Kalinchowk Tour 1Night 2 Days

Overview

Kalinchowk Bhagwati Tour: A Sacred and Scenic Pilgrimage in Dolakha, Nepal

Introduction

Kalinchowk Bhagwati is a revered religious site located in the Dolakha District of Nepal. Situated in the Janakpur Zone of the Central Development Region, the temple is perched atop Kalinchowk Hill at an altitude of 3,842 meters above sea level. It lies within Kalinchowk Village Development Committee (VDC), approximately 15 kilometers north of the district headquarters, Charikot. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, who is believed to be a powerful incarnation of Goddess Kali. The temple attracts thousands of devotees and tourists annually due to its religious significance and breathtaking natural beauty.

Religious Significance and Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, Kalinchowk Bhagwati is one of the seven Bhagwati goddesses in Nepal. She is considered the sister of other revered Bhagwati temples, including Palanchowk Bhagwati of Kavre, Shobha Bhagwati of Kathmandu, and other Bhagwati shrines spread across the country. It is believed that Kalinchowk Bhagwati fulfills the wishes of her devotees, and many people visit the temple to seek blessings, pray for prosperity, and offer sacrifices. The temple is particularly crowded during major Hindu festivals such as Janaipurnima, Dashain, and Chaite Dashain, when devotees from different parts of Nepal visit to offer their prayers.

Natural Beauty and Panoramic Views

Kalinchowk Danda, where the temple is located, provides a spectacular vantage point to observe the rolling mountain ranges and stunning landscapes. On a clear day, visitors can witness the panoramic view of some of the most famous Himalayan peaks, including Mount Gaurishankar, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, and Annapurna. The temple's location amidst the pristine Himalayan environment makes it not only a religious site but also a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers.

How to Reach Kalinchowk Bhagwati

There are multiple ways to reach Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, depending on the traveler's preference and time constraints.

Route from Kathmandu

The journey to Kalinchowk begins from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The distance between Kathmandu and Charikot, the district headquarters of Dolakha, is about 132 kilometers. Travelers can take a bus, jeep, or private vehicle to reach Charikot, which typically takes about 5 to 6 hours via the Arniko Highway and BP Highway.

Charikot to Kuri Bazaar

From Charikot, visitors can either hike or take a vehicle to Kuri Bazaar, a small settlement near Kalinchowk. A dirt road of about 17 kilometers connects Charikot to Kuri Bazaar. While jeeps and motorcycles can navigate this road, minibuses can also be used during the dry season. However, there is no regular public transportation available on this route, so travelers need to arrange their own transport or hire a jeep from Charikot.

Hiking from Kuri Bazaar to Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple

Upon reaching Kuri Bazaar, visitors need to hike uphill for approximately one hour to reach the temple. The trail passes through dense rhododendron forests and offers scenic views along the way. The hike is moderately challenging, but it is rewarding as visitors approach the revered temple atop the hill.

Cable Car Option

For those who prefer not to hike, there is an alternative option of using the Kalinchowk Cable Car. The cable car service was introduced to facilitate easy access to the temple, especially for elderly devotees and those with physical limitations. It provides a comfortable and quick way to reach the temple from Kuri Bazaar while enjoying aerial views of the surrounding landscapes.

Accommodation and Facilities

There are several accommodation options available for visitors near Kalinchowk.

• Hotels and Guesthouses in Charikot: Charikot has multiple hotels and lodges catering to tourists and pilgrims. These accommodations offer basic to mid-range facilities with food, lodging, and transportation services.
• Lodges in Kuri Bazaar: Kuri Bazaar has small lodges and tea houses that provide warm hospitality to trekkers and devotees. Most lodges offer traditional Nepali food and cozy rooms with fireplaces to keep visitors warm, especially during the winter season.
• Camping: Adventure seekers and trekkers also have the option of camping near Kalinchowk. However, they need to carry their own camping gear and supplies for an overnight stay in the region.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kalinchowk Bhagwati depends on the traveler's preference and purpose of visit.

• Spring (March to May): This season offers pleasant weather with blooming rhododendron forests, making the trek to Kalinchowk a visually stunning experience.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is the most favorable season to visit, as the weather remains stable with clear skies, offering unobstructed views of the mountains.
• Winter (December to February): Kalinchowk is also famous as a winter destination due to heavy snowfall. The snow-covered hills attract many visitors for snow activities and scenic beauty. However, travelers should be prepared for extremely cold temperatures.
• Monsoon (June to August): The rainy season is not ideal for visiting due to muddy trails and reduced visibility. However, the lush greenery during monsoon offers a unique charm for nature lovers.

Cultural and Religious Practices

Devotees visiting Kalinchowk Bhagwati perform various religious rituals, including animal sacrifices, offering of flowers, and lighting of oil lamps. Many pilgrims bring bells and tie them at the temple premises as a symbol of their prayers and devotion. The temple holds special significance during Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival, when hundreds of devotees visit to receive blessings from the goddess.

Additional Attractions Near Kalinchowk

Apart from visiting the temple, travelers can explore other attractions near Kalinchowk.

• Dolakha Bhimsen Temple: Located in Charikot, this temple is dedicated to Bhimsen, one of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. It is an important religious site for Hindus.
• Jiri: Often referred to as the "Gateway to Everest," Jiri is a picturesque town with beautiful landscapes and traditional Sherpa culture.
• Gaurishankar Conservation Area: Nature enthusiasts can visit this conservation area to explore diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the red panda and Himalayan thar.
• Tsho Rolpa Lake: One of Nepal’s largest glacial lakes, Tsho Rolpa offers an adventurous trekking experience with stunning Himalayan views.

Conclusion

Kalinchowk Bhagwati is not just a religious site but also a destination of natural beauty and adventure. Whether one is seeking spiritual blessings, enjoying panoramic Himalayan views, or experiencing snowfall in winter, Kalinchowk offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors. The temple's accessibility through road transport, hiking trails, and cable cars makes it an attractive destination for all types of travelers. As one of Nepal's most significant pilgrimage sites, Kalinchowk Bhagwati remains a must-visit destination for devotees and nature lovers alike.

Why Kalinchowk Tour

• Scenic drive to Charikot
• Hike through lush forests and fine villages
• Enjoy beautiful scenery
• Find yourself amidst a peaceful and serene environment
• Witness gorgeous sunrise from the Kalinchowk
• Get to see stunning views of the Himalayan mountain like Langtang Lirung, Mt. Gauri Shankar, Mt. Dorje Lakpa, Gurkarpo Ri, etc