Dolakha, also known as Dholkha or Dolkha, a part of Bagmati Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. With Charikot as its district headquarters, the district covers 2,191 km2 (846 sq mi) and has a population of 204,229 in 2001 and 186,557 in 2011.
It is a religiously significant district. The temple of Dolakha Bhimeshawor and Kalinchwok Bhagwati is well-known among Nepalese people.
How does Dolakha get its name?
The Sherpa people gave the name Dolkha. "DO" means stone (dhunga), "LA" means in (maa), and "KHA" means face (mukh) in Sherpa language, which translates as "Face in Stone" (dunga ma mukh).
How can you reach Dolakha from Kathmandu?
Dolakha is 145 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu. By bus, it takes roughly 4 hours. We take the Swiss-built Pasang Lhamu Highway, also known as the Lamosangu-Jiri route, after passing the Sunkoshi bridge at Khadichaur. We continue on the narrow road with terraced farms till we reach Charikot, Dolakha's district headquarters.
Places to Visit in Dolakha District
Dolakha's important hill district is both naturally and culturally beautiful. Mount Gaurishankar and the Rolwaling mountain range, which are used to calculate Nepal Standard Time, rise tall within the north. The Tamakoshi River winds its way down south, drenching the Koshi River.
The Kalinchok Bhagwati Temple is known as the "shrine of the district" because it receives snowfall throughout the winter. The seven best places to visit in Dolakha are:
- Kalinchwok Bhagwati Temple
- Jiri
- Dolakha Bhimsen Temple
- Shailung Hills
- Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek
- Gauri Shankar Trek
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area
Kalinchwok Bhagwati Temple
The Hindu shrine of Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple is one of the Best Places to Visit in Dolakha. At an elevation of 3842 meters above sea level, this temple is located inside the Gauri Shankar protected area.
You can observe the gorgeous hills along the road, imagine the stupas along the road, and remember the beauty of our national flower, the Rhododendron, and its variants for the rest of your life.
Due to snowfall in February or October, the temple maybe even more spectacular. This is the spot for those who need to hike through the snow, and risk-takers can have a fascinating experience climbing up the upside hill from hamlet Kuri to the temple.
People's non-secular ideas and rituals are reflected in the bells and chants found in large numbers. The tourists would undoubtedly be amazed by the grandeur of this legacy.
Jiri
Jiri is a municipality in central Nepal's Bagmati Province, located within the Dolakha District. It's 185 kilometres east of Kathmandu and takes around eight hours to get there by bus. Because of its unique environment, Jiri district is sometimes known as Nepal's Switzerland.
It is primarily a well-known holiday location for international tourists because it is the entrance to Mount Everest. Prior to the establishment of the Lukla airport, the trail from Jiri was the only method to reach the summit of Everest. It provides the closest perspective of Sagarmatha for those who cannot get to Mount Everest or who do not intend to risk their lives to do so.
Dolakha Bhimsen Temple
The Dolakha Bhimsen Temple is located in Dolakha, Nepal's Dolakha Bazar, about 5 kilometres east of Charikot. The idol of Bhimsen, triangular and fashioned of rough stone, is housed in the roofless temple.
The Hindu temple is filled with sculptures and bells, which immediately draws attention to the guests' non-secular side. Portraits, sketching, and woodcrafts are all ways to practice Dolakhalis' artistic side.
The hospitality of the local Newars will never grow old, and it is one of the Best Places to Visit in Dolakha. You can also take in the breathtaking view of the Tamakoshi River as it flows down. Aside from the beauty of the farms within the slope, which you can see if you glance down, the hill plays an essential part in making your journey unique.
Shailung Hills
Shailung Hills is a beautiful place with a lot of hidden gems. Over a hundred little hills make up this lovely holiday destination. You may watch people living praising the hundreds of Thumka (Hills) at an altitude of 3146 meters, which can be found in a wide range of species.
From the apex of any of the one hundred little hills, one may view Himalayan peaks such as Sagarmatha, Gaurishankar, Jugal, and Ganesh.
From the hilltop, one can see the snow-capped Himalayan summits and the Mahabharat and Chure variety of peaks. You can also see Sindhupalchowk's beautiful woods and terraced terrain to the west, as well as magnificent settlements like Doramba of Ramechhap in the Japanese and southern directions.
Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek
Tsho Rolpa Lake, located at an elevation of 4,580 meters, is Nepal's most incredible glacial lakes. Tsho Rolpa Lake Trek is amongst the most under-visited treks in Dolakha and one of the Best Places to Visit in Dolakha. Isn't it fascinating to see a lake that freezes over every half-month of the year?
Even on ordinary days, the lake is a sight to behold. It has a typical intensity of 55m. You'll feel thrilled to be there. Stunning mountains like as Menlungtse (7,181m) and Gauri Shankar (7,145m), among others, may surprise you.
Brahmin, Chhetri, Tamang, and Sherpa villages are the most common residents along the walk. Along the way, you'll pass across Bigu Gompa, which is home to approximately 250 nuns. The mani stones alongside the route and prayer flags wafting in the breeze indicate that this location is mainly Buddhist.
Gauri Shankar Trek
The Gauri Shankar Trek brings you to the western side of Mount Everest, near the Tibetan border, to a rugged, lonely valley known as the ‘Rolwaling.' This route is named after a remote hiking destination in Nepal. Gauri Shankar was named after Lord Shankar and his companion Gauri, honoured by Hindus and Buddhists.
The Gauri Shankar hiking trail runs through crowded rhododendron trees with spectacular views of Gaurishankar (7145m), Melungtse (7181m), and other prominent peaks. Move pristine woodlands and explore remote communities. The Gauri Shankar walking trail runs alongside the Bigu Gompa monastery and the town of Bedding.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area
Gaurishankar Conservation Region is a protected area in Nepal's Himalayas, located between Langtang and Sagarmatha National Parks in the country's northeastern corner. It is a wishlist of nature or animal enthusiasts that was formed in January 2010. This location is bounded so that you may witness a variety of vegetation and animal.
There are 235 species of birds, eight species of mammals, fourteen species of snakes, ten species of snakes, sixteen species of fish, and a diverse range of floras. Still, the main attraction of this area is the rare animals such as the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Thar, and so on. The rarest species conserved is the purple panda.
On the way to the protected area, you may encounter large waterfalls and get the opportunity to see Gauri Shankar, the starting point of Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi, up close.