Kalinchowk Tour: 5 Days SHort Tour Itinerary

Kalinchowk Tour Package Overview 

The Kalinchowk Tour is a short and scenic tour from Kathmandu offering magnificent mountain scenery, as well as the chance to play in the snow in winter. It is a trek and also a pilgrimage, making it unique for adventure seekers and spiritual travelers.

You will hike through rhododendron forests and possibly encounter some birds and wildlife. The tour takes you through the conservation area of Gaurishankar, making it a great way to experience nature without having to go into the depths of the remote Himalayas.

Kalinchowk Tour Highlights 

• Visit Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar Square, among many other famous sites, on the Kathmandu Heritage Tour.
• On the drive to Kalinchowk, take in the breathtaking scenery of Dolakha and Charikot, which are home to stunning hills and rivers.
• Hike (or take the cable car) up to the holy hillside location of Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple.
• Himalayan Panorama: Admire breathtaking vistas of Langtang, Gaurishankar, and numerous other peaks.
• Enjoy playing in the fresh snow during the winter months of December through February.
• Hike along the Rhododendron Forest Walks Trail, which is surrounded by recognisable birds and stunning Himalayan vegetation.
• On the way back, we always make time to visit the Dolakha Bhimsen Temple, a significant cultural site.

Preparation for Kalinchowk Tour 

Clothing & Gear

For Winter (Dec–Feb):

• Warm jacket (preferably windproof)
• Thermal innerwear
• Gloves, woolen cap, and scarf
• Warm socks and non-slip shoes or snow boots
• Sunglasses (snow glare is strong)
• Lip balm & moisturizer (very dry and cold)

For Other Seasons:

• Light jacket (Spring/Autumn)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat and sunscreen (at high altitude) 

Toiletries & Essentials:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, soap
• Wet wipes or tissues (can be handy in cold)
• Small first-aid kit (Band-Aids, painkillers, cold meds)
• Personal medications (if any)

Electronics & Accessories:

• Power bank (electricity can be unstable)
• Camera or smartphone
• Charging cable and adapters
• Torchlight or headlamp (especially if hiking early)

Snacks & Food Items:

• Dry fruits, biscuits, instant noodles
• Water bottle or thermos
• Energy bars or chocolate (for quick energy boosting)

Best Time to Visit Kalinchowk: Weather, Months, and Family Travel Tips 

The best time for you to visit Kalinchowk will be from October to March:

October to December:

Great weather, clear skies, beautiful views of the mountains, and "chilly" (mild cold).

January to February:

For everyone who enjoys snow, this is the season. Kalinchowk sometimes even gets snowfall. It is also very ideal for family trips and couples.

March to April:

End of winter, blooming rhododendrons, amazing weather. 

Family Travel Tips

Winter Travel (Snow Season):

• Bring proper winter clothing (gloves, boots, thermal wear).
• Book hotels in advance, peak season for domestic tourism.
• Cable car is a safer option compared to hiking for young children.

Transportation:

• 4WD vehicles are recommended during winter and rainy seasons.
• From Kathmandu, take a regular bus to Charikot, and then take a cable car or jeep to Kalinchowk.

Health & Safety:

• Altitude sickness is rare, but stay hydrated.
• Carry snacks, especially if traveling with kids.
• Be cautious near cliffs and during snow play. 

Things to do in Kalinchowk Tour

See the temple of Kalinchowk Bhagwati.

The holy Hindu temple known as Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple is located in Nepal's Dolakha district at an elevation of approximately 3,800 meters. The temple, which is devoted to Goddess Kali, has great spiritual significance, particularly for individuals who are looking for protection and rewards. To get to the mountaintop temple, pilgrims climb or ride a cable car. Once there, they can pray and immerse themselves in the wonderful spiritual atmosphere. 

Additionally, the site provides stunning sweeping vistas of the Gaurishankar and Langtang mountains as well as the Himalayas. One of the highlights of the Kalinchowk tour is enjoying the temples, which combines religious devotion, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.
 

Enjoy the Ride on the Cable Car

One of the tour's primary attractions is the Kalinchowk cable car ride, which provides a practical and beautiful means of getting to the temple. Although it is short, the ride is thrilling as it glides over high hills and slopes covered in pines. Particularly for people who are unable to navigate the rugged landscape, the trip saves time and energy. 

Travellers can enjoy stunning views of distant Himalayan peaks and snow-covered landscapes from the cable car. Families, senior citizens, and anybody else wishing to take in Kalinchowk's majesty from a different aerial viewpoint would love this activity.

Explore the Villages and Local Culture

A taste of traditional Himalayan life can be had by exploring the neighbouring villages around Kalinchowk, particularly Kuri Village. The majority of the locals are Tamang and Sherpa, and they are renowned for their rich heritage of culture and kind welcome. 

You can see traditional homes, sample regional dishes like gundruk and dhindo, and discover more about their religious rituals, farming way of life, and customs. 

You may be able to observe unique customs and regional festivities during festivals. Your vacation gains depth from this cultural immersion, which enables you to interact with locals and learn how communities survive in harsh climates and terrain at high elevations. 
 

Camping and a bonfire

In Kalinchowk, camping is a wonderful experience, particularly on the clear, chilly evenings. Near Kuri Village, a number of resorts and campsites provide tent lodging or permit outdoor camping. Getting together with friends or other travellers around a bonfire after a day of adventure produces lifelong memories. The quiet of the mountains, beautiful skies, and the warmth of the fire provide the ideal getaway from the bustle of the city.

Additionally, some camps have local food, beverages, and music, which enhances the vibrant yet homely atmosphere. It's a great approach to get a close-up look at the mountain atmosphere while combining action with peace and rest. 

Hiking & Trekking

In Kalinchowk, trekking and hiking provide a unique combination of adventure and scenic beauty. The most well-liked trek, which takes one to two hours, depending on the speed and weather, is from Kuri Village to Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple. The trail offers spectacular views of the Himalayas as it passes through rhododendron trees, steep slopes, and open slopes. 

The snowy paths provide additional charm and difficulty in the winter. Nearby hills and forest trails offer serene, uncrowded options for hikers looking for longer treks. Trekking here combines moderate exercise with breathtaking mountain views, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers.

How long does it take for the Kalinchowk tour? 

Located north of Kathmandu near the Tibetan border, Kalinchowk is a popular destination among local travelers. It holds significant religious importance for many Nepalese people. Both locals and foreign visitors can be seen exploring the area. At an altitude of 3,800 meters, the Kalinchowk tour offers a scenic glimpse into Nepal’s countryside. 

The Kalinchowk tour typically takes 2 to 3 days from Kathmandu.

What is Kalinchowk famous for?  

Kalinchowk, in Nepal's Dolakha district, is well-known for several reasons:

Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple:

Dedicated to Goddess Kalinchowk Bhagwati, an avatar of Goddess Durga, the temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site. Particularly during holidays like Dashain and Janai Purnima, devotees come to the temple.

Snow & Winter Tourism: 

Kalinchowk is a well-liked destination for snow lovers and photographers because it's one of the few locations close to Kathmandu where you can see snowfall during the winter. A "mini Switzerland" of Nepal, it is frequently referred to.

Scenery:

On clear days, visitors can enjoy breath-taking views of the Himalayan ranges from the top, which include Mt. Gaurishankar, Langtang, and even Everest. 

Kalinchowk Cable Car:

One of the few cable cars in Nepal, this cable car service enables visitors' access to the temple and enhances the area's beauty.

Adventure and Hiking:

Kalinchowk provides stunning trekking paths that pass through small villages, alpine meadows, and lush forests.

What's included?

Comfortable transportation:

• round-trip transportation in a shared vehicle or private jeep from Kathmandu.

Overnight stay:

• Comfortable accommodations with basic to standard facilities in Kuri village.

Scenic experiences:

• the famous Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, breathtaking mountain views, snowfall (in winter)
• An enjoyable journey up to the temple is the cable car ride, which is included in the package.

Meals & moments:

• Warm tea, delicious local food, and occasionally even a night by the bonfire!

What's excluded?

• International flights
• Additional lodging and meals are not included in the trip
• Tips for the guide/porter are not included
• Clothing and personal equipment
• Additional beverages
• Travel insurance
• Others that are not included in includes

Kalinchowk Tour Difficulty: 

• Most people agree that the Kalinchowk excursion is easy to moderately difficult.
• It can be difficult and rocky to drive from Kathmandu to Kuri, especially in the winter when there is snow.
• Most visitors, including families, can enjoy the easy cable car journey or the quick walk (1 to 2 hours) from Kuri to Kalinchowk Temple.
• Walking can get slippery while it's snowing, so it's best to be prepared and use caution.

Accommodation & Transport:

• Book hotels in advance, especially in peak snow season (Dec–Feb)
• Reserve a private jeep if you are traveling with family

• Check if hotels offer heaters and hot water.

   

Documents & Money:

• Citizenship card or ID (for domestic travelers)
• Some cash in Nepali Rupees (ATMs are not available in Kuri)

How to get to Kalinchowk? 

Part of the adventure is getting to Kalinchowk. If you need flexibility and are travelling with friends or family, the most comfortable option is via a private jeep. You can take a local bus from Kathmandu to Charikot, which takes roughly 6 to 8 hours, and then catch a shared jeep to Kuri village for a more affordable option.

You can ride the charming cable car or climb up to the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple from Kuri. Both routes provide a lovely trip via hills, forests, and mountain views, regardless of your preference for comfort or a little local travel experience.

Why choose Kalinchowk?

If you want to relax in the great outdoors, enjoy some snow, or find a deeper connection, Kalinchowk is a great place to go. It is only a short drive from Kathmandu and offers breathtaking views of the mountains, which are particularly lovely in the winter when everything is covered with snow. 

Whether you go there to pray or simply enjoy the view, the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, which stands high on a hill, seems serene and strong. The trip is enhanced by a scenic cable car journey, comfortable lodgings in Kuri village, and the friendly people. It's a terrific option for a quick, revitalising getaway with loved ones. 

Kalinchowk Tour Cost 

If you're planning a 5-day trip to Kalinchowk from Kathmandu, here’s a cost breakdown for you:

Transportation:

First choice: a private Jeep

• Ideal for parties of four to seven persons or families.
• provides more ease, comfort, and flexibility for the duration of the journey, which usually lasts five days.

Option 2: Shared Jeep + Local Bus

• It is a less expensive option, although it can be less comfortable and take longer.
• To get to Kuri, take a shared jeep from Charikot after taking a bus from Kathmandu.

Accommodation (4 nights):

Options for Accommodations:

• Budget Hotels/Lodges: Easy and reasonably priced lodgings, perfect for those on a tight budget.
• Ideal for a four-night stay.

Mid-range Hotels:

Slightly more expensive, but more comfortable and equipped.

Food and beverages:

Meals: A range of meals is served all day long at nearby restaurants and hotels.

You should budget a moderate amount each day for eating.

5-Day Total: Although meal expenses rise over the journey, they are still affordable for most people on a tight budget.

FAQs

1. How far is Kalinchowk from Kathmandu?

Kalinchowk is around 150 km from Kathmandu. The drive takes approximately 6 to 8 hours via Charikot to Kuri Village. From Kuri, you can reach Kalinchowk Temple by a short hike or a 5 to 10-minute cable car ride.

2. When will it snow in Kalinchowk?

Kalinchowk usually experiences snowfall in the winter, mostly from late December to February. Although January typically sees the most snowfall, the precise date might change year based on weather trends. Before making travel plans, it is best to check the local weather forecast for the most up-to-date information.

3. When is the best time to visit Kalinchowk? 

While it's generally preferable to visit Kalinchowk at any time of year, December to February is the busiest time of year, if you're searching for snowfall or snow-related activities. Playing with snow is the most preferred activity in the winter

4. How much does it cost for Kalinchowk's cable car?

Depending on who you are, the Cable of Kalinchowk has multiple fare alternatives. For example, separate charges apply to residents, students, seniors, individuals with disabilities, Indian nationals, and other visitors. They charge according to the nature and weight of the items and the goats they transport.

5. Can we see Everest from Kalinchowk?

Yes, you can see Mount Everest from Kalinchowk on a clear day! Other Himalayan peaks, including the Langtang, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, and Jugal ranges, can be seen in addition to Everest.