The sacred Damodar Kunda 4890m is located in Nepal's Upper Mustang area in the Annapurna range of the Northern Himalayas. This lake is well-known and important to the Hindu community. It is a land similar to the Tibetan plateau in a remote part of Nepal near Tibet. People are thought to come here once in a lifetime to take a sacred bath. Bathing in Damodar Kunda cleanses all sins committed in previous and present lifetimes. Damodar Kunda is the major source of the Gandaki River. It's also a fantastic spot to look for Shaligram. The Nepal government has designated Damodar Kunda in Upper Mustang as a restricted area.
This trekking region requires specific permission.
Planning to Trek Damodar Kunda:
Planning a trek to the Damodar Kunda in Nepal can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to prepare thoroughly to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Determine the length of your journey. A typical Royal Mustang journey lasts 10-14 days. Make a plan for your trip, including hiking days, rest days, and major sites to visit (such as Lo Manthang, Ghami, Charang, and Kagbeni).
Physically prepare for the expedition by doing aerobic activities, trekking, and strength training. Because of the great altitude, acclimatization is essential. Spend a few days in Kathmandu or another high-altitude destination before starting the trip. Learn about the symptoms and prevention of altitude sickness. Acclimatization is critical, and knowing how to diagnose and handle altitude-related illnesses throughout the journey is key.
Best time to do the Damodar Kunda Trek:
Spring (March to May) is one of the most popular times for trekking in the Mustang region. Skies are clear during this time and offer excellent visibility of the surrounding mountains, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The rhododendron forests are also in full bloom, creating vibrant landscapes with colorful flowers.
Autumn (Sep to Nov) is another excellent time for trekking in the Damodar Kunda and is the peak trekking season in Nepal. You'll encounter fewer rain showers and less chance of landslides compared to the monsoon season. During this season, the skies are clear, providing stunning views of the Himalayas ranges.
Monsoon season and Summer Season (June, July, and August) are highly not recommended for the Royal Damodar Kunda Trek. Plus, the cold of the winter (December, January, and February) is unbearable for an ordinary trekker.
Food and Accommodation:
Damodar Kunda's accommodations are mainly simple teahouses or guesthouses. These are small, family-run lodges with rooms that have minimal amenities such as a bed, blankets, and common restrooms. The priority is on giving you a warm and pleasant place to relax throughout your journey. Mustang teahouses and guesthouses often provide a range of meals to keep hikers refreshed and satisfied. The menu options are fairly limited, yet they still offer a variety of possibilities. The quality of food and accommodation may differ as you ascend to higher altitudes.
But it is recommended to consult your guide for better and hygienic options.
Transportation:
Because the Damodar Kunda Trek trip normally begins in Jomsom, we will be traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara for the Jomsom flight. While traveling to Pokhara, you may take a domestic plane (30 minutes) or a tourist bus/private automobile (6-8 hours) and spend the night there. We'll take a local aircraft to Jomsom Airport after spending the night in Pokhara. This brief flight provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas but is subject to weather conditions. After reaching Jomsom, our hike begins on foot, and we will experience a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in one of Nepal's most intriguing and captivating regions.
Necessary Permits & TIMS for Damodar Kunda Trekking:
There are 2 types of permits necessary in this region including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
1. Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit:
Damodar Kunda is located in Upper Mustang, which is a restricted area. To enter Upper Mustang, you needed an Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit. This permission could only be obtained from a recognized trekking agency.
Cost: USD 500 per person(10 days trek). Additional USD 50 per day after the 10-day mark.
2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
Because Damodar Kunda is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, you also need to get an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) in addition to the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit.
Cost: USD 25 per person (includes Damodar Kunda).
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR PERMITS:
- An original passport and current visa(valid for at least six months)
- One printed passport-sized photograph (required for an ACAP permit)
- Travel insurance papers (includes helicopter evacuation of up to 6000m)