By Thakur Prasad Acharya, Myagdi, Aug. 21: Damodar Kunda, a renowned religious site in Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality-4 in Mustang district, is a breathtaking confluence of spirituality and natural beauty. Nestled at the foothills of the Damodar mountain range, this sacred site is believed to bring spiritual fulfilment and grant the wishes of those who take a holy dip in its waters.
Both Nepali and Indian Hindu pilgrims frequent the lake for these reasons. Situated at an altitude of 4,800 metres above sea level, Damodar Kunda is revered as a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The best time to visit the lake is from June to August, with pilgrims especially flocking there during the Janai Purnima and Chaite Dashain festivals.
The site features five ponds, with devotees typically bathing in the two largest ponds. Reaching Damodar Kunda involves a perilous journey, after reaching Charang in Upper Mustang via the Kali Gandaki Corridor and Jomsom-Korala road, pilgrims travel two hours by vehicle to reach Yara village. From Yara, it takes five hours on foot to reach Damodar Kunda.
The lack of well-maintained roads, communication services and accommodations makes the pilgrimage daunting. The local government has provided a Dharamshala (pilgrims' rest house) and drinking water facilities, and during the monsoon season, free meals are offered at the Dharmashala. Despite the difficult journey, the stunning scenic beauty of Damodar Kunda makes the hardships wort.