Damodar Kund

Some places in Nepal are best discovered during the epic Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Damodar Kund is one such place. This is a natural lake in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. The lake is a sacred lake for the Hindus and Buddhists. Damodar Kund is very close to the border with Tibet. Damodar Kund is so sacred that it is even mentioned in the Hindu Puranas and Vedic scriptures. This is the reason why devotees and tourists visit Damodar Kund. Owing to its high elevation and remote location, the Nepalese government restricts entry. However, tourists who have booked their Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and are going through the Nepal route can visit this high-altitude lake called Damodar Kund.

The Altitude of Damodar Kund

Damodar Kund or Damodar Lake is situated at an altitude of 5400 meters.

Location of Damodar Kund

Damodar Kund is located in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal and lies in the Annapurna mountain range.

Damodar Kund in the Holy Scriptures of the Hindus

Hindu scriptures mention Damodar Kund as the most sacred and holiest of lakes. One such scripture called Barah Puran mentions Damodar Kund as a very sacred lake.

The Mythological Legend of Damodar Kund

Damodar Kund is such a holy lake that by bathing in its pure waters, a person is freed from all the sins that they have done in their previous births. Hindu religious scriptures like Puranas mention a story about the son of Kuber called Nal Kuber. He was cured of his sins by bathing in the pure waters of Damodar Kund. The story goes that Nal Kubera had a curse by Narthi by which he had turned into a root of a tree. Narthi said that only Lord Krishna’s touch could free him of his curse.

When Lord Krishna appeared in Dwapar Yuga he was a very naughty child. Once, Yashoda tied Lord Krishna to a tree with a strong rope. Lord Krishna applied all his force to free him from the tree. The tree was none other than Nal Kubera. When Lord Krishna was pulling the rope, Nal Kubera flew into the air and he was surrounded by other demons, who took the shape of trees. Nal Kubera pleaded with Lord Krishna to forgive him. Lord Krishna told him to bathe in Damodar Kund. Nal Kubera did so and was freed of all the sins that he had committed in his previous births.

Damodar Kund – the Origin of the Shaligram Stone

There is another famous fact that makes Damodar Kund so sacred. The lake is the origin of the famous Shaligram stone, which is said to be the symbol of Lord Vishnu. Shila stones are also found in this lake. These stones are the very representations of Lord Vishnu on earth. The stones are worshipped in temples of Lord Vishnu.

Damodar Kund – Where Gandaki River Originates

Kali Gandaki river which is one of the major rivers of Nepal originates from Damodar Lake. The river banks are a rich source of the holy Shaligram stone, which represents Lord Vishnu. Kali Gandaki River flows southwards into India.

Damodar Kund – Region of the Annapurna Mountains

Damodar Kund is located at a very remote location in the Upper Mustang region in Nepal. This region is famous for the mighty peaks of the Annapurna Mountain range. While trekking to Damodar Kund, trekkers can view the scintillating mountain peaks of the Annapurna Himalayan range. Peaks of the Annapurna range, Damodar Himal, Muktinath Himal, and Bhrikuti Peak can be seen on the trekking route to Damodar Kund.

How to Reach Damodar Lake?

You can make a stop to visit Damodar Lake on the route while going on Kailash Mansarovar. You can go by helicopter or by trekking route. Take a flight from Pokhara to Jomson and then take one of the two trekking routes to reach Damodar Kund. One route goes through Jomsom-Chhuksang-Tangwe-Dye. The second route goes through Jomsom-Ghami-Charang-Yara-Dhimdadhi.

Fair at Damodar Kund

There are so many holy mythological stories associated with Damodar Kund that a special fair is held here at the time of Janai Purnima (August) and ChaiteDashai (Chaturdashi). Many devotees come from India and Nepal and visit Damodar Kund and other places like Muktinath Temple.

What is the Difficulty Level of Damodar Kund Trek?

The trekking route is not for beginners and is pretty tough. Trekkers have to go through steep mountain terrains, cold desert regions, and narrow roads. Besides, the height at which this trek takes place makes it difficult for one to breathe. Only experienced climbers and trekkers who have done high-altitude mountain trekking in places like the Himalayas or the Alps can do this trek. You should be very fit and able to climb mountain peaks to undergo this trek. You have to acclimatize to the low-oxygen environment and do cardio training and strength training exercises for months before going on Damodar Kund Trek.