Table of Contents
Introduction
Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple is a Hindu holy place dedicated to Goddess Kali in the eastern hilly region of Nepal, Kalinchowk Rural Municipality in Dolakha District.
It is situated in Kalinchowk Village at an altitude of 3,842 m (12,605 ft) from sea level. It is a part of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area from where two rivers SunKoshi and Tamakoshi Rivers are sourced. It used to be the only way to the temple, but in 2018 a cable car has been added to help with the growing number of visitors. The jeep trip starts from Kathmandu to Charikot, then to Kuri Village, which is the base to stay as much time as you want. From there you can either trek or use a cable car to reach the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple.
The Jeep trip experience from Kathmandu to Kalinchowk temple
The distance between Kathmandu and Kalinchowk is around 132 km and hence is easily accessible and is a great spot for weekend trips. Every year thousands of visitors visit for skiing, hiking, and cable car rides and to offer prayers to the Kalinchowk Bhagwati goddess.
The best time to visit Kalinchowk is from October to February when the weather is clear and the views are at their best. However, suppose you wish to witness the rhododendrons like Sunapte, and Bell bloom in spring, particularly April-May, would be the ideal time. In that case, the route is a fascinating drive that showcases the various geography and rich cultural heritage of Nepal while taking guests through beautiful scenery.
The path is described as follows:
Departure from Kathmandu: The lively capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, is where your adventure starts. The peace and quiet of the countryside will quickly embrace you as you depart from the rush of cities. As the route leaves Kathmandu, it winds through urban and rural communities before emerging into the Kathmandu Valley. Along the route, you’ll get to see views of local marketplaces, traditional Nepali homes, and terraced fields.
Heading Uphill: The road starts climbing as you leave the valley and enter the Himalayan foothills. As the scenery gets more dramatic, pine trees and falling streams replace the gorgeous wildflowers.
Views of the Mountains: As you climb higher, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes of distant peaks covered in snow. On clear days, famous mountains like Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung may be visible.
Beautiful Villages: The path goes past several tiny villages hidden away in the hills. You will get to know the people, see how traditional Nepali culture is practiced, and may even try some of the regional food.
Rough Terrain: As you get closer to your objective, the road to Kalinchowk might get a little narrow and rough at times. It’s best to take our jeep and ideally go with our trustworthy an experienced driver who knows the way.
Final destination: At last, a few hours of driving will bring you to the settlement of Kalinchowk, which is located at an elevation of around 3,700 meters (12,139 feet). You would be able to experience to play with snow with your loved ones around the place. The panoramic views from the hilltop Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple are without a doubt the trip’s high point. Enjoy amazing views of the neighboring Himalayan range, which includes the striking Mt. Gaurishankar, Mt. Jugal, and Sermeru Parbat, from this location.
Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple history and significance
The myth states that the goddess Kali used to meditate at Kalinchowk’s tallest peak, the Sumeru Parvat. She was approached by a tribe of Rakshases who wanted her to wed their ruler. Kaliagreed to marry, but only if the potential partner could defeat her in a duel. Thus, there was a conflict between the bad power and the goddess. The goddesses’ lion had become thirst during the ongoing battle, but Lord Shiva produced water from the earth with his heavenly Trishul or sword. Kali’s thirsty lion gained strength by consuming the holy water that was produced from the earth. Then, with her immense might, the goddess destroyed the evil. The water from the pond continues to be honored and thought to be pure. This region is further enhanced in importance by several other stories. Reportedly, the Pandavas used to travel here for meditation during the Dwapar Yuga. The right arm of the goddess was cut off here, according to the Durga Purana.
Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple
This area is also where the well-known sage Bishwamitra underwent his spiritual prayers and became enlightened. Before gaining popularity, it used to be difficult to visit Kalinchowk before it had such a large following as a religious and tourism destination. Most of the visitors come to worship goddess to get enlightenment in life through the blessing of Bhagawati Kali as well as see the mystic views of the sunrise and sunset from the mountains.
Additional activities and attraction
- Hiking and Trekking: Take part in demanding hikes and treks that offer breathtaking views of beautiful landscapes, including sections of the Gauri Shankar Conservation Area and tall mountains.
- Travel by cable Car: An exciting experience that offers beautiful scenery of the Himalayas as you ascend to the temple.
- Investigating Surrounding Communities: Learn about the customs and way of life of the area by investigating surrounding communities, seeing customs performed, and appreciating architectural styles.
- Posing Possibilities: Take in magnificent views of snow-capped mountains, rhododendrons, lovely forests, and mesmerizing dawns or sunsets.
- Snow Activities: Take memorable pictures of the beautiful scenery, play with the snow, and create various cartoon characters.
- Skking: Enjoy the sport of skiing, as it is the only one available in Nepal.
Kalinchowk Jeep tour package details
1N2D@Rs.4500 per person
1N2D@Rs.28000 for a group of seven
Itenary:
First Day: Kathmandu – Kuri Village
At the appointed meeting place, we will travel from Kathmandu at approximately 6:30 am. We’ll eat lunch at 9:30 a.m. We will leave at 10:30 am for Charikot, arriving there by about 1:30 pm. Next, we will head to Charikot Dolakha Bhimsen Mandir, and lastly, we will be in Kuri Village by 6:00 pm. After dinner, spend the night at the hotel.
Day 2: Proceed back to Kathmandu
Get up at 4:00 in the morning. By 5:00 am, following the morning’s events, proceed to the Kalinchowk temple. The hike to the temple takes approximately 1.5 hours, or, as an option, travel by cable car, and we will return to the hotel by 8:00 a.m. for breakfast. We will finally leave for Kathmandu at 11:00 p.m. and stop for lunch en route. We’ll arrive in Kathmandu by 7:00 p.m.
𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
✅ Breakfast
✅ VEG Lunch 2 times (Going & Returning)
✅ NON-VEG Dinner
✅ Room Accommodation (Sharing Basis)
✅ Snowfall Activities
✅ Sightseeing
✅ Fire-camp
✅ Music
✅ Dolakha Bhimsen Darshan
✅ Kalinchowk Mandir Darshan
𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞:
❌ Cable car tickets
❌ Snacks & cuisines
❌ Drinking beverages (Beer, Mineral Water)
❌ Skiing
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Travel Insurance
❌ Overstay due to any natural calamities/strikes
❌ Bolero charge (if the vehicle didn’t reach due to snow and road conditions)
Conclusion
All things considered, the jeep trip from Kathmandu to Kalinchowk is an amazing experience that provides an opportunity to peek into Nepal’s natural beauty and traditions. Regardless of your interests in nature, photography, or just a quiet getaway from the city, this breathtaking journey is sure to make an impression.