Resunga

The traditional pilgrimage path rises approximately 800 meters over a distance of 4-5 kilometers, representing a moderately challenging hike for most visitors. Well-maintained stone steps cover much of the route, though some sections can be steep. Most reasonably fit visitors can complete the ascent in 2-3 hours with regular breaks. A recently constructed road now provides vehicle access approximately halfway up, reducing the climbing time for those with limited mobility or time constraints. During major festivals, simple palanquin services are sometimes available for elderly pilgrims.

March through May offers spectacular rhododendron blooms and coincides with the major Baisakh Purnima festival when the mountain is at its most culturally vibrant. October through November provides clear skies with the best Himalayan views and comfortable temperatures. The winter months (December-February) offer solitude and crystal-clear air but can be quite cold, especially in early morning and evening. The monsoon season (June-September) transforms the forests into lush green sanctuaries but can make trails slippery and views often obscured by clouds.

A simple pilgrims' rest house near the main temple provides basic overnight shelter during peak festival periods. For most visitors, accommodation in Tamghas (just 2 km from the trailhead) offers a range of options from simple guesthouses to more comfortable hotels. Those seeking a more immersive experience can arrange homestays with local families in villages around the mountain base, providing authentic cultural interactions and traditional meals. For serious spiritual practitioners, extended stays in simple meditation huts can sometimes be arranged through the temple committee with advance notice.

The mountain has been protected as a community forest for generations, creating an island of biodiversity in an otherwise heavily cultivated region. It harbors one of the last intact mid-hill forest ecosystems in the area, supporting numerous plant species including rare medicinal herbs, orchids, and old-growth trees. The forest provides habitat for various wildlife including several threatened bird species and small mammals. Recent scientific studies have identified several plant species with significant pharmacological potential. The mountain also serves as an important watershed, with springs originating here supplying water to surrounding communities.

Archaeological evidence suggests the mountain has been considered sacred since pre-Hindu animistic traditions, with stone artifacts indicating ritual usage dating back at least 2,000 years. Hindu influence became dominant during the medieval period, with the earliest temple structures dating to approximately the 14th century. Buddhist elements were incorporated during various periods, reflecting the fluid religious boundaries characteristic of Himalayan spirituality. In modern times, while formal worship follows mainly Hindu protocols, the site maintains a syncretic character that welcomes diverse spiritual approaches. Contemporary reverence for the mountain increasingly incorporates environmental protection as an expression of spiritual values.

While some traditional temples in Nepal maintain restrictions regarding women during menstruation, Resunga's temples generally follow more inclusive practices. Women experiencing their monthly cycle are usually welcome to visit the outer temple areas and participate in most rituals, though some may choose to respect traditional practices by avoiding entering the innermost sanctum during this time. The mountain's broader sacred landscape has numerous important sites associated with feminine divine energy where all women are welcome regardless of menstrual status. Temple authorities emphasize personal choice and private devotion over rigid enforcement of restrictions.

Despite its protected status, Resunga faces environmental pressures including habitat fragmentation due to road construction, occasional illegal timber harvesting, over-collection of medicinal plants, and increased solid waste from growing visitor numbers. Climate change has affected water sources and vegetation patterns. Community-based conservation initiatives are addressing these challenges through reforestation, sustainable tourism development, environmental education, and improved waste management systems. Visitors can support these efforts through responsible practices and contributions to local conservation funds.