Kalinchowk – Jiri Trek, Itinerary, Cost, Accessibility, Accommodation, Highlights, Difficulty

Kalinchowk is most famous as a pilgrimage destination located in Dolakha district at the eastern part of Nepal. Kalinchowk Bhagawati temple is the most popular destination of Dolakha located at the altitude of 3,842 m (12,605 ft) from sea level. This temple is widely visited  by local people in winter. There used to be the only way to the temple, that was by foot, but since 2018 a cable car service has also been added to help with the growing number of visitors.

Jiri, also known as the Switzerland of Nepal is located at around 50kms away from Charikot, the district headquaters of Dolakha. Known as the classic route to Mount Everest almost all the Everest expeditions in the past, including those led by famous climbers John Hunt, Edmund Hillary and others passed through Jiri. Jiri is the trailhead for many treks into the Mount Everest region.

Brief History:

According to the myth, it is believed that Goddess Kali used to meditate in the top-hill of Kalinchowk, on Sumeru Parvat. During the mediation, the evil power tried to win over Kali. After this, the war took place between goddess Kali and evils. During the war, Lord Shiva used his divine Trishul (metal weapon) and the holy water originated from the dry land which gave her the power, the lion, of Goddess Kali. The evils could not stay-on in the powerful Goddess Kali and were killed by her during the war.

The “water-pond” at the top of Kalinchowk, it is believed to be holy and pure. From the religious treatises of Durga Puran, it is said that this is the place where the goddess Devi’s right arm was fallen. People have a great belief that their wishes come true after worshiping the goddess Kali with a pure soul.

Highlights of Kalinchowk – Jiri are:

• Kalinchowk Bhagwati temple
• Cable car
• The landscape of Kuri village.
• Skilling and short hiking.
• View of Mt jugal, Sumeru Parbat, GauriShankar, Mt Ganesh, and Pathivara.
• The national flower of Nepal, Rhododendron.
• Tamang Culture

• Jirel Culture
• Cow Farm
• Lovers hill
• Monastries
• Fish Pond
• Churpi and Cheese Factory

Accessibility

The olny way to get to Dolakha is by road. Kalinchowk is located at an approx. 150 kms and Jiri at approx. 180 kms away form Kathmandu. 

You can get there by bus, car, sumo, motorbikes, jeepvans etc through Araniko Highway. One can take a local bus to Kalinchowk as well.  Due to the road conditions landcruisers and jeepvans can be the most effective. 

Accommodation

Since both are popular destinations to locals as well as the tourists, many hotels and homestays can be found around those areas.

Difficulty

The diffficulty of the trip is easy to moderate.

Itinerary

Day 1

Drive from Kathmandu to Kuri Village (5-6 hours) via Araniko Highway. Lunch at Mudhe (popular stopover destination). Make a stop at Kharidhunga for sightseeing. 

Overnight at Kuri Village.

Day 2

Hike to Kalinchowk Bhagawati Temple (1-2 hrs). 

Optional :- If you are there on winter you might want to try Skiing . You can also get to the top through cablecar, which may not be the best option for fit and healthy people who seeks adrenaline.

Overnight at Kuri Village.

Day 3 

After Breafast drive to Jiri. Visit Buddhist Monastry, Cow Farm, Fish Pond and the Cheese Factory. Taste the unique handmade Churpi made from yak milk.

Overnight at Jiri.

Day 4

Drive back to Kathmandu via B.P. Highway.

(Rather than returning the same way it can be more fun and enjoyble for you, if you return to Kathmandu via B.P. Highway through Khurkot, Sindhuli. It is also one of the best highways of Nepal.)

FAQs

How can you get to Kalinchowk?

You can get to Kalinchowk by road driving 6hrs from Kathmandu to Kuri Village through Mudhe via Araniko Highway and 2hrs of hike from the village.

How is the road condition of Kalinchowk?

Road condition of Kalinchowk is average. You have to drive through muddy roads from Makaibari for 2-3 hrs which gets even worse in the rainy season.

Are there hotels around Kalinchowk?

Yes, You can find many hotels in Kuri Village since its very a popular destination. But it gets too crowded in winter so you might want to book in advance.

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