adventurous fit pilgrims. Both routes start and end in Kathmandu.
- Damodar Kunda darshan (4,890 m)
- Holy bath at Vishnu's sacred lake
- Upper Mustang permit included
- 2 route options — heli or trek
- Both 7 days from Kathmandu
- Luri Gompa cave monastery (trek)
- Pure vegetarian meals
- Year-round (heli) / Mar-Nov (trek)
- 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Airport pickup with welcome drink. Hotel check-in in Thamel. Evening yatra briefing — kit check, altitude precautions, Upper Mustang permit paperwork.
- 2
Pashupatinath darshan → fly to Pokhara
Morning Pashupatinath darshan in Kathmandu. Afternoon flight to Pokhara (25 min). Evening at Phewa Lake.
- 3
Fly Pokhara → Jomsom (2,720 m), acclimatisation
Early 20-minute scenic flight to Jomsom past Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Acclimatisation day — easy walks around Marpha apple-orchard town and Kagbeni village.
- 4
Helicopter Jomsom → Damodar Kunda → return
Pre-dawn helicopter charter to Damodar Kunda (4,890 m). Darshan at the sacred Vishnu lake, holy bath if weather permits, puja and offerings. Return to Jomsom by midday.
- 5
Jomsom → Muktinath darshan → fly Pokhara
Drive 30 min to Muktinath (3,800 m). 108 holy taps ritual, Mukti Kshetra eternal flame. Drive back to Jomsom, fly to Pokhara.
- 6
Pokhara sightseeing → Kathmandu
Davis Falls, Gupteshwor cave, Bindabasini temple, Peace Pagoda. Afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner.
- 7
Departure
Free morning. Airport drop-off as per international flight time.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Damodar Kunda Yatra — Helicopter or Trek. Don't see your question? Message us on WhatsApp.
How many days is the Damodar Kunda Yatra — Helicopter or Trek?
Damodar Kunda Yatra — Helicopter or Trek is 7-8 days. Sacred Vishnu lake at 4,890 m in Upper Mustang — choose 7-day helicopter or 7-day trek.
How much does the Damodar Kunda Yatra — Helicopter or Trek cost?
Damodar Kunda Yatra — Helicopter or Trek starts from $999 per person, with all government taxes included. Group discounts apply for 5+ pilgrims travelling together. All prices are quoted in USD and can be paid in NPR (Nepali Rupees) or INR (Indian Rupees) at current exchange rates.
What is included in the Damodar Kunda Yatra — Helicopter or Trek?
Helicopter charter Jomsom ↔ Damodar Kunda (5-seater, group-shared); Round-trip flights Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara; Round-trip flights Pokhara ↔ Jomsom; 6 nights' accommodation: 2 Kathmandu (3-star), 2 Pokhara (3-star), 2 Jomsom (best available); Pashupatinath darshan in Kathmandu; Muktinath darshan included; Pokhara full-day sightseeing; Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle; All meals during the yatra (breakfast, lunch, dinner) — pure vegetarian on the trek; veg/non-veg in cities; Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (US $500 value).
What is not included?
International flights to/from Kathmandu; Nepal entry visa (US $30 for 15 days, on-arrival); Travel insurance with high-altitude trek up to 5,000 m + helicopter evacuation cover (mandatory); Personal medications (Diamox strongly recommended for trek option — your doctor's prescription); Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks beyond bottled water; Tips for guide, driver, porters, helicopter pilot (~$80-150 per pilgrim); Personal expenses — laundry, phone, hot showers in lodges, recharging fees; Horses on summit day (trek option) — extra $50/day if needed.
Where does the yatra start and end?
The yatra starts and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal. Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu are included. Domestic travel within the itinerary is covered.
When is the best time for this yatra?
Most pilgrimages from Nepal run March through November, with May-June (pre-monsoon) and September-October (post-monsoon) being the most popular months. Specific spiritual dates like Saga Dawa (Kailash), Janai Purnima (Badimalika), and Bala Chaturdashi (Pathivara) draw the largest pilgrim crowds. Contact us for departure availability on your preferred dates.
Is this yatra suitable for elders?
Suitable for healthy pilgrims aged 16-70. Some trekking and altitude exposure required. Pony/porter support available where applicable. Please consult your doctor before booking. For pilgrims with specific health concerns or special needs, please reach out via WhatsApp (+977 9810 351 300) and we'll customize the itinerary.
What options or variants are available?
2 options available: Helicopter (7 days, $2200); Drive + Trek (8 days, $999). Each variant uses the same accommodation standards and includes airport transfers, all meals, government taxes, and dedicated yatra coordinator.
How do I book this yatra?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to start. We'll confirm availability within 24 hours and send you a detailed booking confirmation with payment instructions. A 30% deposit secures your booking; balance is due 30 days before departure. WhatsApp +977 9810 351 300 for instant chat.
Do you accept Indian pilgrims and Indian payments?
Yes — The Kailash Holiday is a division of The Everest Holiday Pvt. Ltd. (TAAN 1586), serving Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from India, Nepal, and the diaspora since 2016. Pure vegetarian Indian-style meals throughout, Hindi-speaking guide, and we accept payments in USD, INR, and NPR. Group rates available for family/community yatras.
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