Damodar Kund

Nepal is home to a significant number of holy shrines and sacred locations, and numerous places can be covered during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. One of such sites is the Damodar Kund, also known as Damodar Lake. It is one of the holiest lakes in the upper Mustang region in Nepal at an altitude of 4,890 metres. This lake is one of the most sacred sites for Hindus and Buddhists, and it is close to the border with Tibet. Even this lake is mentioned in the Hindu puranas or scriptures. Hence, devotees from all over India visit this holy site. However, due to its remote location and high elevation, the Nepalese government restricts entry. Tourists who have booked the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package via the Nepal route can visit this high-altitude lake. Here is the complete information about Damodar Kund to help you plan your trip.

Location and Mythological Significance of Damodar Kund

Damodar Kund or Lake is located in the upper Mustang region in Nepal in halfway between Kagbeni and Muktinath. Damodar Himal is a mountain range in the Nepalese Himalaya, and the lake is located in the Mustang region, north of the Annapurna region. Situated at an elevation of 4890 metres, the trek to Damodar Kund is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for hikers and trekkers.

Well, this lake also has spiritual and mythological significance that makes it even more auspicious for Hindu devotees. Damodar Kund is also the source of the Gandaki River, and it is the place where Shaligram stone was first found. Even for Buddhists, this place is sacred. Lo Manthang is the capital of the local kingdom, where the oldest monasteries are located. These monasteries include Buddha artwork that dates back years, making the place a must-visit pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Well, there are three Kunds—Chandra Kund, Dudh Kund, and Tama Kund that are a part of the larger sacred site known as Damodar Kund. The locals and priests believe that bathing in this holy Kund washes away all your sins. It is also mentioned in the Brahma Puran. Lord Krishna said that the people who visit this Kund and take a holy bath will be freed from their sins. There is also a story of Kuber’s Two Sons, who were suffering from their past-life’s sins. Then, lord Krishna advised them to take a holy dip in the Damodar Kund. The moment they took a dip, they were released from their sins.

The moment trekkers climb up, they get to see a captivating scenery of the Tibetan Plateau, the Damodar Himal, and the massive Annapurna Himalayan range.

Damodar Kund- The Origin of the Shaligram Stone

Another important thing that makes the Damodar Kund sacred for Hindu devotees is that it is the origin of the Shaligram stone, the symbol of Lord Vishnu. Apart from this, the Shila stones are also found here. These stones are associated with Lord Vishnu, showing his presence on earth. Besides, these stones are used to worship Lord Vishnu in temples.

Gandaki River originates from the Damodar Kund

Damodar Kund is also the source of the Gandaki River, which is one of the most popular rivers in Nepal. The Shalimar stones are found on the banks of the pious river. This river is known as the Kali Gandaki River, which flows southwards into India.

Best Time to Visit Damodar Kund

This area is open for visitors from April to September. Every year, during the sacred pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, pilgrims visit Damodar Kund from April to June and September. This is the best time to visit this holy site because of the good weather conditions.

Although August is the monsoon season, it is also the best time to visit Damodar Kund because on the full moon day, Janai Purnima (August) and ChaiteDashai (Chaturdashi), big festivals are celebrated here every year. Devotees from India and Nepal visit Damodar Kund and Muktinath Temple during this holy festival.

How to Reach Damodar Kund

People visit Damodar Kund during their pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. During their Yatra, pilgrims prefer either trekking or by helicopter to reach Damodar Kund. There are two routes for trekking to Damodar Kund: Jomsom-Chhuksang-Tangwe-Dye and Jomsom-Ghami-Charang-Yara-Dhimdadhi. Take a flight from Pokhara to Jomson and then take one of the two trekking routes.