The Holy river “Damodar Kunda” is a lake that lies in the upper mustang region of the Himalayas at an altitude of 5400 meters ASL. The Holy river is divided into three different river bodies, The Brahma Kunda, Rudra Kunda, and Ananta Kunda which make up the entire Damodar Kunda holy site. The Helicopter tour to Damodar Kunda cost for the tour usually varies among different tour providers ranging from 3000 USD – 7000 USD (Average cost of chartering a helicopter) and an additional 500 USD for gaining a special entry permit. To further access the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) costs an additional 30 USD per person. This river has a very important religious significance related to Hinduism where the majority of visitors are also Hindus. It is believed that for people who take bath in the water of the Damodar Kunda river, their sins would be forgiven. Apart from religious beliefs, Damodar Kunda is also a popular trekking destination among the locals as well as international tourists making it one of the popular tourist destinations in Mustang.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights of The Trip
- Average cost of charter 3000 USD – 7000 USD
- 2.Entry permit cost 500 USD (Special entry permit) 30 USD (Normal permit)
- 3.Travel duration 1.5hrs from Kathmandu, 1hr from Pokhara
- 4.Travel season – March – May, October – November.
- 5.Religious significance of Damodar Kunda
Trip Details
Damodar Kunda can be accessed mainly through two ways. I.e, by trekking via a 3-day route starting from Jomsom or by chartering a helicopter ride. The Damodar Kunda trek starts from Kathmandu where a flight will transport the visitors to Pokhara. After landing in Pokhara, the passengers are then put on the next available flight to Jomsom, and post landing is taken on an hour’s drive to Kagbeni. The next day starts with a 9 days treks towards Damodar Kunda Lake but people who want to skip the hassle of a 9-day long trek can easily charter a helicopter that will directly take the visitors to the holy site.
There are two main reasons why people visit this lake. One is being spiritual and the second is for its landscape and natural beauty. The water of this lake is considered to be holy for the Hindus hence it is believed that dipping in this water makes your sins forgiven by God. Since the lake is situated at a very high altitude, it is also rich in natural beauty and landscape which is perfectly suitable for those who are into nature and landscapes. Several mountain ranges such as the Annapurna, Tibetian plateau, Muktinath Himal, Bhrikuti peak, Araniko Chuli, and several Himalayan peaks.
Best season to visit Damodar Kunda Tour
Visitors can pay a visit to the Damodar Kunda holy site anytime through out the year. But the most favourable seasons for visits is between March – May & October – November. Between the months of October & November, the Himalayas gets it snowfall level at its peak. So for those who can’t bare the freezing cold snow can visit the site between March & May.
Benefits of doing Damodar Kunda Tour
According to the Hindu holy book Barah Puran, the Damodar Kunda lake is said to be sacred. In the book, it is said that the river is the head of Lord Bishnu and Muktinath makes up his mouth. People who have already visited this lake claim to have felt a spiritual divine power while taking a dip in the river which they say is the Lord himself forgiving the visitor of their sins. Apart from this religious benefit, The Damodar Kunda lake also offers a majestic view of the various mountain ranges such as the Annapurna, Damodar hill, Muktinath, etc. as this lake is located at an altitude of 5400 meters.
Requirements for doing Damodar Kunda
To access the Damodar Kunda lake people visiting do not need any special fancy types of equipment even though the lake is located at an altitude of 5400M people can visit it wearing clothes that can keep them warm enough through out the visit. People who are going to take a dip in the lake should carry an additional towel to dry themselves up. People who are easily affected by altitude sickness can further carry medicines accordingly.
Where to Book Charter flight for Damodar Kunda
- Air Dynasty Service
- Prabhu Helicopter
- Nepal Helicopter Service
- Touch Kailash
- Nepal Travel Adventure
Insights of the Damodar Kunda Tour
The entire tour lasts for 3 days via helicopter charter depending upon the tour agency while some can last from 5 to 7 days. The tour can be started either from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The cost of a charter will be cheaper if there are more people in the group. Most helicopter chartering companies charge only the charge of a helicopter charter whereas the other expenses are to be borne by the visitors themselves which include the accommodation, food, and other travel expenses.
The Damodar Kunda lake is located at an altitude of 5400M where there is a high chance of people falling sick due to the altitude and the cold air temperature. So people who are easily prone to such conditions need to carry essential medications and wearable to avoid them at all costs. If in case anyone becomes sick should inform the guide as soon as possible to get the treatment at its earliest.
Damodar Kunda lake is one of the holiest places for Hindus. Apart from this, the lake is a perfect spot for the adventure-seeking enthusiast seeking a cold snowy adventure in the Himalayan region.
Other way of Accessing Damodar Kunda
Apart from helicopter chartering, the Damodar Kunda tour can also be done on foot. People who are into trekking & hiking can start on a 20-day trek from Kagbeni to Damodar Kunda. People are supposed to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom after which visitors than would start the expedition on foot.
Short tea and lunch breaks can also be done as there are many hotels on the way. Overall the tour to Damodar Kunda is a must-to-do package for those who are on a spiritual journey as well as for those who want to relieve themselves from their daily life stress.