The Kalinchowk Temple trek is a fantastic, moderately complex short trek accessible from Kathmandu. You'll see native hill culture, woodland and river scenery, panoramic Himalayan views, and the exquisite Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple pilgrimage site.
Highlights Of The Seven Days Kalinchowk Temple Trek
- Visit the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, full of little Trishuls (tridents).
- Enjoy a lesser-known camping trek just outside of Kathmandu.
- Combine with a white-water rafting trip on the Bhote Kosi for added adventure.
- Kalinchowk offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Langtang Himal, Gauri Shankar, and Ganesh Himal.
Overview of the Seven Days Trek
At 3,780 meters, the trident-filled pilgrimage site of Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple is the highest point on this walk. Apart from pilgrims, this path is likely to be deserted, as it is a tented trek with little trekking infrastructure that makes other parts of Nepal so popular.
Image Cr: Asian Heritage
Caption: Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple
A half-day drive from Kathmandu takes you to the start of the trek. This hike is excellent for trekkers interested in local culture and magnificent natural scenery. Brahmins, Tamangs, and Sherpas primarily populate the area. You'll pass through rhododendron forests (best in spring) and have the opportunity to see a number of birds, including Nepal's national bird, the danphe, if you're lucky.
Much of the trekking trail follows a high—and vertiginous—ridgeline, a significant hike feature. This might be a little threatening if you're afraid of heights, but most hikers find that the thrill is part of the fun!
Itinerary In Brief
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Charikot
Day 04: Trek from Charikot to Campsite
Day 05: Trek to Kalinchowk Temple(3,700m) and down to Kuri Camp
Day 06: Descend to Charikot, stay overnight at Charikot Panorama Resort
Day 07: Drive to Kathmandu and Departure
Detailed Itinerary of The Seven Days Kalinchowk Temple Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
You'll get spectacular views of the valley, the Himalayas, and the terraced fields below as you fly into Kathmandu. After clearing customs, a representative will be waiting to help you get settled into your hotel and take you through the culture shock of Kathmandu's tiny, winding streets.
Majestic architecture in Kathmandu's Durbar Square enchants visitors
Once you've settled in, head out and visit one of Kathmandu's cultural highlights. The tourist hub of Thamel is an excellent site to eat your first meal in the evening, with a selection of eateries serving both Western and indigenous Nepali cuisine.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu has a unique aura in the early morning hours when the city is slowly but steadily waking up. It's a fantastic time to go for a walk and explore the streets or relax with a cup of chai while looking out over one of the local courtyards or durbar squares.
There are various ways to spend the day, given the many magnificent vistas in the Kathmandu Valley. Later in the evening, go out to one of the city's famous restaurants for dinner, or have your specialist organize a home-cooked meal with a local family.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Charikot
Travel from Kathmandu to Charikot in a private jeep through the picturesque Arniko Highway. The road gradually ascends to 2,600 meters/ 8,530 feet, straddles the Bhote Kosi and Sun Kosi Rivers (two of Nepal's most significant waterways), and then down to Charikot.
Image Cr: My Republica
Caption: Charikot
Arrive in Charikot in time for lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring the small town that serves as the administrative centre of Dolakha District and is home to the famed roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen. Spend the night in a basic hotel.
Day 04: Trek from Charikot to Campsite
After breakfast, begin the hike up to the campsite, passing through Deurali. The majority of the walk will be through forests; in the spring, bright Rhododendron blooms (Nepal's national flower) will be in colour, making for a very spectacular sight. You'll also witness a variety of birds, including Nepal's national bird, the colourful danphe. Spend the night in a tent.
Day 05: Trek to Kalinchowk Temple(3,700m) and down to Kuri Camp
Trek up to the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple today, taking in the spectacular vistas of the Numbur Himal and Gauri Shankar along the way. The temple, which stands above 3,800 meters/12,467 feet, is a prominent pilgrimage place for Buddhists and Hindus alike. August and September are amongst the busiest months for pilgrims.
Beautiful view of Bhimeshwor Municipality, Kalinchowk.
However, once you leave the temple grounds, it is stated that you should never return, making this a true once-in-a-lifetime journey! The temple's magnificent Himalayan vistas are breathtaking. It will take you around an hour to descend to Kuri's camp. Spend the night in a tent.
Day 06: Descend to Charikot, stay overnight at Charikot Panorama Resort
Today's hike is all downhill (roughly six hours), so bring some trekking poles to help relieve some of the strain. On the way down, you'll retrace your steps but at a considerably faster pace.
Image Cr: Booking
Caption: Charikot Panaroma Resort
Finish your day at Charikot with an excellent night's stay at the Charikot Panorama Resort. After the camping trip, the luxuries will be well-deserved.
Day 07: Drive to Kathmandu and Departure
Return to Kathmandu by car. It's time to bid Nepal farewell. Take advantage of your final days in Kathmandu with a café lunch, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative from your travel agency will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the Tribhuwan International Airport for your return trip home. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
Variations of the Trek
While the itinerary provided here is for a shorter trek, it can also be extended to ten days. Starting from Bahrabise (about a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu), hike to Kalinchowk through Ahgeri Karka, Bigu Gumba, Sighate, Junggepati, and Kalipokhari, then return via Charikot, as per the shorter itinerary.
Combine the Kalinchowk Temple walk with white-water rafting on the Bhote Kosi for a multi-action adventure. On the way back from Charikot, stop at one of the many rafting sites along the Bhote Kosi, halfway between Charikot and Kathmandu.
When Is The Best Time To Do The Kalinchowk Temple trek?
This journey is best made in the fall (September-November) and spring (March-May) seasons like others in Nepal. The views are likely to be good in the winter (December-February), and the height doesn't rise too high, so this is a journey that can be done in the winter with some cold-weather preparation.
How To Get To Kalinchowk Temple?
This trek begins in Charikot, about 130 kilometres (80 miles) northeast of Kathmandu (4-5 hours). Although public and express buses are available, it is significantly faster and more comfortable to travel in a private vehicle such as a Jeep, avoiding the necessary stops in each settlement.
Accommodation and Meals
This walk includes hotel stays in Charikot (low and high budget) and tent camping along the way. Porters will be required unless you are comfortable carrying your tents and supplies. When not sleeping in accommodation, food will be provided in camp and will be excellent but straightforward and nutritious.
Difficulty Of The Kalinchowk Trek
This is a moderately strenuous hike. This should be doable for hikers with ordinary fitness and a sense of adventure for camping. Although the altitude does not rise very high, as with any trek above 3,000 meters, it is essential to be cautious of the risks of altitude sickness.